Murkowski Celebrate Blocking the Kroger-Albertsons Merger
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) celebrate the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision to sue to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger.
“This announcement will come as a relief to countless Alaskans. From the potential for even higher grocery prices to longer-term store closures, there were just too many unknowns and uncertainties for this merger to move forward,” said Senator Murkowski. “The delegation worked hard to ensure that Alaskans’ concerns were understood, with Representative Peltola leading the effort. Her direct advocacy with the FTC and her town halls across the state ensured that Alaskans’ voices were heard in Washington, DC.”
“From the get-go, Alaskans have been the most outspoken about their concerns about corporate consolidations and monopolies, because Alaskans have the most to lose,” said Representative Mary Peltola.“In my conversations with the FTC this morning, they told me the telephone town halls I hosted in November showcased Alaskan stories that made the difference in the FTC’s decision and have inspired a new kind of community involvement the FTC will strive to foster during future decision-making processes. I’m thrilled by this lawsuit and this big win for Alaska’s groceries.”
Kroger owns Fred Meyer and its 12 Alaskan stores. Albertsons owns Carrs and Safeway and their 35 Alaskan stores. The proposed merger included selling 14 Alaskan Carrs-Safeway stores. On September 25, 2023, Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan sent a letter expressing their concerns with the merger. On August 16, 2023, Rep. Mary Peltola sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan asking the FTC to step in to block the merger.
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