FTC sues to block Kroger-Albertsons merger, saying it could push grocery prices higher

The Federal Trade Commission on Monday sued to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying the $24.6 billion deal could result in higher prices for millions of American consumers.

The FTC filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Oregon, alleging that the deal is anticompetitive and could harm shoppers by boosting prices for groceries and other essential household items. The merger could also result in lower quality products and services, as well as limit shoppers' options for where to buy groceries, the agency alleged. 

The FTC was joined in the suit by eight state attorneys general and the District of Columbia.