Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a statement after a federal judge halted the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, finding that a challenge is likely to succeed on the merits. Kroger and Albertsons are the largest supermarket chains in the country, and the proposed merger presented a significant risk of reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide. In February 2024, AG Schwalb, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and a bipartisan coalition of states, announced the filing of a lawsuit that challenges the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons.

“This is a huge win for District residents at a time when so many people across the country are struggling to afford basic necessities, including groceries,” said AG Schwalb. “The proposed merger threatened to completely erase all competition between the Kroger-owned Harris Teeter and Albertsons-owned Safeway stores in the District, reducing their incentive to offer lower prices or better service. I’m proud to have worked alongside the Federal Trade Commission and state AG counterparts to secure this victory. My office will continue to use every legal tool available to fight for free and fair markets and preserve competitive pricing and choices for District residents.”

In bringing the lawsuit, Attorney General Schwalb joined the FTC, and the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming.

A copy of the order is available here.