A proposed deal that could affect pharmacies comprising nearly a third of Oregon’s retail prescription drug market is now on trial in a Portland federal court.
Lawyers for the Federal Trade Commission began arguments Monday in U.S. District Court that grocery giant Kroger’s $24.6 billion plan to purchase the Albertsons grocery chain will drive up consumer prices and hurt workers. They also argued that the acquisition would mean Kroger would have less of an incentive to offer retail pharmacy services as a way to attract and keep customers.
The merger of the country’s two largest grocery chains has sparked major concerns about pharmacy access in Oregon. The state has seen its number of retail pharmacies wither in recent years and now has the second-fewest of any state , according to a recent Associated Press analysis.
The two chains are the largest retail pharmacy providers in the state, and regulators and elected officials have raised alarms that despite promises to preserve access, the deal may instead eliminate competition that provides needed benefits to Oregonians.