US regulator sues to block $24.6 bn Kroger supermarket deal

US antitrust officials filed a lawsuit Monday to block Kroger’s proposed $24.6 billion takeover of Albertsons on Monday, saying the supermarket acquisition would harm consumers.

Arguing the deal would lead to “higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans,” the Federal Trade Commission announced that it would seek a preliminary injunction blocking the transaction in federal court.