A version of this article originally appeared in Quartz’s members-only Weekend Brief newsletter. Quartz members get access to exclusive newsletters and more. Sign up here.

Antitrust experts say a few core issues prompted the judges to say no the merger, ultimately dooming the deal.

Supermarket chains like Walmart, Albertsons, and Stop & Shop are shutting down nationwide. See if your neighborhood grocer is closing up shop here. RELATED: Big Lots Is No Longer Closing 15 Stores—Here's Why and Where.

In an historic ruling for labor and antitrust advocates, a federal judge blocked the $25 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons.

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the proposed $25 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, ruling that the deal would limit competition and harm consumers but leaving the door

In parallel, same-day rulings, a federal and state court blocked The Kroger Company’s $24.6 billion proposed acquisition of the Albertsons

The ruling, citing a potential loss of competition, was a victory for the Federal Trade Commission. Later, a Washington State judge blocked the deal on similar grounds.

Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons — who compete in 22 states — agreed to sell 579 stores in places where their locations overlap to C & S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.

Kroger and Albertsons could turn to fast-growing and profitable advertising ventures to tackle competition and grow after a failed $25 billion merger between the two supermarket rivals, analysts said.

Kroger’s conduct created frustration and distrust among regulators … and ultimately caused an unprecedented litigation onslaught,” Albertsons claims in a newly unsealed lawsuit.

Following the termination of the planned merger of Kroger (KR) with Albertsons (ACI), BofA believes the federal/state court decisions against

So, what is Albertsons’ ( ACI) plan in a post-Kroger ( KR) world? Lowering prices is likely top on its list. And to optimize its real-estate footprint, Albertsons ( ACI) could also sell and lease back its stores or continue to close some stores outright.