$25-billion Kroger-Albertsons merger plan is blocked by federal judge
1 week, 6 days ago

$25-billion Kroger-Albertsons merger plan is blocked by federal judge

LA Times  

Albertsons, which owns Vons, and Kroger, which owns Ralphs, are pursuing a merger that would combine the two largest grocery store chains in the U.S. Kroger’s plans to buy its grocery rival Albertsons hit a major roadblock Tuesday, when a federal judge put a halt to the deal, which would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history. A spokesperson for Kroger added that the merger “is in the best interests of customers, associates, and the broader competitive environment in a rapidly evolving grocery landscape.” The ruling comes after a three-week hearing that started in late August in a federal courtroom in Oregon and featured the grocery store chains’ executives, FTC lawyers, union leaders and antitrust experts. To address concerns that reduced competition would lead to higher grocery store prices, Kroger and Albertsons have proposed selling 579 stores to another company, C&S Wholesale Grocers. Nelson said it was “plausible” that the merger would reduce competition for union grocery store labor, but noted there’s “no economic modeling of how wages, benefits, and other compensation might change as a result of changes in bargaining power.” Acquisitions have fueled Kroger’s and Albertsons’ growth.

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History of this topic

"Willful breach": Albertsons hits Kroger with massive lawsuit as merger sours
1 week, 4 days ago

"Willful breach": Albertsons hits Kroger with massive lawsuit as merger sours

Salon  

The largest proposed merger in the history of American supermarkets came to an abrupt end this week after Albertsons terminated its $25 billion merger agreement with Kroger one day after a federal judge’s ruling blocked the deal. Albertsons responded to the ruling by immediately ending the merger agreement and filing a lawsuit against Kroger in the Delaware Court of Chancery …

Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger

Associated Press  

Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history crumbled Wednesday, with Albertsons pulling out of the $24.6 billion deal and the two companies accusing each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through. AP AUDIO: Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports …

After court loss, Albertsons and Kroger trade accusations over demise of mega-grocery-chain deal
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

After court loss, Albertsons and Kroger trade accusations over demise of mega-grocery-chain deal

LA Times  

Albertsons, whose stores include Vons, announced it is backing out of a planned merger with Kroger. A day after a federal judge temporarily halted the merger, Albertsons said Wednesday that it’s scrapping the controversial pairing and suing Kroger, alleging that the chain failed to do enough to win over regulators. In February, the Federal Trade Commission sued to block Kroger’s …

Albertsons calls off merger and sues Kroger
1 week, 5 days ago

Albertsons calls off merger and sues Kroger

CNN  

New York CNN — The largest proposed merger in US supermarket history has collapsed. Albertsons said that Kroger failed to exercise its “best efforts” and to take “any and all actions” to secure regulatory approval of the merger. Kroger said Albertsons’ claims were “baseless and without merit” a deflection of Albertson’s own “multiple breaches,” and an attempt to receive a …

Judge hands Biden's FTC major antitrust win on grocery stores
1 week, 5 days ago

Judge hands Biden's FTC major antitrust win on grocery stores

Raw Story  

A federal judge delivered a huge win to the departing Biden administration on Tuesday, ruling in favor of the Federal Trade Commission's action against the merger of the Kroger and Albertsons supermarket chains, reported the Wall Street Journal. “Evidence shows that defendants engage in substantial head-to-head competition and the proposed merger would remove that competition,” Judge Adrienne Nelson ruled. The …

Proposed merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges
1 week, 5 days ago

Proposed merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges

Associated Press  

The proposed merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons floundered on Tuesday after judges overseeing two separate cases both halted the deal. In Washington, Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who brought the case against Kroger and Albertsons as the state’s attorney general, called the state court’s decision “an important victory for affordability, worker protections and the rule of law.” Federal regulators argued …

“Predatory pricing”: Lawmakers call upon the FTC to investigate Albertsons, other major supermarkets
1 month, 2 weeks ago

“Predatory pricing”: Lawmakers call upon the FTC to investigate Albertsons, other major supermarkets

Salon  

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., are calling upon the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Agriculture to investigate Albertsons and other major grocery chains for “predatory pricing” practices that may have violated federal laws. Beyond what prosecutors classified as “scanner violations,” the grocers also had inaccurate weights on the labels of their products, meaning customers were …

Column: Albertsons will pay millions to quash charges that it cheated customers. Shouldn’t that kill its merger plan?
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Column: Albertsons will pay millions to quash charges that it cheated customers. Shouldn’t that kill its merger plan?

