Kroger-Albertsons Merger Faces Court Battle Over Antitrust Concerns

Federal regulators and multiple states argue the $24.6 billion deal would harm competition and raise grocery prices.

The FTC and attorneys general from nine states have sued to block the merger.
Kroger and Albertsons propose selling 579 stores to address competition concerns.
The trial, expected to last three weeks, will include testimony from around 40 witnesses.
Kroger argues the merger is essential to compete with giants like Walmart and Costco.
If the preliminary injunction is granted, the merger could be delayed or abandoned.