Washington Attorney General Files Lawsuit to Block Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger

Bob Ferguson is trying to block the proposed $25 billion merger of the grocery giants over fears it will result in increased prices for consumers.

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at a press conference outside the Federal Detention Center, as Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee (L) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (R) listen, in SeaTac, Washington, on June 9, 2018. Karen Ducey/Getty Images

Washington’s attorney general, Bob Ferguson, has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed $25 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, citing concerns over job losses, increased prices for consumers, and reduced competition in the market.

Kroger and Albertsons are the two largest supermarket chains in Washington and the second and fourth largest supermarket operators in the country. They currently have over 700,000 employees in nearly 5,000 stores across 49 states.