Maryland AG Wants Public Input On Proposed Kroger-Albertson's Merger

BALTIMORE, MD — State Attorney General Anthony Brown wants to hear Marylanders' thoughts on a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. after the former announced plans to sell 10 Harris Teeter locations as part of the deal.

Two weeks ago, Kroger said it plans to sell Harris Teeter stores in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a chain that operates Grand Union grocery stores and the Piggly Wiggly franchise.

Maryland is home to 18 Harris Teeter locations. It's unclear which locations could be affected by the sale.

• RELATED: Some MD Harris Teeter Stores To Be Sold To Piggly Wiggly Owner

In a statement released Tuesday, Brown invited Marylanders to participate in a survey regarding the sale and said the results would play a role in ensuring the merger "aligns with the best interests of the state and its residents."

"This merger, if approved, could potentially have significant implications for consumers, employees, farmers, and small independent grocers across the state," Brown said.

He continued, "I want to ensure that Marylanders' voices are heard throughout the process of this potential merger and that any potential deal upholds the principles of fair competition."

The survey currently is available online.

According to Kroger, the proposed sale of Harris Teeter stores in the area is part of a more extensive agreement to sell 413 stores, eight distribution centers, two offices and five private-label brands across 17 states and the District of Columbia to C&S.

The sale would allow Kroger and Albertsons to introduce a competitor in several regions ahead of the proposed merger between the two companies, easing regulatory concerns and making approval by the Federal Trade Commission more likely.

The company said the sale would also ensure no stores close and no employees lose their jobs.

If approved by the FTC, C&S would pay Kroger about $1.9 billion for all properties.

In the statement, Brown said his office's antitrust division would closely monitor the proposed merger.

"I know families are feeling the effects of rising food prices every time they visit a grocery store," Brown said, adding the state was committed to upholding fair competition to "protect our communities, including consumers, workers, farmers, and local businesses."