Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement today on the first day of trial in the state’s lawsuit challenging Kroger's $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons. The merger between these two national supermarket chains poses significant risks, including reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide. In Southern California, specifically, the merger is expected to further consolidate an already concentrated retail grocery market, leading to fewer choices and higher prices for consumers. Additionally, it may weaken unions' ability to negotiate working conditions, affecting thousands of employees in California.

In February 2024, Attorney General Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of states in filing a lawsuit to block the proposed merger, alleging it violates the federal Clayton Act.

“Across California, families are struggling to make ends meet and wincing at the price of everything from groceries to gas. As the People’s Attorney, it is my honor to stand up to big corporations who only care about their bottom line and directly contribute to this unaffordability. That is exactly what we are doing with this lawsuit,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This merger will leave Californians with fewer choices over where to shop – and for workers in this industry, where to work. We are in court today to prevent this unlawful attempt by Kroger and Albertsons to merge their operations and reduce competition in the marketplace.”