The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun a trial to block Kroger’s $25 billion merger with Albertsons, arguing that it would reduce competition and harm consumers in the grocery industry.

Despite Kroger’s promises to lower prices and divest nearly 600 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, the FTC and several states have filed lawsuits, claiming the merger would lead to higher grocery prices and weaken union bargaining power.

The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson, will explore the merger’s potential impact on competition, with other state challenges to follow, Fox Business has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley