Kroger-Albertsons Merger: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's Legal Filing

Attorney General Yost Supports Merger

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a legal document stating the Kroger-Albertsons merger will:

• Promote competition in the grocery industry
• Lower prices for consumers
• Preserve jobs in Ohio

The merger between Kroger and Albertsons, the two largest grocery store chains in the United States, has been met with opposition from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC claims the merger would create a monopoly and result in higher prices for consumers. However, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a legal document supporting the merger, arguing that it will actually promote competition and lower prices for Ohioans.

According to Yost, the combined company would have a smaller market share than Walmart, the current industry leader. He also argues that the merger will provide Kroger with the resources to compete more effectively with Walmart, leading to lower prices for consumers.

In addition, Yost claims that the merger will save jobs in Ohio. Kroger has pledged to keep all of its Ohio stores open and to create new jobs in the state. The merger is also supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which represents Kroger employees.

The FTC is expected to challenge the merger in court. A hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2023. If the merger is approved, it would create the largest grocery store chain in the United States, with over 5,000 stores and generating over $200 billion in annual revenue.