Report: Albertsons COO Would Lead C&S Post Kroger-Albertsons Merger

Vivek Sankaran, Albertsons Companies CEO, told employees that COO Susan Morris would lead retail at C&S Wholesale Grocers, contingent on Kroger successfully buying Albertsons, according to a company memo, reports local news source BoiseDev.

In the memo, Sankaran said Morris “rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential and high-impact leaders in our company and across our industry. Susan has been instrumental in building the Albertsons we know today starting with a few hundred stores in 2006. She will bring to C&S a multi-decade track record of operational excellence, innovation, and growth.”

Morris’ new title would be president and CEO for retail for C&S.

The news comes as Kroger and Albertsons released a list of the 579 specific stores, 6 distribution centers, and one plant that would be divested to C&S as part of the merger. The list includes 101 stores in Arizona, 63 in California, 91 in Colorado, 62 in Oregon, and 124 in Washington.

“C&S is a well-capitalized industry leader in wholesale grocery supply—currently serving more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, retail chain stores, and military bases—with a strong track record as a successful grocery retailer. Their purchase of these assets—along with the associates who will transition to C&S post-close—will enable their company to be one of the leading grocery retailers in the United States, providing communities and consumers with even more choices and access to fresh, affordable food options," said an Albertsons Cos. spokesperson in a statement issued to SFA News Daily.

In October 2022, Kroger and Albertsons announced their intent to merge, raising concerns from industry stakeholders, national unions, The Federal Trade Commission, and various lawmakers. The FTC and several states have sued to block the merger; however, both companies hope the $24.6 billion transaction will go through. Full Story

Image: C&S Wholesale Grocers