In a brief interview Wednesday, Alaska’s attorney general said the state is “watching” the Federal Trade Commission’s effort to block the merger between Kroger and Albertsons, and indicated the state could still join the case if it chose to.The $24.6 billion deal would change the grocery landscape across the U.S. In Alaska, it would combine the two major supermarket chains, Fred Meyer and Carrs Safeway.
The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming have joined the case alongside the federal government. Washington and Colorado are also suing in state courts to block the merger.an amicus brief backing the government’s arguments. They say many Alaskans are concerned that a combined chain would lead to higher prices, store closures and job losses in a remote state where groceries are already expensive.
Taylor said Alaska sometimes joins with Democratic-led states in cases involving consumer protection. Taylor said a benefit of a combined supermarket giant in Alaska could be improved shipping rates that help lower grocery prices.