The Cincinnati Business Courier reported last week that Kroger told the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it had met all the antitrust law requirements for its $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons. The FTC now has until December 15 to respond, at which time it can let the deal proceed, ask for more information, or take legal action in federal district court to block the deal.
Despite no FTC ruling yet, the two companies continue to proceed as if the merger will take place. Last week Kroger CEO Roger McMullen said in an earnings call that integration planning with Albertsons is going well and the two grocers continue to make progress towards assuring continuity with workers and shoppers at closing.
The merger involves the sale of 413 Kroger and Albertsons stores to C&S, which could ultimately purchase as many as 650 locations.
There has been significant opposition to the deal and several town hall meetings have been held over the last several months. Many of these meetings were attended by FTC Chair Lina Khan.
Kroger and Albertsons claim the merger will result in “lower prices for customers, secure union jobs, and more food directed to hungry families, with 10 billion meals committed to people in need across America by 2030.”