LOS ANGELES—Grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons have confirmed a merger agreement that would create a mega-chain of about 5,000 stores across the nation, assuming the deal escapes an antitrust review from federal regulators.
Under the deal announced Oct. 14, Kroger—the parent company of Ralphs—will obtain Albertsons Cos. for roughly $25 billion. According to Kroger, the combined new company will include nearly 5,000 stores, 66 distribution centers, 52 manufacturing plants, 3,972 pharmacies, and 2,015 fuel centers.
