[digerata]

As a frequent Kroger customer, my immediate gut reaction was no way should this happen.

But then looking further, how much geographic overlap is there between the two companies? Not much from my quick search. Certainly not in the area I live.

And a stated goal of this merger is to fight the evil empire, Walmart. So I'm warming up to it...

[spiffytech]

Both brands are the parent companies for quite a few grocery chains. I wonder if this gives them more overlap than appears on the surface.

[sf_rob]

There's major overlap of sub-brands in some regions:

* Mountain states: King Sooper vs Albertson's

* PNW: QFC/Fred Meyer vs Safeway

* California: Ralph's vs Safeway

And that's only the regions I'm familiar with.

[RSHEPP]

In DFW metroplex there is major overlap. They will have HEB competition here soon though.