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.