Kroger-Albertsons Merger Faces Setbacks in Federal and State Courts

The federal judge said that the companies could pursue a merger at a later date if deemed lawful in administrative proceedings.

A customer walks into a Kroger grocery store in Houston on Sept. 9, 2022. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Judges in state and federal courts issued rulings on Dec. 10 blocking a proposed merger between supermarket chains Albertsons and Kroger.

Oregon District Judge Adrienne Nelson and Washington’s King County Superior Court Judge Marshall Ferguson both said the merger would have anti-competitive effects.