From a broader national perspective, a combined Kroger and Albertsons does not pose any major threat to the competitive dynamics of the market."
Kroger said it expects to reinvest about half a billion dollars of cost savings from deal synergies to reduce prices for customers.
"The merger will accelerate our position as a more compelling alternative to larger and non-union competitors," Kroger Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen said.
Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse were the financial advisors to Albertsons, while Citigroup and Wells Fargo advised Kroger.
Kroger will have to pay Albertsons $600 million if the deal is terminated.