Kroger and Albertsons Agree to Give Up Additional 166 Stores

News reports announced Monday that in their ongoing quest to attain FTC approval for their proposed $25 billion merger, Kroger and Albertsons will be selling an additional 166 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

According to Reuters, C&S will pay an additional $1 billion for the stores beyond their previous payout agreement of $1.9 billion. In total, the companies will now be selling 579 stores to C&S along with sharing access to the Albertsons Signature and O Organics private label brands.

Supermarket News reports that 579 store total includes the QFC, Mariano’s and Carrs banners.

The proposed merger was first announced in October 2022. In February, the FTC and eight states sued to block the deal, concerned about rising grocery prices.