Judges block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger
The proposed merger between the supermarket giants was stalled when judges overseeing two separate cases blocked the deal


What happened
A federal judge in Oregon Tuesday temporarily blocked Kroger's proposed $24.6 billion acquisition of rival supermarket giant Albertsons, agreeing with the Federal Trade Commission and eight states plus the District of Columbia that the merger would reduce competition and raise grocery prices. Hours later, a state judge in Seattle permanently halted the merger in Washington state.
Who said what
Kroger and Albertsons, the country's two largest traditional supermarket chains, "engage in substantial head-to-head competition and the proposed merger would remove that competition," said U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson in her ruling. She said the merger was "presumptively unlawful."
During three weeks of hearings, lawyers for the supermarket chains argued that they needed to combine to compete with big box giants like Walmart — the No. 1 seller of groceries nationwide — Costco and Amazon's Whole Foods. Kroger and Albertsons said they were "disappointed" by the ruling and considering their options.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What next?
Nelson's ruling "doesn't immediately kill the deal," The Wall Street Journal said. The case moves next to an FTC in-house administrative court, though "the deal could fall apart" before another judge gets to weigh in, The Associated Press said.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
What's at stake in the Mahmoud Khalil deportation fight?
Talking Points Vague accusations and First Amendment concerns
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Why is a new Air Force One taking so long to build?
The Explainer Trump may look for alternatives for his new plane
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
New and notable podcasts for March
Feature The MeidasTouch Podcast and The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan
By The Week US Published
-
Could a private equity deal be the end of Walgreens?
Today's Big Question The pharmacy chain will be taken private in a $10 billion deal
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Eggs too pricey? Rent a chicken.
Under the Radar The cost of eggs increased more than 15% in January
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Crafting emporium Joann is going out of business
Speed Read The 82-year-old fabric and crafts store will be closing all 800 of its stores
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump's tariffs hurt Walmart?
Today's Big Question The world's biggest retailer 'isn't immune' to trade impacts
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Store closings could accelerate throughout 2025
Under the Radar Major brands like Macy's and Walgreens are continuing to shutter stores
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The diamond market is losing its shine
Under the radar Precious gemstones are rapidly dropping in price
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Can the US Steel-Nippon Steel merger come back to life?
Today's Big Question President Trump opposed the deal. But he could be flexible.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How Trump is making your Shein and Temu orders more expensive
In the Spotlight The president has ended a tariff loophole for small shipments
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published