HANOVER, PA. — Snyder’s of Hanover, Inc.’s shareholders late Friday approved an agreement to merge with Charlotte, N.C.-based Lance, Inc., a supplier of sandwich crackers and salty snacks.

The proposal was approved during a special shareholders meeting held on Dec. 3, 2010, and came one day after Lance’s shareholders approved the merger in their own meeting. The merger is expected to be finalized on Dec. 6.

“We are looking forward to the marriage of these two companies,” said Mike Warehime, chairman of the Snyder’s of Hanover board of directors and the new Snyder’s-Lance board. “This was the final step. We are eagerly awaiting the beginning of the new era of Snyder’s–Lance. Great things are on the horizon for our customers, consumers, company, brands, employees and shareholders.”