February 27, 2024 2:50 a.m.

Monday afternoon, Senator Ron Wyden responded after the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had sued to block the proposed merger of Kroger Company and Albertsons Companies Inc.

Wyden said, “I called for the FTC to block this merger because it would raise grocery and prescription costs for Oregonians across our state, and it’s clear the FTC agrees. Another strike against this merger is the toll it would take on our veterans and service members who will be forced to drive further to get the care they need with fewer pharmacies accepting TRICARE”.

Wyden said, “The merger would also reduce the power of Oregon’s small farmers, growers and other small businesses to negotiate prices for their goods. I fully support the FTC’s decision to take a closer look at this proposed merger – it is a smart call by President Biden to prioritize lowering prices for Americans and Oregonians, protecting access to prescription drugs and maintaining the power of unions”.

The FTC filed an administrative complaint against both companies on Monday. It will be considered by an administrative law judge at the agency. The FTC also filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court in Oregon requesting a temporary injunction blocking the merger. Attorneys general from eight states and the District of Columbia joined in that action.