A three-week trial on the proposed Kroger-Albertsons started Monday as the Federal Trade Commission is pushing for a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while the agency’s complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge.The judge will hear from 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the preliminary injunction.
Under the initial plan, announced in September 2023, C&S planned to purchase 413 stores for $1.9 billion.Kroger has 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith’s, and Harris Teeter. Albertsons runs 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco, and Shaw’s. RELATED: Washington AG sues to block Kroger and Albertsons merger, warning of higher grocery pricesThe AP noted that Albertsons and Kroger combined employ roughly 710,000 workers.