LA Times  

FTC Chair Lina Khan says the megamerger of the Albertsons and Kroger supermarket chains will drive up prices for consumers. That’s because the core of Albertsons’ defense against the FTC’s attack on the merger is that the deal will result in lower prices — and that the agency and customers should take that on faith. In a post-hearing brief, the …

As Kroger-Albertsons merger faces FTC scrutiny, state lawsuits add further hurdles
2 months, 2 weeks ago

As Kroger-Albertsons merger faces FTC scrutiny, state lawsuits add further hurdles

Salon  

In August, the Federal Trade Commission made a motion for a preliminary injunction against the proposed $24.6 billion merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two of the largest supermarket chains in the country. The FTC’s arguments largely centered on how they believe the merger would be anticompetitive, while representatives from Kroger and Albertsons argued the merger needed to happen in order …

Kroger announces first ever 'mega-sales event'
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Kroger announces first ever 'mega-sales event'

Daily Mail  

Kroger shoppers are delighted after the grocery giant announced its first ever 'mega-sale.' The deals will include two half-gallons of Kroger orange juice for $5 and a 24-ounce jar of Kroger pasta sauce for 99 cents among others. The promotional event is designed to show shoppers Kroger is 'so grateful for the trust' it has from its shoppers and that …

Kroger and Albertsons prepare to make a final federal court argument for their merger
3 months ago

Kroger and Albertsons prepare to make a final federal court argument for their merger

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kroger and Albertsons were expected …

During antitrust trial, exec admits Kroger jacked up milk and egg prices above inflation
3 months, 3 weeks ago

During antitrust trial, exec admits Kroger jacked up milk and egg prices above inflation

Raw Story  

A top Kroger executive admitted under questioning from a Federal Trade Commission attorney on Tuesday that the grocery chain raised its egg and milk prices above the rate of inflation, a concession that came as no surprise to economists who have been highlighting corporate price gouging across the U.S. economy in recent years. A Kroger spokesperson told Bloomberg in a …

The biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history is in the hands of a federal judge
3 months, 3 weeks ago

The biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history is in the hands of a federal judge

NPR  

The biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history is in the hands of a federal judge The biggest supermarket merger in U.S history is in the hands of a federal judge. MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: The biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history is in the hands of a federal judge. A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: Government regulators are asking a district court in Oregon …

Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators' objections
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators' objections

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kroger and Albertsons will defend …

Kroger and Albertsons defend merger plan in federal court against US regulators’ objections
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Kroger and Albertsons defend merger plan in federal court against US regulators’ objections

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Supermarket chain Albertsons told a federal judge Monday that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if its planned merger with Kroger isn’t allowed to proceed. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, 278 shoppers wrote to the FTC to express their concerns about a combined Kroger and Albertsons, which …

An Albertsons and Kroger merger would remake grocery shopping. A judge must decide whether to halt it.
3 months, 3 weeks ago

An Albertsons and Kroger merger would remake grocery shopping. A judge must decide whether to halt it.

LA Times  

Grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons are facing off against the Federal Trade Commission in federal court, with the two sides fighting over the largest proposed supermarket merger in U.S. history. Kroger Chief Executive Rodney McMullen has vowed to use $1 billion in annual savings created by the proposed merger to lower shelf prices, remodel stores and improve worker wages and …

Anti-trust lawsuit involving the two biggest grocery retailers starts Monday
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Anti-trust lawsuit involving the two biggest grocery retailers starts Monday

NPR  

Anti-trust lawsuit involving the two biggest grocery retailers starts Monday A proposed merger of two grocery giants, Albertsons and Kroger, goes to court tomorrow in a case that could have big implications for consumers. Federal regulators have sued to stop the deal between Kroger and Albertsons, which would combine the two largest grocery retailers. So we invited NPR's Alina Selyukh …

As politicians point fingers on price gouging, Kroger pledges to slash grocery prices by $1 billion
4 months ago

As politicians point fingers on price gouging, Kroger pledges to slash grocery prices by $1 billion

