Kroger reaches $1.65B deal to purchase Giant Eagle

July 1 (UPI) -- Grocery chain Kroger announced Wednesday it has reached a $1.65 billion agreement to acquire regional chain Giant Eagle.

The Kroger Co. issued a news release revealing it reached a "definitive agreement" to purchase Giant Eagle's 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.

The agreement, unanimously approved by Kroger's Board of Directors, amounts to $1.25 billion in cash consideration and about $400 million in outstanding liabilities.

The deal must now obtain required regulatory clearance, and Kroger expects the acquisition to be completed in 2027.

"Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty," Kroger CEO Greg Foran said in the news release.

"We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear. Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets, allowing us to do what we do best: Run outstanding stores, deliver fresh foods and convenient meal solutions at affordable prices, and take care of our customers and associates every single day."

Kroger previously attempted a $24.6 billion merger with rival retailer Albertsons. The merger was blocked by an Oregon federal judge on antitrust grounds, leading Albertsons to file a lawsuit against Kroger, alleging the company failed to exercise best efforts to secure regulatory approval.

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 8:55 AM.