More than a dozen Albertsons stores in Nevada are up for sale as part of a potential merger with Kroger. The merger, which was first proposed in October 2022 for $24.6 billion, would also involve the sale of Vons and Safeway brands in Nevada.
The Federal Trade Commission and several states, including Nevada, have raised concerns about the merger, arguing that it could reduce competition and lead to higher prices for consumers. However, Kroger and Albertsons believe that joining forces would allow them to better compete with other grocery chains like Walmart and Costco.
To address these antitrust concerns, a divestiture plan has been put in place. C&S Wholesale, which operates Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union grocery chains in other regions, will potentially acquire up to 579 stores nationwide, including 16 in Nevada.
The list of Albertsons and Vons stores in Nevada that could be sold includes locations in Elko, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Pahrump. Kroger and Albertsons have assured that none of the stores will be closed as a result of the merger, and C&S Wholesale has agreed to uphold existing labor agreements at unionized stores.
The merger is still pending approval, with a hearing scheduled by the FTC for late August. Both companies are hopeful that the deal will be finalized by early 2024, allowing them to move forward with their plans for expansion and growth in the competitive grocery market.
For more information on this potential merger and the list of stores that could be sold, you can reach out to McKenna Ross at mross@reviewjournal.com or follow her on X.
