The next step in The Kroger Co.’s acquisition of Albertsons Companies is an expected second request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission.
As consumers continue to cut back on spending and eat more meals at home, Kroger Co. has responded by expanding its offering of private brand products. In the third quarter ended Nov. 5, the company’s own brands delivered identical sales growth that outpaced overall identical sales.
Cincinnati-based Kroger’s latest foray into outsourcing prepared foods for sale in its fresh perimeters is a Kitchen United MIX facility in one of its Dallas stores.
Following The Kroger Co.’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons, the Washington State Court granted a temporary restraining order on Nov. 3 on the basis that the company would be unable to compete if it paid the $6.85 per common share special dividend while the merger is under antitrust review.
The Kroger Co. is acquiring Albertsons Companies for approximately $24.6 billion. If the acquisition is approved, it will encompass 4,996 stores, 52 processing plants, 66 distribution centers, employ approximately 710,000, and, on a combined basis have an estimated $210 billion sales and $3.3 billion in earnings.