Where Americans shop — and how much they pay — for groceries could hinge on the outcome of a trial starting Monday over whether the proposed merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons is likely to raise prices for consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission in February filed suit to block the $24.6 billion deal, arguing it would reduce industry competition, hike grocery prices and worsen working conditions for workers. Kroger and Albertsons say joining forces would benefit shoppers by helping the enlarged company compete with discount stores and online rivals.
The hearing in U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, is expected to run up to three weeks. Eight states and the District of Columbia are joining the FTC in requesting that the judge temporarily halt the merger to give an administrative judge time to review the case. Separate legal challenges by Colorado and Washington to stop the merger are scheduled to start in September.
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