FTC, States to Sue Over Kroger-Albertsons Deal Next Week (4)

The US Federal Trade Commission and a group of states are poised to sue as soon as next week to block the tie-up between supermarket giants Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos., according to people familiar with the plans.

The suit is expected before Feb. 28, when an agreement not to close the deal between the companies and the FTC expires. Several states are expected to join the suit alongside the federal antitrust enforcers, the people said.

The companies are working to schedule meetings with FTC Chair Lina Khan and the agency’s other commissioners in an effort to persuade the ...