Hearing Begins in FTC Lawsuit Against Kroger’s Planned $25 Billion Acquisition of Rival Albertsons

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) argued in court on Aug. 26 that Kroger Co.’s planned $25 billion purchase of rival Albertsons Companies Inc. is anti-competitive and could send food prices soaring for Americans. The FTC made the arguments during a hearing in the U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, as the agency seeks a preliminary injunction against the deal. It comes nearly two years after the planned acquisition was first announced. “Stopping this multibillion-dollar deal will keep in place the vigorous competition that acts as a check on rising grocery prices and spurs improvements in quality and innovation,” FTC Chief Trial Counsel Susan Musser told U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson in her opening statements....