What to know about the effort by federal regulators to block a Kroger and Albertsons merger
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The proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons is facing opposition from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which argues it would reduce competition and raise grocery prices. A federal court in Portland, Oregon, will hear the case starting August 28, 2024, with a decision expected by September 13. Kroger operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, while Albertsons has 2,273 stores in 34 states, employing around 710,000 people combined. The FTC filed a complaint in February 2024, joined by attorneys general from nine states. Kroger and Albertsons plan to divest 579 overlapping stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers if the merger is approved. If the court grants a preliminary injunction, the merger could be delayed significantly, potentially leading to an appeal. Colorado and Washington have also filed separate lawsuits to block the merger in state courts.

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https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/what-to-know-about-the-effort-by-federal-regulators-to-block-a-kroger-and-albertsons-merger