US grocery chain Kroger is in talks to buy rival Albertsons in a deal that would bring together two of the country’s largest supermarkets and test the Biden administration’s antitrust policies. According to people close to the talks, a deal could be announced as soon as this week after on-and-off discussions between the companies over the past several years.

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“There is no reason to allow two of the biggest supermarket chains in the country to merge — especially with food prices already soaring,” said Sarah Miller, executive director of the American Economic Liberties Project, a consumer group.

“With 60 per cent of grocery sales concentrated among just five national chains, a Kroger-Albertons deal would squeeze consumers already struggling to afford food, crush workers fighting for fair wages, and destroy independent, community stores. This merger is a cut and dry case of monopoly power, and enforcers should block it.”

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