OLYMPIA, Wash.-Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s legal challenge to the Kroger-Albertsons merger will continue with a trial date now set to begin Sept. 16.
A King County Judge dismissed the grocery companies’ request to dismiss the case on Friday, April 26.
The antitrust lawsuit from the AG’s Office asserts that the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, the two largest grocery chains in Washington, will limit shopping options and eliminate competition.
More than half of all supermarkets in Washington state are currently owned by either Kroger or Albertsons, according to the AG’s Office and they account for more than 50 percent of all grocery sales in the state.
“Free enterprise is built on companies competing, and that competition benefits consumers,” Attorney General Ferguson said. “My legal team and I will continue working to protect Washington consumers and workers from increased prices and fewer choices.”
