(The Center Square) – The list of stores set to be sold off has been released as part of the looming Kroger-Albertsons merger, and it could mean big changes in Arizona.
One hundred and one Safeway and Albertsons locations could be sold all over Arizona, according to Arizona’s Family.
Attorney General Kris Mayes criticized the openness about the planned divestitures and re-emphasized her support of the legal action against the merger by the Federal Trade Commission, as the Grand Canyon State is one of several in the lawsuit.
“I do not appreciate the shenanigans being played by Kroger and Albertsons today, by publicizing, for the first time, the precise store locations for their proposed divestiture list,” Mayes said in a statement on Tuesday.
“If their goal is to give a public appearance of this merger being a done deal – this couldn’t be further from the truth. I am proud to stand with the FTC and my fellow attorneys general in suing to block this anticompetitive, anti-consumer and anti-worker merger,” she continued.
Kroger defended the move in a statement, explaining that it is a normal business practice during a merger to consider locations that could be sold off. The company said they’re working with C&S Wholesale Grocers to prevent stores from shuttering and a “seamless transition of ownership for all divested stores”, as there would be a significant impact in both Arizona and across the United States.
“The comprehensive divestiture plan with C&S is critical to bringing the meaningful and measurable benefits of our merger with Albertsons to associates, customers and communities across America,” the company stated.
“C&S committed to ensuring zero stores will close as a result of the merger, all frontline associates will remain employed, all existing collective bargaining agreements will continue, and associates will continue to receive industry-leading benefits alongside bargained-for wages,” they added.
News of the merger came out in fall 2022, but the FTC filed its lawsuit against the merger in February.