Correction: FTC’s Attempt to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger
In a previous report, ISN stated that the FTC has blocked the Kroger-Albertsons merger. We would like to clarify that the FTC is attempting to block the merger, but a final court decision has not yet been made. We apologise for the inconvenience and any confusion this may have caused.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) effort to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger may overlook key consumer insights. According to a survey by International Supermarket News (ISN), many shoppers believe large supermarket mergers benefit them by leading to lower prices, thanks to the combined buying power of these chains.
Examples from the past support this belief. Tesco, through the acquisition of many stores, was able to expand its scale, driving down costs and offering more competitive pricing. Similarly, the merger of Carrefour and Promodès allowed the unified company to leverage its size for better supplier deals, ultimately reducing costs for consumers.
While the FTC’s focus remains on preserving competition, the ISN survey highlights that shoppers often see such consolidations as a way to access cheaper products. This perspective adds a new angle to the ongoing debate around the potential impacts of the merger.