Kroger-Albertsons Hearing Ordered in Colorado Before FTC Case

A Colorado court scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing on supermarket giant Kroger Co.’s proposed acquisition of rival Albertsons Cos. in mid-August, before a US government antitrust challenge to the deal.

Judge Andrew Luxen in Denver District Court said he would hold the hearing from Aug. 12-22 — two weeks before a federal court will hold its own hearing on the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to block the deal.

Luxen said he would schedule a three-week trial on the Colorado attorney general’s challenge to the deal on Sept. 30 through Oct. 18, which may require the companies to extend their ...