WCPO: Kroger Co. approaching finish line on acquisition of Albertsons grocery chain

The clock is ticking as the Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. moves closer to its mammoth acquisition of grocery store chain Albertsons Cos.

Kroger has taken a big step in the process by certifying to the Federal Trade Commission on Nov. 15 that its $24.6 billion deal with the Albertsons grocery chain substantially complies with antitrust rules. By law, there is a 30-day timeline for the FTC to accept the deal or sue to block it.

WCPO aired interviews with FTC Chair Lina Khan along with supporters and critics of the proposed acquisition, which would result in two of the nation’s largest supermarket chains merging into a 4,500-store giant.

Krogers says a bigger company will reduce prices and boost wages for union workers allowing it to best larger rivals such as Walmart and Amazon. Critics say it will give Kroger and Albertsons too much control of the grocery market, which could mean higher prices for consumers and lower pay for grocery employees.

UC Law Professor Felix Chang, an expert in antitrust law, also weighed in on the topic. He regularly teaches antitrust, business associations, securities regulation, and wills and estates.