OLYMPIA, Wash. – The King County Superior Court allowed an antitrust lawsuit against a proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger to move forward on Friday. Kroger is working with a media relations firm to handle messaging surrounding the lawsuit.
Joele Frank, a media relations firm with offices in New York and San Francisco according to its website, handles several kinds of public relations events including lawsuits and bankruptcies.
“In a high-stakes legal battle, litigants need a strong advocate who can make sure that critical information reaches key audiences quickly and effectively. We work closely with our clients…to develop a disciplined strategy that supports the overall objectives of the litigation without compromising business goals,” the firm’s website states.
A Joele Frank employee representing Kroger offered a statement on the antitrust lawsuit brought against Kroger by the Washington Attorney General’s Office on Saturday.
“Kroger’s merger with Albertsons will mean higher wages and expanded benefits for associates, lower prices and more choices for customers and expanded access to fresh, affordable food. We remain committed to defending our merger in court and unlocking the many benefits it will deliver,” the spokesperson said.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson offered his reasoning for bringing the suit on Friday, arguing that it would create an anti-competitive business climate across the Evergreen State.
“The proposed merger will eliminate head-to-head competition between the two largest grocery operators in the state,” Ferguson’s office said.
Based upon Kroger’s hiring of a media relations firm to handle the antitrust suit, it seems that the legal controversy surrounding the proposed merger will likely continue.
