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Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that the $9.2 billion merger of supermarket operators Albertsons and Safeway Inc. would be anticompetitive.

According to the FTC’s complaint, first announced in January 2015, Albertsons and Safeway grocery stores competed vigorously on price, quality, product variety, and services, and each offered consumers the convenience of one-stop shopping for food and other grocery products. Without a remedy, the acquisition was likely to lessen supermarket competition in 130 local markets and thus harm consumers, according to the FTC.

The final order requires the new company to divest 168 Albertsons and Safeway stores in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming to four buyers.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 141 0108; Staff contacts: Alexis Gilman, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2579 and Dan Ducore, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2526)

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and to protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers, file an antitrust complaint, or comment on a proposed merger. For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases, and read our blog.

Press Release Reference

FTC Requires Albertsons and Safeway to Sell 168 Stores as a Condition of Merger

Contact Information

MEDIA CONTACT:

Betsy Lordan
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-3707

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