Sep 22, 2024 - Business

FTC chair says Kroger-Albertsons merger could increase grocery costs

Rebecca Falconer

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan stares intently during her interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," which broadcast Sunday. Screenshot: CBS/"60 Minutes — Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan during her interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," which broadcast Sunday. Screenshot: CBS/"60 Minutes"

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan suggested in an interview broadcast Sunday that the largest-ever proposed grocery merger could increase shopping costs if the deal goes through.

Why it matters: The trial of the planned merger of Kroger and Albertsons wrapped up last week and if the court sides with the FTC and grants an injunction, it would effectively kill the deal.

The two sides have until Sept. 27 to submit final written arguments, per Axios' Richard Collings (Subscription).

Driving the news: Kroger contends that grocery prices would fall if its October 2022 move to buy rival Albertsons for $25 billion goes through.

But Khan told CBS' "60 Minutes" that "if the company's not checked by competition it won't have an incentive to pass those benefits on to the consumer because those consumers may not have anywhere else to go."
Khan was shown on Sunday's program talking to people during a "listening tour" on grocery prices, with one shopper saying they get "sticker shock" every time they go to the supermarket because "groceries are so expensive now."

Go deeper: Kamala Harris promises food merger crackdown

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FTC chair says Kroger-Albertsons merger could increase grocery costs

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