Table of Contents
CINCINNATI—Kroger Co. has identified the 579 stores and other assets it will divest if its planned $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons Cos. goes through.
The 579 stores owned by both retailers are located in 18 states and Washington D.C., and include 124 locations in Washington state, 101 in Arizona, 91 in Colorado, and 63 in California. (The complete list is available here.)
The two companies’ list of assets to divest also includes six distribution centers (two in Phoenix, two in Colorado, and one each in Salt Lake City and Auburn, Wash.) and a dairy plant in Denver.
The divestiture plan aims to address concerns about the proposed merger deal, which opponents contend could lead to higher prices, store closures and job losses. The Federal Trade Commission earlier this year filed an administrative complaint and launched a federal lawsuit to block the merger, which was first announced in October 2022.
Kroger and Albertsons argue that concerns about the deal are unfounded and state that C&S has committed that no stores will close as a result of the merger and that all frontline associates will remain employed; all existing collective bargaining agreements will continue; and associates will continue to receive “industry-leading health care and pension benefits alongside bargained-for wages.”
