Southeast

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government entity that enforces consumer protection laws, has sued to block Kroger Co.’s (NYSE: KR) proposed $24.6 billion acquisition of Alberstons Cos. (NYSE: ACI). Announced in late 2022, the deal would mark the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history. Kroger’s current portfolio includes thousands of stores across 36 states, including stores that operate under the regional banners Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers and Quality Food Centers (QFC), in addition to its Kroger flagship. Albertsons likewise operates thousands of stores across 35 states under names including Haggen, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Safeway and Vons, in addition to the eponymous Alberstons shops. According to the FTC, the merger — which, if completed, would result in a portfolio of more than 5,000 stores and roughly 4,000 retail pharmacies — is “anticompetitive.” The commission alleges that executives for both supermarket chains have conceded that Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons is anticompetitive, with one executive saying the merger is “basically creating a monopoly.” The FTC is also alleging that the deal would “lead to lower quality products and services” and threaten “the ability of employees to secure higher wagers, better benefits and improved working conditions,” according …