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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

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.

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

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.

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

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

With rising food prices, shoppers have turned to grocers like Kroger, Albertsons and Walmart, finding it more economical to cook at home. This increased foot traffic has allowed the retailers to ...

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.