Colorado court ruling delays Kroger-Albertsons merger [Video]

CINCINNATI — The Kroger-Albertsons merger will not happen before Sept. 30, under a court order approved by a state court judge in Colorado Thursday.

The ruling clears a path for a “bellwether” trial next month in which a federal judge will determine if the deal violates antitrust laws.

Denver Judge Andrew Luxen canceled an Aug. 12 hearing on the matter in exchange for the companies’ agreement not to consummate the $24.6 billion merger until the Colorado court rules on whether violates state antitrust rules. Luxen scheduled a Sept. 30 trial to determine whether he’ll grant a permanent injunction.

“I am pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on the state’s lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in a statement. “This is great news for shoppers, workers, farmers, and other suppliers, who can rest assured …