Kroger Seeks to Block FTC Case Against Albertsons Acquisition

  • Kroger claims FTC’s in-house case violates the Constitution
  • FTC says $24.6 billion grocery deal would increase prices

Kroger and Albertsons have argued the $24.6 billion acquisition would help the grocers compete against large retailers.

Photographer: Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg
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Kroger Co. is seeking to block the Federal Trade Commission’s in-house case against its proposed purchase of rival grocer Albertsons Cos., claiming the proceeding is unconstitutional.

The FTC, eight states and Washington, DC, challenged the Kroger-Albertsons tie-up in February, suing to block the largest supermarket merger in US history. The agency claimed the merger would drive up grocery prices for American customers.