San Francisco, Sept 30 - Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc will replace Wm Wrigley Jr Co in the S&P 500 due to Wrigley's pending acquisition by Mars Inc, the index said on Monday.
The switch will occur after the close of trading on Friday, Oct. 3.
The sale of Wrigley to privately-held Mars is expected to be closed on Oct. 6, before the market opens.
Last month, Wrigley shareholders approved the gum and candy maker's $23 billion sale to Mars, a move that will create the world's largest confectionary company.
Plano, Texas-based Dr. Pepper Snapple markets more than 50 beverage brands throughout North America.