A hearing on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Injunction to block the planned merger between The Kroger Company and Albertson’s Corporation will commence on August 26, 2024.  The FTC will be joined in the action by the Attorneys General of eight states.

The hearing will take place before an Administrative Law Judge in Washington, DC.  There will be numerous lawsuits relating to the proposed merger including a private anti-trust lawsuit filed on behalf of consumers.  This case may be delayed until after the results of the FTC case.

It is possible that delays may scuttle the merger, although both parties would benefit through maintaining their commitment to a satisfactory conclusion even if this requires an extension into the next Administration.