The planned merger between Cincinnati-based grocery store chain Kroger and Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons will not interfere with pharmacy and healthcare service operations at the 579 stores the companies plan to sell to Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale Grocers.
Kroger and Albertsons shared their intent to merge in October of 2022.
"Their pharmacist today, and the whole leadership and store associates within that location will continue to serve those customers and keep supporting their health," a spokesperson for C&S said in a July 10 statement shared with Becker's. "Their skill and knowledge, along with our leading wholesale and supply expertise will undoubtedly ensure that these stores continue to successfully serve their communities for many generations to come."
The stores that Kroger and Albertsons plan to sell to C&S are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming and Washington, D.C.
C&S will pay around $2.9 billion, including customary adjustments, to Kroger in an all-cash consideration for the stores, according to an April 22 news release.
"We are committed to working closely with C&S to ensure a seamless transition of ownership for all divested stores and supporting operational infrastructure," a spokesperson for Kroger said in a July 10 statement shared with Becker's.