PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on the United States District Court's preliminary injunction blocking the Kroger-Albertsons merger.
“Today's decision by a federal judge to to extend the preliminary injunction blocking the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger is a major victory for consumers, workers, and small businesses across the country. Should Kroger and Albertsons attempt to move forward with further legal proceedings, I am confident that the result will not change, just as the judge noted.
I’m proud to have brought this case on behalf of Arizona consumers and I am grateful for the talented members of our antitrust team for their incredibly hard work. Their dedication and expertise played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome, which will help protect Arizona families from higher grocery prices, fewer choices, and diminished competition.
Had this merger gone forward, it could have harmed families by reducing choices, driving up prices, and eliminating jobs. Here in Arizona, where countless communities rely on accessible, affordable grocery options, this decision helps ensure that residents won't face the potentially devastating impacts of such a consolidation.
I applaud the court for taking this step to protect consumers and uphold the values of fair competition. I remain committed to protecting hardworking Arizonans against corporate greed and consolidation."
In February 2023, Attorney General Mayes launched an antitrust investigation into the proposed merger and held a series of townhalls across the state to hear from Arizonans on how the merger would impact their lives and communities. In February 2024, Attorney General Mayes joined the FTC and a bipartisan group of attorneys general in suing to block the merger.