Colorado Judge Halts Kroger-Albertsons Merger for September Trial
A Colorado judge has temporarily halted the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos., pending the outcome of an antitrust lawsuit. Denver District Judge Andrew J. Luxen granted a preliminary injunction, pausing the merger until five days after the resolution of the lawsuit filed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. The trial on the merits of the case is set to begin on September 30.
The merger, which has also faced challenges from other states and the Federal Trade Commission, is alleged to violate state antitrust laws and could potentially harm consumers, workers, and suppliers. In an effort to address these concerns, Kroger and Albertsons have agreed to divest 579 stores and six distribution centers to C&S Wholesale Grocers. The companies will delay the closing of the merger until after the court's ruling.
