Will Kroger & Albertsons merge?

Carlos Bernate for The New York Times Two of the country’s largest supermarket chains announced plans on Friday to merge in a deal that could alter the food retail landscape but will also face intense scrutiny by regulators. Kroger said it would acquire Albertsons for $24.6 billion.

What will a Kroger merger review look like?

In its review, the F.T.C. is likely to consult with consumer advocates, competitors, suppliers and others. Regulators will also look at whether Kroger promised that past acquisitions would lower prices, and whether those promises came to fruition. The review could take months, keeping the companies and their employees grappling with uncertainty.

Should the FTC oppose Kroger & Albertsons merger?

“Grocery chains like Kroger and Albertsons are price-gouging families with inflated food prices, and further corporate consolidation would result in higher prices, employee layoffs and weaker supply chains,” Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, said in an emailed statement. “The F.T.C. should oppose this deal.”