Kroger

Ohio's attorney general is urging a federal court to throw out an antitrust lawsuit involving Kroger.

The FTC says the deal would lead to higher prices, but Kroger says blocking the deal is what will hurt consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission and 9 states want to stop the deal that would combine the country's two largest grocery store chains. The companies say they have to merge to compete with Walmart.

"Shoppers will have fewer choices and less competition, and, without a competitive marketplace, they will pay higher prices at the grocery store," Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said.

America's two largest supermarket chains have struck a $25 billion deal to combine. Now the FTC is about to decide whether it will block or allow it, and under what conditions.

In a response, a Kroger spokesperson said the company disagreed with the reports' findings and that its is actually investing in higher wages for its employees.

Kroger's $24.6 billion acquisition faces challenges before the deal is finalized in 2024.

Cincinnati-headquartered Kroger is confirming it has reached a merger deal with Boise-based Albertons. The deal is valued at $24.6 billion.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Cincinnati-based grocery store chain called the vote "disappointing" after both the company and union leaders urged members to approve the new deal.

Kroger will revamp its COVID vaccine portal after reaching a deal with the Justice Department over compliance issues with the Americans with Disabilities Act.