Salon  

Since first announcing plans to merge in Oct. 2022, leadership from Kroger and Albertsons, two of the largest supermarket chains in the country, have maintained the deal is necessary in order to compete with the increasingly monopolistic companies, like Amazon and Walmart, that have pushed their way into the grocery business in recent years. “Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons would lead …

“Unconstitutional”: Kroger sues Federal Trade Commission ahead of merger court hearing
4 months ago

“Unconstitutional”: Kroger sues Federal Trade Commission ahead of merger court hearing

Salon  

Kroger has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, seeking to block the regulator from reviewing the supermarket chain’s controversial proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons. According to a Monday release from the company, Kroger filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the FTC’s administrative proceeding challenging the deal. …

America's biggest grocery chain investigated over Uber-style surge pricing
4 months, 1 week ago

America's biggest grocery chain investigated over Uber-style surge pricing

Daily Mail  

Kroger, America's biggest supermarket chain, is being investigated over its use of electronic price labels on store shelves nationwide. In a letter to Kroger's CEO Rodney McMullen, the senators expressed worries that the technology could be used to gouge customers and hike grocery prices during peak shopping times. Kroger is being investigated over its use of electronic price labels on …

Kroger, Albertsons agree to temporarily halt merger plans while Colorado lawsuit proceeds
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Kroger, Albertsons agree to temporarily halt merger plans while Colorado lawsuit proceeds

Associated Press  

Supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons on Thursday agreed to temporarily halt their proposed merger in Colorado until a judge has considered the state’s objections. But Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser sued to block the merger earlier this year, saying it would harm shoppers and workers by eliminating the competition that now exists between the 148 Kroger-owned groceries and 105 Albertsons-owned …

How the 2024 presidential election will affect the pending Kroger–Albertsons merger.
5 months ago

How the 2024 presidential election will affect the pending Kroger–Albertsons merger.

Slate  

For many Americans, their wallets will help inform their vote this November. A pending $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons—two of the country’s largest grocery chains—would also drastically affect how Americans get their groceries. In a statement, a spokesperson told Slate: “Kroger’s merger with Albertsons will mean workers gain from $1 billion in higher wages, expanded benefits, long-term job …

These are the Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons to be sold in California under proposed merger
5 months, 2 weeks ago

These are the Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons to be sold in California under proposed merger

LA Times  

A list of stores that would be sold under a proposed merger includes some 30 Vons locations, including the store on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, as well as one on West 3rd Street. The 63 California stores listed consist of 15 Albertsons locations, including two in Huntington Beach; 31 Vons locations, including the store on Fairfax Avenue in Los …

Kroger, Albertsons announce plans to sell hundreds more stores to gain merger approval
8 months ago

Kroger, Albertsons announce plans to sell hundreds more stores to gain merger approval

Salon  

Kroger was dealt a big blow in February when, 16 months after the company first announced plans to acquire its competitor Albertsons, the Federal Trade Commission and eight states sued to block the $25 billion merger between two of the country’s largest supermarket chains. “If the Federal Trade Commission is successful in blocking this merger, it would be hurting customers …

Kroger, Albertsons — still hoping to merge — agree to sell more stores to satisfy regulators
8 months ago

Kroger, Albertsons — still hoping to merge — agree to sell more stores to satisfy regulators

Associated Press  

Supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons said Monday they will sell more of their stores in an effort to quell the federal government’s concerns about their proposed merger. The companies now plan to sell 579 Kroger and Albertsons stores in markets where they overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire grocery supplier and operator, for $2.9 billion. In February, the …

Simply paused or permanently sunk? The Kroger-Albertsons merger has hit a major snag
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Simply paused or permanently sunk? The Kroger-Albertsons merger has hit a major snag

Salon  

When grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons — which together own more than 5,000 supermarkets across the country, including regional chains like King Soopers, Harris Teeter, Safeway, Mariano’s and Vons — first announced plans to merge in 2022, they promoted the idea by saying that in combining forces as the nation’s biggest and second biggest American grocery companies, they could lower …

Why does the US government think a Kroger-Albertsons merger would be bad for grocery shoppers?
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Why does the US government think a Kroger-Albertsons merger would be bad for grocery shoppers?

