Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has taken legal action to prevent the proposed merger of two major grocery chains, Kroger and Albertsons. In a lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court, Ferguson argues that the $25 billion deal would have negative effects on consumers and result in higher prices. With over 300 locations in Washington state alone, these two companies currently dominate more than half of the state’s grocery market.
According to Ferguson, “This merger will harm both shoppers and workers in Washington.” He further states that with reduced competition comes fewer choices for customers and ultimately higher prices at checkout.
Kroger is currently the largest supermarket operator with 2,719 stores under its belt. The company also owns other popular chains such as Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer,and King Soopers. Meanwhile,A lbertsons operates 2 ,272 stores including Safewayand Vons . Together,the se supermarket giants employ nearly720 ,000 individuals across their various locations.
The post by Connect CRE reports on Washington AG’s efforts to block this potential merger between Kroger and Albertsons due to concerns about its impact on consumers’ wallets.
