Kroger, Albertsons Escape Consumer Group’s Try to Block Merger

US grocers Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. Inc. escaped a second attempt by consumers to block the companies’ planned $24.6 billion merger after a federal judge said the plaintiffs failed to allege harm from the deal.

Judge Vince Chhabria of the US District Court for the Northern District of California on Wednesday granted the grocers’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ first amended complaint filed in October. The plaintiffs argue the deal would eliminate Albertsons as a substantial competitor to Kroger in national and local markets and reduce price competition, leading to higher food prices.

“The plaintiffs have again failed to ...