Personally, I'm saying GOOD JOB to the FTC! -- I was in Cali years ago when Albertsons took over Lucky Stores--formerly known as "the low price leader" and prices soared. I was here when Albertsons bought Safeway/Vons and had to divest some store to a chain called Haggen's based in Seattle--Haggens went bankrupt in less than 2 months ( terrible store) and they then reverted those former Vons to Albertsons, or left some areas entirely like (Buffalo/Lake Mead)

Effect on prices--Albertsons adopted Safeway/Vons much higher price points--have you ever wondered by Albertson's is never crowded and parking lots have lots of spaces--compared to Smiths?

Smiths CEO had said "A little inflation is good for us in the grocery business" supposedly meaning people cook rather than go out to eat--but a little inflation with the lack of enough competition is not good for the consumer!

If you look at their current weekly ads--they already and crossing over to adopt expensive Albertson price points--they no longer have the same things on sale at the same time, prices a little lower than Albertsons. If chicken thighs are on sale this week at Albertsons, the won't go on sale until next week at Smiths. They already have the Albertsons mantra of LIMIT 2---on digital deals, or a low price on chips or crackers or Cola with MUST BUY 5 !!!

I hope the FTC Prevails in court.