Wyden, Rosenblum hail judge’s ruling to block Kroger-Albertsons merger as ‘great news for grocery shoppers’

(Update: Adding attorney general statement)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Senator Ron Wyden issued the following statement in response to Tuesday’s news of a federal judge halting the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger:

"This is great news for grocery shoppers in Oregon who would have faced higher prices at Kroger and Albertsons if this ill-conceived consolidation had gone through," said Wyden, who led lawmakers in filing an amicus brief with the federal court opposing the merger. 

"I'm glad the court has shelved this monster deal because in addition to raising grocery prices for shoppers already tiptoeing on an economic tightrope, it would have made it that much harder for Oregonians to find a pharmacy and for workers at both supermarket chains to seek fairer wages and better working conditions," Wyden said.

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Statement From AG Rosenblum On Today’s Kroger-Albertsons Ruling

“Earlier today, Judge Adrienne Nelson of the United States District Court for the District of Oregon granted the State of Oregon’s request for a preliminary injunction that would block the Kroger-Albertsons merger from proceeding. Judge Nelson’s ruling confirms our argument that the proposed merger would be harmful to consumers and workers alike.

“At a time when higher grocery and pharmacy prices are hurting countless households, today’s decision is a win for Oregonians and a win for competition in the marketplace.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the antitrust team at the Oregon Department of Justice, as well as to the Federal Trade Commission and our partners in this multistate lawsuit: Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

“We will continue to monitor this matter and remain vigilant in protecting consumers from anti-competitive behavior and practices.”