Kroger Will Merge With Albertsons, , Forming Mega-Grocery Chain.<br />Kroger Will Merge With Albertsons, , Forming Mega-Grocery Chain.<br />The deal between the two grocery store chains was announced on Oct. 14.<br />The $24.6 billion deal will lead to one of the most expansive chains of grocery stores in the U.S. .<br />The $24.6 billion deal will lead to one of the most expansive chains of grocery stores in the U.S. .<br />The new company will be comprised of nearly 5,000 stores across the country.<br />The combination creates a premier seamless ecosystem across 48 states and the District of Columbia, , Kroger Statement, via CNN.<br />... providing customers with a best-in-class shopping experience across both stores and digital channels, Kroger Statement, via CNN.<br />Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen stated that the merger is an excellent move for the company.<br />While Kroger and Albertsons have been considered competitors, .<br />the companies operate independently <br />in many parts of the country.<br />[Albertsons] brings a complementary footprint and operates in several parts of the country with very few or no Kroger stores, Rodney McMullen, Kroger CEO, via CNN.<br />The merger could give the companies more of a competitive edge when it comes to other mega-chains, <br />including Walmart, Amazon and Costco.<br />Other lower-price chains such as Trader Joe's and Aldi have also become significant competition.<br />Other lower-price chains such as Trader Joe's and Aldi have also become significant competition.<br />The merger announcement comes as <br />food prices continue to rise.<br />After the announcement, shares of Albertsons rose by <br />11 percent, while shares of Kroger dipped slightly.
