Kroger and Albertsons released the full list of store locations they plan to divest as part of their merger. C&S Wholesale Grocers will buy 579 stores and several distribution centers in 18 states and Washington, DC.
According to Kroger, the updated divestiture package adds 166 more stores, bringing the total number of stores that will be sold to C&S to 579.
The stores will continue to operate as they currently do, but under the new ownership of C&S. Notably, this agreement includes the sale of the QFC, Mariano’s, Carrs, and Haggen banner names to C&S.
Meanwhile, a coalition of United Food & Commercial Workers local unions said the announcement changes nothing. “The merger is not a done deal, far from it. We remain focused on stopping the proposed mega-merger for the same reasons we have stated since it was first announced over 20 months ago. Because we know it would harm workers, it would harm shoppers, it would harm suppliers and communities, and it is illegal.”
Related Article: Kroger will Fight in Court the FTC’s Lawsuit Over its Merger with Albertsons
Also, Attorneys General from Colorado and Washington and the Federal Trade Commission presented legal challenges to the proposed Kroger/Albertsons merger.
Store Breakdown by Geography
The divestiture plan covers 18 states and Washington, DC. Click here to see the full list of store locations.
- Washington: 124 Albertsons and Kroger stores
- California: 63 Albertsons stores
- Colorado: 91 Albertsons stores
- Oregon: 62 Albertsons and Kroger stores
- Texas/Louisiana: 30 Albertsons stores
- Arizona: 101 Albertsons stores
- Nevada: 16 Albertsons stores
- Illinois: 35 Albertsons and Kroger stores
- Alaska: 18 Albertsons stores
- Idaho: 10 Albertsons stores
- New Mexico: 9 Albertsons stores
- Montana/Utah/Wyoming: 11 Albertsons stores
- DC/Maryland/Virginia/Delaware: 9 Harris Teeter stores
These stores will be transferred to C&S after the Kroger-Albertsons merger closes.
Licensing and Re-Banner Plans
As part of the amended agreement, C&S will license the Albertsons banner in California and Wyoming and the Safeway banner in Arizona and Colorado.
In these states, Kroger said it would rebrand the retained Albertsons and Safeway stores following the merger’s completion. Kroger will retain the Albertsons and Safeway banners in other states.
Comments from C&S Leadership
Eric Winn, CEO of C&S, expressed confidence in the expanded divestiture package, stating, “We are confident this expanded divestiture package will provide the stores, supporting assets, and expert operators needed to ensure these stores continue to successfully serve their communities for many generations to come. C&S is a leader in the grocery industry, and we are excited for this expansion of our current retail business, which is a key part of our long-term growth strategy.”
Kroger’s Updated Plan Aims to:
- Sell stores to a well-capitalized buyer with a strong business plan to extend a competitor into new geographies.
- Ensure no stores close due to the merger.
- Maintain all collective bargaining agreements, preserving healthcare and pension benefits, wages, and employment for frontline associates.
- Commit to long-term investments in associates and stores.
C&S will pay Kroger an all-cash consideration of approximately $2.9 billion to acquire 579 stores, six distribution centers, and one production plant.