Kroger reveals deal to sell 413 stores related to Albertsons mega-merger

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Store divestment nets $1.9B for Kroger

Kroger confirmed media reports that it has found a buyer to purchase hundreds of stores officials needed to divest of in order to appease federal antitrust regulators. News of such a deal was first reported Thursday.

According to a news release, Kroger and Albertsons will sell 413 stores — 104 of which are in Washington state; eight distribution centers; two offices; and 17 private label brands to Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale Grocers. The deal is valued at $1.9 billion and subject to regulatory approval.

Here are some highlights of the agreement:

As part of the deal, Kroger will no longer use the QFC brand name. Stores the company will retain that carry the QFC brand name will be rebranded to a different company-owned brand. The company will also no longer use the brand names Mariano's (located in the Chicago area) or Carrs (an Albertsons' subsidiary based in Alaska).

In Arizona, California, Wyoming and Colorado, C&S will take on the Albertsons name. For Albertsons locations Kroger is keeping in those states, the stores will be renamed Kroger.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/09/08/kroger-opioid-settlement-albertsons-divestment.html

[bucolic_frolic]

1. I will never understand the efficiency of shipping food all over the place

Maybe it's just me, I eat a low on the food chain diet, try very hard to minimize plastics, and substitute different foods based on availability and cost. There's not much luxury, yet little junk food, and I'm good with it. I get local, regional produce, but even they are becoming wholesalers for far away products, such as sweet potatoes from South America.

Didn't know C&S was that big.

[jimfields33]

2. I bought local once. A veggie and fruit stand in town.

The prices were high. I didn’t realize it until I had the stuff ready to pay. I paid it but never went back. I know they have to make a living but holy cow.

[GP6971]

3. C & S has been wheeling and dealing since the mid-nineties.

I worked for SuperValu in the 90s and C & S was a regional player in New England. They've been aggressively expanding since then.

I'd much prefer Kroger than C & S managed stores.

[Attilatheblond]

4. Paywall so can't read linked article

Anybody know how this will affect Safeway stores in AZ? The staff at my local have been mighty nervous, grumpy, and quitting the past several months. Owned by Albertsons, so what happens to them?

[Celerity]

6. here is non blocked link about it

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2023/09/08/kroger-to-sell-413-stores-including-26-albertsons-cos-locations-in-texas/

[Attilatheblond]

7. Thank you SO much!

[Haggis 4 Breakfast]

5. For those of you in WA State,

this sale will not include ANY of the Fred Meyer stores. (Sigh of relief)