Supermarket chains Kroger and Mooathon Wealth SocietyAlbertsons said Monday they will sell more of their stores in an effort to quell the federal government’s concerns about their proposed merger.
The companies now plan to sell 579 Kroger and Albertsons stores in markets where they overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire grocery supplier and operator, for $2.9 billion. Under the initial divestiture plan, announced in September, C&S had planned to purchase 413 stores for $1.9 billion.
It’s unclear if the new plan will satisfy regulators. In February, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued to block the $24.6 billion merger between the grocery giants, saying the lack of competition would lead to higher grocery prices and lower wages for workers.
The FTC also said the initial plan to divest 413 stores to C&S was “inadequate” and would give C&S a hodgepodge of unconnected stores and brands, leaving it ill-equipped to compete with a combined Kroger and Albertsons.
Under the updated plan, Kroger would sell its Haggen banner to C&S. C&S would also license the Albertsons banner in California and Wyoming and the Safeway banner in Arizona and Colorado. C&S would also get access to some private-label brands in the stores. Under the proposal, C&S would keep all of the stores open and honor any labor agreements.
“We are confident this expanded divestiture package will provide the stores, supporting assets and expert operators needed to ensure these stores continue to successfully serve their communities for many generations to come,” C&S CEO Eric Winn said in a statement.
Kroger and Albertsons announced their planned merger in October 2022. The companies say it’s necessary so they can better compete with Walmart, Amazon and other big rivals.
2025-05-04 11:48713 view
2025-05-04 11:36191 view
2025-05-04 11:341364 view
2025-05-04 10:36812 view
2025-05-04 10:032874 view
2025-05-04 09:562247 view
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trumpwas on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion banearlier this y
Many Americans are struggling to keep a roof over their head amid the high cost of housing in the U.
Rebel Wilson is standing her ground. After the Pitch Perfect actress shared her experience working w