Federal Trial Begins as FTC Challenges $25 Billion Kroger-Albertsons Deal

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a significant legal battle on Monday, seeking to prevent Kroger’s proposed $25 billion acquisition of Albertsons. According to Reuters, the FTC contends that the merger would stifle competition among major grocery chains, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and reduced leverage for unionized workers.

In opening statements delivered before U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson, FTC Chief Trial Counsel Susan Musser argued that the merger would allow Kroger to effectively “swallow” Albertsons. Musser emphasized that blocking the deal would preserve competitive market conditions, which are crucial for keeping grocery prices in check and fostering innovation in the industry. Per Reuters, Musser’s comments highlighted concerns that the merger would diminish competition, potentially leading to higher consumer costs.

Judge Nelson is deliberating whether to place a temporary hold on the merger while an FTC in-house judge assesses its competitive impact. Such reviews are notoriously lengthy, with many companies opting to abandon deals rather than endure protracted legal processes.

Kroger and Albertsons are poised to present their arguments for the merger, asserting that the consolidation is essential to compete against larger multinational corporations such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon, which owns Whole Foods. According to Reuters, Kim Cordova, president of a United Food and Commercial Workers International Union local, voiced skepticism regarding this defense at a press conference, questioning the companies’ claims about enhancing competition.

Related: US Unions Talk Out Against The Albertsons-Kroger Merger

The case is a notable element of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to address rising consumer prices, coinciding with the ongoing presidential race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. Additionally, it represents a critical test of FTC Chair Lina Khan’s strategy to leverage antitrust regulations to improve worker wages and job mobility.

The trial, anticipated to last about three weeks, will delve into the dynamics of pricing and competition within the grocery sector. Kroger and Albertsons argue that the focus on traditional supermarkets overlooks the competitive landscape that includes big-box retailers like Target and dollar stores such as Dollar Tree.

Kroger has committed to selling 579 of its approximately 5,000 stores if the merger proceeds, with part of the trial addressing whether C&S Wholesale Grocers, the prospective buyer, can effectively operate these locations. The retailer also promised to reduce grocery prices by $1 billion post-merger, though specific details on how these reductions will be implemented remain scarce. A source familiar with the matter indicated that initial price cuts would likely target essential and high-demand items rather than less popular products.

Alongside the FTC, several states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Wyoming and the District of Columbia, are pursuing legal action against the merger. Washington and Colorado have also filed their own lawsuits, which are scheduled to go to trial following the Oregon case, according to Reuters.

Source: Reuters