Washington state has asked a judge to block a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, arguing that the $25 billion deal would harm consumers and raise prices in a state where the two retailers account for more than half of all grocery sales.
The suit, filed Monday morning in King County Superior Court, appears to be the first formal move by state or federal regulators to halt the acquisition of Albertson, which owns Safeway and Haggen, by Kroger, which owns QFC and Fred Meyer.
“This merger of the two largest supermarket companies in Washington will severely … limit vital competition that keeps grocery prices in check,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said at a news conference. “This merger is bad for Washington consumers.” Ferguson is running for governor.