Kroger, the nation’s largest operator of traditional supermarkets, would buy Albertsons, the second-largest such operator, for $24.6 billion and merge it into Kroger’s operations. The deal would combine Cincinnati-based Kroger and its 2,722 stores with Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons and the 2,271 stores it operates.

Antitrust experts say a few core issues prompted the judges to say no the merger, ultimately dooming the deal.

University of Houston professor Steven Craig said the Krogers-Albertsons merger falling apart is a good development for shoppers.

Grocery chain Albertsons called off its $25 billion blockbuster merger with Kroger Wednesday after a federal judge halted the deal.

Two federal court rulings blocked the $25 billion merger of the supermarket giants and Albertsons sued Kroger for its handling of the deal. What now?

Albertsons is suing Kroger for breach of contract and accusing it of failing to exercise its “best efforts” to get regulatory approval for the merger.

Kroger chose to sell as few stores as possible, ensured it was only selling Kroger’s worst performers, and opted to sell to one of the least-qualified buyers, Albertsons alleges