Kroger, Albertsons, and C&S Wholesale Grocers jointly announce an extension of their merger timeline to August 2023. This is due to ongoing discussions with the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorney Generals, alongside navigating the lawsuit filed by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson aimed at blocking the merger. Ferguson’s action is grounded in concerns that the merger would harm consumers and elevate prices, notably in Washington State, where these retailers dominate the grocery market. Despite intentions for an early 2024 closure, the lawsuit and regulatory scrutiny have prompted updates to the timeline, with Kroger now expecting to close by the end of its fiscal quarter on August 17. The merger, originally announced in October 2022, involves significant divestitures, including 413 stores to gain FTC approval, with C&S Wholesale taking over certain operations. The merging entities remain committed to the transaction, arguing that the merger will yield desired outcomes for consumers, associates, and communities at large, despite opposition from unions, Congress members, and state attorneys general. The details of the planned divestitures are laid out by state, impacting a wide range of locations and adding layers of complexity to the regulatory process.
“Retail – Grocery Stores”, “Legal Services”,”United States”, “Washington State”
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