Factbox-FTC case over Kroger-Albertsons deal adds to earlier antitrust woes
By Mike Scarcella
(Reuters) — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Monday that it is suing block Kroger (NYSE:KR)'s $24.6 billion purchase of rival grocery chain Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) on antitrust grounds, adding to a slew of legal challenges from U.S. states and consumers.
Here is a look at some of the ongoing cases.
EIGHT STATES AND D.C. JOIN FTC LAWSUIT
The FTC on Monday said Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming are joining its new federal case.
The agency said it would ask an Oregon federal judge for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block the merger, which it said would drive up grocery costs, erode product quality and restrict worker pay.
The companies have previously denied that the deal would harm competition.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said the Kroger-Albertsons deal could create «pharmacy deserts» where it would be harder for people in poorer parts of cities or rural areas to buy medicines.
WASHINGTON STATE FIRST TO SUE
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued to stop the deal in January, telling a state judge in Seattle that Washington would be among the “most impacted” if Kroger is allowed to purchase Albertsons.
The deal between the two largest grocers the state, first announced in October 2022, would hurt competition and increase prices, the lawsuit said.
Kroger previously had said it would sell 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers as part of a divestiture plan to alleviate antitrust concerns. Upwards of 100 of those stores are in Washington state, more than any other state.
Ferguson’s office in 2023 unsuccessfully tried to stop Albertsons from making a $4 billion dividend payment to
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