FTC Sues to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger, Citing Potential Grocery Price Hikes

The FTC says that Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons will be the ‘largest supermarket merger in U.S. history.’

Signs for an Albertsons grocery store and a CVS Pharmacy in Las Vegas on Feb. 26, 2024. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit on Monday to block the proposed $24.6 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, citing concerns over potential increases in grocery prices.

In its complaint, the FTC said that Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons would eliminate competition, leading to “higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans.”