This will, at a minimum, involve the parties divesting outlets each controls in certain markets (to an independent competitor), to preserve real competition in grocery prices. And it would behoove the people circling the Sanofi consumer health businesses to take into account that -- in certain mature therapies the proposed deal may unlawfully harm natural price competition, for say shoe inserts and OTC allergy meds. This is going to change the way parties bid for, or at least set "hold backs" -- in the mature life sciences brands as well. In any event, here's the latest:
. . .The Federal Trade Commission sued to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices for millions of Americans.
The FTC filed an administrative complaint against the companies Monday, which will be considered by an administrative law judge at the agency. It also filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court in Oregon requesting a temporary injunction blocking the merger. That lawsuit was joined by the attorneys general of eight states and the District of Columbia.
Kroger and Albertsons, two of the nation’s largest grocers, agreed to merge in October 2022. The companies said a merger would help them better compete with Walmart, Amazon, Costco and other big rivals. Together, Kroger and Albertsons would control around 13% of the U.S. grocery market; Walmart controls 22%, according to J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman. . . .
Now you know. . . onward -- grinning into the sunshine -- for a cool afternoon bike ride. Be excellent to one antoher, as Black History Month draws to a close.
नमस्ते
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