FTC Sues to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger

The FTC is blocking Kroger and Albertsons merger to prevent price hikes and wage reductions.

Estimated read time: 3 minutes and 28 seconds

What’s up! Welcome back to NNN Beast, the no-cost, no-nonsense email newsletter that gets you the latest and most valuable net lease real estate news straight to your inbox.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

👋 Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to get it directly!

GAWK BLOCKED

FTC Sues to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger (Read More)

Kroger

FTC lawsuit challenges Kroger's acquisition of Albertsons, warning of price hikes and worker exploitation.

Antitrust Battle: The FTC challenges the record-setting Kroger-Albertsons merger amid concerns of consumer price impacts.

  • Union Resistance: UFCW and Teamsters unions oppose the merger, fearing wage reductions.

  • Regulatory Scrutiny: FTC cites potential price hikes, enlisting bipartisan state support against the deal.

  • Consumer Impact: FTC predicts rising grocery costs and wage pressures for workers under merged entity.

Critical Response: Kroger vows price reductions post-merger and emphasizes job security but faces challenges.

  • FTC Opposition: Kroger argues that blocking the deal would harm consumers and union workers.

  • Union Job Defense: Kroger stresses the merger as a safeguard for union jobs and the grocery industry.

  • Divestiture Struggles: Kroger's sale attempts to overcome antitrust concerns fall short, leading to FTC criticism.

Future Prospects: Kroger expresses determination to fight the FTC opposition and highlight merger benefits.

TRIPLE NET TENDIES

🧠 Thought Leader: John Drachman gives advice to tune out the noise about public comments related to real estate

👂 Ear Hustle: Adam Dunn interviews Bob Knakal

💎 Web Gem: Mike Auerbach shares the top 5 myths about 1031 exchanges

NET LEASE NUGGIES

  • Bet on BP as TravelCenters of America Expands BP's expansion plans for TA with the opening of their 300th location include rebranding, growth, and innovation. The newly rebuilt Walton center in Kentucky marks a milestone, featuring various amenities and creating jobs for the community. TA's CEO expresses excitement for continued growth and providing an excellent experience for travelers. BP's TA network expansion aligns with the changing landscape of convenience retail. (Read More)

  • The Cheesecake Factory ramps up restaurant development. Amid construction challenges, the company opened nine new restaurants in Q4, aiming for accelerated growth. Plans include up to 22 new restaurant openings in 2024, with focus on Cheesecake Factories, North Italia's, Flower Childs, and FRC restaurants. Off-premises sales rose to 22%, leading to a profitable Q4 with increased revenues and positive same-store sales. (Read More)

  • Chicken Salad Chick expands aggressively. The fast-casual chicken salad restaurant plans to open 40 stores by year-end, entering new markets like New Mexico and Maryland. With 18 franchise agreements signed, expansion includes states like Texas and Virginia. The company acquired Atlanta's Piece of Cake bakery chain for dessert menu enhancement. Ending 2023 with over 250 restaurants, Chicken Salad Chick reached $350M in sales and engages in philanthropy. (Read More)

BEAST TWEETS x POSTS

🐦 Real Estate God: Here’s what to look for when touring a property so you can accurately price the renovation costs…

🦅 Jason Miller: Costco is converting a former Toys R Us in Alaska into a furniture and appliance showroom…

🦢 SquakBox: Tom Lee says BTC is sound money and shares his price predictions…

🦆 Pomp: More than 40% of your personal income tax dollars go to pay interest payments on the US national debt…

VISUAL OF THE DAY

Aaron Allen

🚨Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to get it directly! 🚨

Also, if you’d like to share today’s newsletter on LinkedIn or Twitter, please scroll to the very top right of this email and click the link titled “Read Online” 📢