Earlier today, Judge Adrienne Nelson of the United States District Court for the District of Oregon granted a preliminary injunction requested by the State of Oregon. This decision prevents the merger between Kroger and Albertsons from moving forward. According to Attorney General Rosenblum, "Judge Nelson’s ruling confirms our argument that the proposed merger would be harmful to consumers and workers alike."
The ruling comes at a time when many households are facing higher grocery and pharmacy prices. Rosenblum stated, "Today’s decision is a win for Oregonians and a win for competition in the marketplace."
Rosenblum also expressed gratitude towards those involved in challenging the merger: "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."
The Attorney General concluded with a commitment to ongoing vigilance against anti-competitive behavior: "We will continue to monitor this matter and remain vigilant in protecting consumers from anti-competitive behavior and practices."