Associated Press  

Kroger and Albertsons — two of the biggest grocery chains in the United States — had hoped to complete the largest supermarket merger in the country’s history this year. On Monday, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint against Kroger’s $24.6 billion deal to acquire Albertsons and a federal lawsuit that asks a judge to block the merger …

US sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher
9 months, 3 weeks ago

US sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher

Hindustan Times  

The Federal Trade Commission sued to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices for millions of Americans. “Kroger's acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery price hikes for everyday goods, further exacerbating the financial strain consumers across the country face today,” Henry Liu, …

US sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher
9 months, 3 weeks ago

US sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher

Associated Press  

Read the latest: Why does the US government think a Kroger-Albertsons merger would be bad for grocery shoppers? The Federal Trade Commission sued to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices for millions of Americans. “Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery …

Kroger-Albertsons mega-merger would cause grocery price hikes, FTC says in suit to block deal
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Kroger-Albertsons mega-merger would cause grocery price hikes, FTC says in suit to block deal

LA Times  

The Federal Trade Commision has sued to block the merger of Kroger, which owns the Ralphs supermarket chain, with Albertsons, owner of Vons and other chains. Both companies, in response to the FTC announcement, said that they “look forward to litigating this action in court.” When the deal was announced, Kroger Chairman and Chief Executive Rodney McMullen promised to use …

“A nefarious bargain”: Lawsuits, union resistance mounts as Kroger-Albertsons mega-merger stalls
10 months ago

“A nefarious bargain”: Lawsuits, union resistance mounts as Kroger-Albertsons mega-merger stalls

Salon  

According to a new lawsuit filed by Colorado’s attorney general last week, Kroger and Albertsons — two of the country’s largest supermarket companies, which have been petitioning the Federal Trade Commission to approve a mega-merger for over a year — allegedly illegally colluded to weaken striking workers’ leverage in 2022 by agreeing to “no-poach” and “non-solicitation” agreements. “Despite being competitors, …

Washington state aims to block $25 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons
11 months ago

Washington state aims to block $25 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons

Salon  

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has sued to block the proposed $25 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons, alleging that it would harm consumers and hike up prices. In the suit filed Monday in King County Superior Court, Ferguson argued that the merger would “severely limit” grocery store options for Washington residents and “eliminate vital competition” between …

Washington state sues to block proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains
11 months, 1 week ago

Washington state sues to block proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Monday sued to block the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two of the nation’s largest grocery chains. “Shoppers will have fewer choices and less competition, and, without a competitive marketplace, they will pay higher prices at the grocery store.” Kroger, which owns QFC and Fred Meyer and is based in …

Kroger, Albertsons bracing for FTC decision on merger in January
1 year ago

Kroger, Albertsons bracing for FTC decision on merger in January

LA Times  

The Federal Trade Commission will decide by Jan. 17 whether to sue to block a proposed $24.6-billion supermarket mega-merger of Kroger and Albertsons. The divestiture of more than 400 of the two companies’ stores as part of the deal is going to be a “difficult sell” with the FTC, said Bill Kovacic, a former agency chair who now teaches antitrust …

California preparing lawsuit to block Albertsons-Kroger deal
1 year, 2 months ago

California preparing lawsuit to block Albertsons-Kroger deal

LA Times  

Kroger, the parent company of Ralphs, plans to buy Albertsons, parent company of Vons, in a deal valued at $24.6 billion. The merger would combine the two largest grocery store chains in the U.S. California is preparing a lawsuit to block Kroger Co.’s $24.6-billion acquisition of Albertsons on concerns the deal could hurt consumers and workers, Atty. “Right now, there’s …

"Devastating experience": Some grocery employees brace for the worst as Kroger sells 400 stores
1 year, 2 months ago

"Devastating experience": Some grocery employees brace for the worst as Kroger sells 400 stores

Salon  

Earlier this month, the national supermarket chain Kroger — which owns Ralphs, Fry's, Harris Teeter and Pick 'n' Save among other brands — announced that it would be selling over 400 grocery stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a much smaller grocery supply chain company that currently has around two dozen stores under the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly brands. Senator …

Kroger and Albertsons sell hundreds of stores in a bid to clear merger of the 2 largest US groceries
1 year, 3 months ago

Kroger and Albertsons sell hundreds of stores in a bid to clear merger of the 2 largest US groceries

Associated Press  

Kroger and Albertsons will sell more than 400 stores and other assets for about $1.9 billion, seeking to clear a path for a merger with antitrust regulators reviewing a deal that would unify two of the nation’s largest grocery chains. Last month, discount grocer Aldi said it plans to buy 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets in the southern U.S. Before …

If Kroger and Albertsons merge, communities will lose their grocery stores. Could Amazon save them?
1 year, 7 months ago

If Kroger and Albertsons merge, communities will lose their grocery stores. Could Amazon save them?

