Kroger comments on second request from Federal Trade Commission

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that, as expected, it has received a request for additional information ("second request") from the Federal Trade Commission as part of the regulatory review process for its merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI). Kroger issued the following statement:

Kroger looks forward to realizing the compelling benefits this merger will offer, including enhancing competition, lowering prices for customers, improving access to fresh food, creating opportunities to continue investing in our associates and securing the long-term future of union jobs. We will continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Trade Commission as it conducts its review of the merger, including developing a thoughtful divestiture plan. Kroger continues to expect to complete the merger in early 2024.

The second request extends the waiting period imposed by the Hart–Scott–Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act until 30 days after Kroger and Albertsons Cos. have substantially complied with the requests or the waiting period is terminated sooner by the Federal Trade Commission. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.

To learn more about the merger, please visit www.KrogerAlbertsons.com.

About Kroger 
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.