Albertsons, the owner of Acme Markets and other grocery store chains, will be acquired by Kroger in a merger deal worth $24.6 billion, the two companies announced. The deal is expected to face antitrust scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission. Albertsons owns banners including Safeway, Shaw's and Jewel Osco. Kroger's brands include Ralphs, Dillons and Harris Teeter.
Supermarket operator Albertsons could explore the sale of some of its grocery chains, including Acme Markets, as part of a strategic review of its business announced in late February. Acme Markets is among the largest supermarket chains in the Philadelphia area and has more than 160 stores in six states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York and Connecticut.