Judge blocks Albertsons-Kroger $25 billion supermarket merger

A U.S. District Judge in Oregon has blocked a $25 billion-bid by supermarket giant Kroger to take over rival Albertsons after ruling that the Federal Trade Commission's concerns about the merger's impact on market consolidation were valid. Judge Adrienne Nelson said Tuesday afternoon that a merger between the two companies would end up harming consumers.

Representatives for Albertsons and Kroger did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kroger, based in Cincinnati, has said a court ruling like this one would effectively scuttle the merger. Kroger shares closed up 5% Tuesday, while shares of Albertsons, based in Boise, finished 2% lower. Kroger had argued the deal was necessary for it to continue to compete with big box retailers like Walmart and Target, as well as Amazon, that have significantly grown their grocery businesses.

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