A federal judge in Oregon halted Kroger's £19.58 billion ($25 billion) merger with Albertsons, ruling that this colossal deal, the largest in US supermarket history, could stifle competition and ultimately hurt consumers.
This ruling is a major blow to both chains, jeopardising the merger's future. The judge issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting the deal, though the companies still have the option to appeal.
