Shreveport Albertsons to Remain Open Following Failed Kroger Merger

SHREVEPORT, LA -  Residents have been worried about the future of a favorite grocery store. There has been a lot of talk about a major grocery merger that could jeopardize the Albertson's store on Southfield at Kings. This is the only Albertson's store left in Shreveport Bossier.

But Kroger has been working on a deal to buy up all of the Albertson's property in a major grocery merger.

Is the Albertsons and Kroger Merger Dead?

It seems this deal is now dead. This $24.6 billion dollar deal has been tied up in the courts for months. But it looks like this proposed merger has fallen apart. Albertson's has reportedly pulled out of the deal. The two grocery giants are pointing the finger at each other for failing to do enough to make the proposed grocery marriage be a success.

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Albertsons has even filed suit against Kroger asking for a $600 million dollar termination fee and legal fees. Kroger is fighting that lawsuit.

Kroger has released this brief statement:

“After reviewing options, the company determined it is no longer in its best interests to pursue the merger.”

This comes just a day after a couple of judges pulled the plug on the proposed merger in separate court cases. One ruling came in Oregon in a federal court and the other came in the state of Washington.

One of the judges ruled that this merger between Albertsons and Kroger would weaken competition and violate consumer-protection laws.

Kroger previously announced plans to sell off 2 stores in Louisiana. The Shreveport store was on that list. It looked like the store would be sold to Piggly Wiggly.

The Bossier City Albertsons closed in September of 2017, impacting 76 local workers.

Will Louisiana be Affected?

Albertson's has 7 locations in Louisiana: 1 in Alexandria, 7 in Baton Rouge, 1 in Broussard, 1 in Hammond, 3 in Lafayette, 2 in Lake Charles, and 1 in Shreveport.

Several stores across both states are going to be impacted in the divestiture plan published by Kroger. According to the information about the merger, 28 stores in Texas and 2 stores in Louisiana will be affected.

The Shreveport store was on that list along with one in Lake Charles.