Federal and State Judges Halt Kroger's $25 Billion Merger with Albertsons, Possibly Derailing Deal

Dec 11, 2024, 11:34 AM

Federal judges in Oregon and Washington state have temporarily blocked the proposed $25 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons on the same grounds. The decisions, issued on Tuesday, halt the merger on the basis that it would weaken competition in the grocery sector, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and curtailing competition for grocery shoppers. The rulings delay Kroger's bid to acquire Albertsons by at least a year and possibly indefinitely, and could derail the deal entirely.