Kroger and Albertsons to Sell Multiple Stores in Merger Deal, Including Piggly Wiggly's Parent Company

Kroger and Albertsons, the two largest grocery store chains in the US, have announced a $1.9 billion divestiture plan as part of their $24.6 billion merger. The plan includes the sale of 14 Albertsons-owned Carrs Safeway stores in Alaska to New Hampshire-based grocery supplier and retailer, C&S Wholesale Grocers. The sale is aimed at gaining approval from the Federal Trade Commission for the merger. The specific locations of the stores to be sold have not been disclosed, but it is expected to include stores that operate near Kroger-owned Fred Meyer stores. The sale has raised concerns in Alaska about store closures, higher food prices, and threats to the supply chain and workers' livelihoods. The merger is set to close in early 2024, pending regulatory approval.