During the five months since Kroger’s attempt to combine with Albertsons fell apart, the grocery chain has taken several steps to put the unsuccessful transaction behind it.
The company named a new chief financial officer from outside the company, created a new business unit to consolidate its online operations under a single leader and added hundreds of private label products to its expansive own brands portfolio. Kroger has also cut staff and rejiggered teams at its 84.51° retail analytics subsidiary in a bid to improve efficiency.
But Kroger is also dealing with several obstacles as it moves forward — including an ongoing legal battle with Albertsons that has seen both companies claim the other one is to blame for their inability to merge. The company is also contending with a lawsuit from C&S Wholesale Grocers, which was in line to acquire hundreds of divested stores in connection with the merger and is demanding a $125 million breakup fee.
Kroger is also searching for a new chief executive following the sudden resignation in March of former Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant headlines Kroger has generated since it abandoned its plan to merge with its chief rival in the supermarket industry.