Arguments start in First Kroger-Albertsons vs. FTC trial 

New arguments for and against the Kroger BB #:100073 and Albertsons BB #:193326 merger are coming to light as the first court case starts in Portland, OR.  

Eight states and the District of Columbia joined the Federal Trade Commission asking that the U.S. District Court in Portland temporarily block the merger while an administrative judge reviews it. This is not the only legal challenge to the merger, as others in Colorado and Washington are on the docket for September.  

Several new issues have come to light over the past few days of trial coverage, including that for Albertsons, this merger may be a lifeline for the Boise-based company. An attorney representing the retailer said it may have to sell itself, lay off workers, exit markets, or “fundamentally change its cost structure.”  

Meanwhile, the FTC is bringing evidence showing that Kroger raised the prices of key grocery items “significantly higher than cost inflation.”  

Here’s a rundown of the headlines:  

• Kroger and Albertsons Defend Merger With Food Prices in Political Crosshairs 

• Albertsons may have to sell itself, close stores, cut jobs if it can’t merge with Kroger 

• Kroger Egg Pricing Turns Merger Trial Into Inflation Fight 

• Surging grocery prices in focus as US tries to stop Kroger deal 

• Kroger, Albertsons Portland market leaders resist portrayal as direct competitors in merger hearing 

• Kroger-Albertsons merger trial starts. Here’s what to know. 

• What the Kroger-Albertsons merger would mean for you