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January 1, Major Grocery Stores Merger: 579 Stores Sold, FTC Battle Looms Ahead
The $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons is inching closer to reality. First announced in Oct. 2022, the deal aimed to unite 4,966 storefronts, 66 distribution centers, 52 manufacturing plants, 3,972 pharmacies, and 2,015 gas stations.
To alleviate antitrust concerns, the supermarket giants initially planned to sell over 375 stores. However, following Federal Trade Commission (FTC) negotiations, the number increased to 579 stores in April 2024. These stores include Albertsons, Carrs, Safeways, and Vons locations, but no individual Kroger outlets.
The FTC has been actively opposing the merger. In Feb. 2024, the agency filed a lawsuit to halt the deal. Officials expressed skepticism about its legality and doubting promises to lower consumer prices.
Kroger-Albertsons countered the FTC’s claims by arguing that non-supermarket competitors like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon have changed the nature of the grocery industry. The case will be heard by a U.S. district judge on Aug. 26, who will decide whether the merger can proceed.
In the meantime, Kroger and Albertsons intend to sell 579 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, operator of Midwestern supermarket chain Piggly Wiggly. The deal also includes six distribution centers and one dairy plant. This impacts supermarket locations across 19 states.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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Diane
July 16, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Monopolies are illegal. Under this administration it seems illegal deals are ok!
Elena Hubbell
July 16, 2024 at 7:33 pm
It should definitely not be allowed because the control of that many stores will also control the prices and they will most definitely be higher because there’s no competition.
Also, we will have no control over different type products because they will be carrying their own brand and they will be carrying brands that they get the best deals on whereas now there’s a variety of choices with Kroger‘s versus Albertsons/Pavilions/Vons
betty barbee
July 16, 2024 at 8:07 pm
I compltely agreewith the commente4!!!!!!1
John
July 16, 2024 at 7:38 pm
It’s called: a monopoly. Just like AT&T tried to do years ago to squeeze out GTE. They got sued over it, and GTE won. That when it was broken up to the different bells. But now, it’s back to their corrupt ways, thanks to paid off dirty D.C.
Suzanne L Davis
July 17, 2024 at 4:27 pm
Kroger and Albertsons’ have stores in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The 2 Kroger stores are dirty, the floors especially and the frozer cabinets are often dirty and uninviting to purchase any frozen products. Kroger’s here is called Smith’s and serves primarily a Hispanic and lower income population. Kroger’s in Los Alamos, NM once again called Smith’s is one of their super stores even having a stand-up bar in the store. Los Alamos is a wealthy community.
Albertsons has their Market Place here and additionally 3 other Albertson’s. The stores are clean and well-staffed.
They also have clerks who will check your purchases and bag them. Albertson’s and the Albertson’s Foundation give back to the community. I have never seen any information concerning Kroger or Smith’s giving to the community. A merger between these 2 companies is not a win for anyone who shops at Albertson’s. We need and deserve to have a good place to shop and it is not Kroger.