Nine States Seek $10.3 Million From Kroger After Blocking the Largest Grocery Merger in U.S. History

Oregon is leading a nine-state coalition seeking $10.3 million from Kroger in legal fees after successfully blocking the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger

Nine States Seek $10.3 Million From Kroger After Blocking the Largest Grocery Merger in U.S. History Oregon is leading a nine-state coalition seeking $10.3 million from Kroger in legal fees after successfully blocking the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger Aaron Rafferty April 04, 2026 Key Takeaways: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading a nine-state coalition seeking $10.3 million in legal fees from Kroger after successfully blocking the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger in December 2024. Oregon's share is $2.25 million, including $1.8 million in attorney fees and $445,000 in expenses, following a February 27, 2026 court ruling confirming the states prevailed and are entitled to cost recovery. The fee petition sets a precedent for state-level antitrust enforcement accountability, with Rayfield stating: "When federal enforcers step back, states step up." Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that the state is seeking more than $2.25 million from Kroger in attorney fees and legal costs after helping block the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger. Oregon is leading eight other states in a combined fee petition totaling $10.3 million. The petition follows a February 27, 2026 court ruling that confirmed the plaintiff states prevailed in the landmark antitrust case. Once a final order is issued on the amounts, Kroger is obligated to pay. Oregon taxpayers cover nothing. The merger, announced in October 2022, would have combined two of the largest grocery chains in the United States with roughly 5,000 stores. In December 2024, a federal judge in Oregon and a Washington state court issued parallel preliminary injunctions halting the deal. Courts found the merger would likely raise grocery and pharmacy prices, reduce worker bargaining po