Salon  

It's no secret that Amazon has wanted to get into the grocery game in a more serious way for quite some time. Ten years later, in a $13.4 billion deal, Amazon went on to acquire Whole Foods in a move that The New York Times categorized as "represent a major escalation in the company's long-running battle with Walmart, the largest …

US lawmakers skeptical grocery merger will mean lower prices
2 years ago

US lawmakers skeptical grocery merger will mean lower prices

Associated Press  

U.S. senators from both parties expressed skepticism Tuesday that a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons would result in lower prices for consumers. “Fewer local options mean less competition to keep prices low,” said Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, in a hearing before the antitrust subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “If Kroger wasn’t passing on savings …

Column: That big Albertsons-Kroger merger will enrich millionaire insiders at your expense
2 years, 1 month ago

Column: That big Albertsons-Kroger merger will enrich millionaire insiders at your expense

LA Times  

A Ralphs supermarket in Los Angeles is part of a chain owned by Kroger, which is planning to merge with another supermarket giant, Albertsons. The special dividend.is part of Albertsons’ long-term strategy for growth — Albertsons lawyer Ted Hassi The big dog among them is the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, which owns nearly 30% of the shares and …

Op-Ed: The grocery chain wars prove that the modern supermarket model isn’t sustainable
2 years, 2 months ago

Op-Ed: The grocery chain wars prove that the modern supermarket model isn’t sustainable

LA Times  

A shopper visits Albertsons in Los Angeles. Kroger wants to buy Albertsons in a merger that would combine the two largest grocery store chains in the U.S. When grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons announced plans for a $24.6-billion merger last week, my first reaction was a monster movie: Godzilla and Mothra lumbering toward an awful love. But the triumph of …

Column: Think food inflation is bad now? Wait till Kroger and Albertsons merge
2 years, 2 months ago

Column: Think food inflation is bad now? Wait till Kroger and Albertsons merge

LA Times  

The gargantuan proposed $24.6-billion merger of supermarket behemoths Kroger and Albertsons is being touted by the merger partners as a boon to consumers. “There is no reason to allow two of the biggest supermarket chains in the country to merge — especially with food prices already soaring,” says Sarah Miller, executive director of the American Economic Liberties Project. “With 60% …

Kroger seeks to create grocery giant in $20B Albertsons bid
2 years, 2 months ago

Kroger seeks to create grocery giant in $20B Albertsons bid

Associated Press  

Two of the nation’s largest grocers have agreed to merge in a deal they say would help them better compete with Walmart, Amazon and other major companies that have stepped into the grocery business. Value chains like Aldi and Dollar General __ which have a combined 4% market share __ have also been squeezing traditional grocers like Kroger and Albertsons, …

Ralphs owner vows lower food prices in Albertsons bid. Consumer advocates are doubtful
2 years, 2 months ago

Ralphs owner vows lower food prices in Albertsons bid. Consumer advocates are doubtful

LA Times  

A shopper at an Albertsons in South Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. Kroger’s $20-billion bid to buy smaller rival Albertsons would bring together several well-known Southern California grocery chains, including Ralphs and Vons, to create a supermarket giant in an era of higher food prices and increased competition for shoppers’ money. Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica-based …

Kroger and Albertsons plan merger to combine 2 largest supermarket chains
2 years, 2 months ago

Kroger and Albertsons plan merger to combine 2 largest supermarket chains

NPR  

Kroger and Albertsons plan merger to combine 2 largest supermarket chains Enlarge this image toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images Brandon Bell/Getty Images Kroger plans to buy Albertsons in a deal valued at $24.6 billion, a merger that would combine the two largest grocery-store chains in the U.S., the companies said on Friday. In the Friday announcement, Kroger said it would …

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