
The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. announced today that they have entered a definitive agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC for the sale of select stores, banners, distribution centers, offices and private label brands in connection with their proposed merger previously announced on October 14, 2022. Kroger operates in Montgomery County as Harris Teeter while Albertsons operates as Safeway. Kroger will be acquiring Albertsons in the merger. C&S is the parent company of Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly Supermarkets.
10 Harris Teeter stores located in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) will be divested by Kroger following the closing of the merger with Albertsons Cos. The announcement does not disclose which locations will be divested, but Montgomery County is home to seven Harris Teeters stores located in Bethesda, Clarksburg, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Olney, Potomac, and Rockville.
Last month the office of the Maryland Attorney General released a statement looking for feedback regarding how Maryland residents feel about the merger; “Two of the biggest national supermarket companies – Kroger, which operates chains like Harris Teeter; and Albertsons, which owns Safeway – are seeking to merge, which could have an enormous impact on Marylanders. Are you concerned about what this may mean for you? Let us know about your concerns by completing this quick survey. Your voices matter.”
The full press release by Kroger and Albertsons can be seen here.