Washington State Sues To Block Merger Of Kroger, Albertsons

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed $25-billion merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two major grocery chains, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Kroger, based in Cincinnati and owner of QFC and Fred Meyer, is seeking to acquire Albertsons, which owns Safeway and Haggen and is headquartered in Boise, Idaho. I Photo: Kip Teague Flickr

Ferguson argued that the merger would harm consumers, reduce choices, and lead to higher prices.

Kroger, based in Cincinnati and owner of QFC and Fred Meyer, is seeking to acquire Albertsons, which owns Safeway and Haggen and is headquartered in Boise, Idaho. More than 300 locations in Washington state are operated by both companies, accounting for over half of the state's grocery sales.

Kroger, in response, announced a delay in its timeline for closing the deal, citing ongoing discussions with regulators, including state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission.

The closure is now expected in the first half of Kroger's fiscal year, ending in mid-August.

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