By Elizabeth Ireland
Source: Times of San Diego
Skeptical lawmakers from across the political spectrum questioned executives at grocers Kroger — parent company of Ralphs — and Albertsons, parent of Vons, on Tuesday about their planned $25 billion merger amid concerns the tie-up could boost already-high food prices.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee, said she worried the deal would mean a loss of competition in groceries, and potentially higher costs, at a time when inflation is already high.
“That’s why you’ve heard concern across the country about this transaction,” she said. The deal will be reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission to ensure it is legal under antitrust law.
