COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – On Tuesday, the multi-billon dollar proposed merger between to of the largest grocery chains int he Untied States was put on hold. Two major courts made decisions, putting a pause on the business deal. Now- Albertsons and Kroger are reviewing their options.

A third court case is pending in Colorado, but there’s no word on when a ruling will come down.

However, given Tuesday’s decisions, some officials say it’s likely the third case will follow the same route.

“Consumers can’t afford higher prices. We need to make sure we encourage more competition,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Attorney General Phil Weiser of Colorado has been fighting the more than $24 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons since 2022.

The parent companies of King Soopers and Safeway made their case before three separate judges: one in Colorado, one in Washington, and a U.S. District Court in Oregon involving the FTC. The grocery retails cited growing competition as a reason to merge.

“I thought they made a fairly compelling case that really their competition is Walmart and Amazon. And that this is more of a merger to cut costs, which could actually result in lower prices for consumers,” said Dr. Joe Craig the Director Emeritus with UCCS Economic Forum.

A federal judge ruled that the FTC would need more data when it comes to the chains competing against Amazon and Walmart.

The state judge ruled against the merger entirely citing it would hurt shoppers and their wallets.

“Competition keeps prices low. It gives us more options and the more options we have, the better off we are,” said Valerie Peck, a Colorado Springs shopper.

“I feel like the prices will probably stay relatively similar unless they’re in direct competition,” said Adrian Scoville, another shopper.

Kroger and Albertsons sent 11 News statements.

The FTC is calling Tuesday’s ruling a major victory for the American people.

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