Next week, the US Federal Trade Commission along with several states are expected to file a lawsuit to prevent retail giants Kroger and Albertsons from merging, according to Bloomberg. This move is reportedly being met with opposition from various US states, as well as negotiations from Kroger and Albertsons to persuade the FTC not to pursue the lawsuit. The anticipated merger between the two major US grocery retailers has faced delays and opposition since its announcement in 2022, with Washington state’s Attorney General filing a lawsuit in January to block the merger.
In September, Kroger and Albertsons put forth a plan to sell more than 400 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers to secure regulatory approval for the merger. However, their efforts have been met with resistance, raising concerns about the impact of the merger on consumers and workers.
A Kroger spokesperson defended the merger, stating that it will lead to lower prices and more choices for consumers. They also argued that blocking the merger would only benefit large, non-unionised retailers and hinder efforts to lower prices and increase access to fresh food.
