A combined Kroger Co. and Albertsons could divest 250 to 300 stores, though Kroger has mentioned the possibility of up to 650 on the chopping block in the proposed merger.
Reuters, citing sources close to the matter, reported the stores are located across all regions where the companies operate. Together, Cincinnati-based Kroger and Boise-based Albertsons own close to 5,000 stores.
By comparison, the next closest retailer, Bentonville, AR-based Walmart Inc. operates about 4,600 stores, Ahold Delhaize has more than 2,000, and Batavia, IL-based Aldi has 2,200.
