BRUSSELS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday conditionally approved the proposed acquisition of British confectionery company Cadbury by U.S. snacks giant Kraft Foods.

    "The decision is conditional upon the divestment of the Polish and Romanian chocolate confectionary businesses of Cadbury" in order to relieve antitrust concerns, the European Union (EU)'s antitrust watchdog said in a statement.

    Kraft is a worldwide food and beverage company active in more than 150 countries. It is the world's second-biggest snacks group after Nestle.

    Cadbury is a worldwide producer and seller of chocolate and sugar confectionery products in more than 60 countries. It is the world's second largest confectionery company behind Mars.

    The commission said both Kraft and Cadbury are strong players in the chocolate confectionary business in Europe, leading to competition concerns in Poland and Romania.

    "In view of the remedies offered, I am satisfied that the proposed takeover would not adversely affect competition anywhere in Europe and that consumers would not be worse off," said EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes.

    Kraft launched a hostile bid of about 10 billion British pounds(16 billion U.S. dollars) for Cadbury in September.

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