A Denver, CO, judge will hear oral arguments on Aug. 12 regarding the state’s attempt to block Kroger’s $25 billion purchase of Albertsons.
District Court Judge Andrew Luxen said he will strive to rule quickly, but that he makes no promises about when the orders will be out.
The hearing comes two weeks ahead of a similar hearing before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other states’ challenges to the merger, according to a Reuters report. The FTC’s hearing will be held on Aug. 26.
The state of Washington also separately challenged the merger and will have a hearing on Sept. 16.
Kroger plans to divest 413 stores and eight distribution centers to C&S Wholesale Grocers and said it may need to lose an additional 237 stores to gain regulatory approval.
