DENVER ( KDVR ) — The proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons has been fought in U.S. courts for months, and a trial in Denver District Court just wrapped up arguments.
Whether or not the merger will be subject to a permanent injunction is still to be decided by a Denver judge, although it’s unclear when that ruling may be handed down. If the merger is allowed, it would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history and would effect 579 stores nationwide.
A temporary injunction was issued in July, blocking the deal temporarily. According to the case docket, parties are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 28 for a review following the arguments and testimony provided for the past few weeks, and further dates are scheduled in early November.
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At the same time, a Washington judge is scheduled to announce a decision on the merger on Nov. 15 on a case that’s comparable to the Colorado case. Another case finished in Oregon this summer. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also sued to block the merger earlier this year, saying the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and cause Americans to pay higher prices at the grocery store.