Kroger Settles Lawsuit with C&S Wholesale Over Failed Albertsons Merger.

Kroger has settled a lawsuit with C&S Wholesale Grocers over a failed $25 billion merger with Albertsons. C&S had sued Kroger for a $125 million termination fee, which was not disclosed in the settlement. Kroger's legal troubles are not over, as Albertsons has also filed a lawsuit seeking a $600 million breakup fee. Despite this, KR stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating with a $76.88 average price target.

Kroger Co. and C&S Wholesale Grocers have reached a settlement in a legal dispute stemming from the failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons. The lawsuit, filed by C&S in March, alleged that Kroger owed it a $125 million termination fee due to the merger's collapse. The terms of the settlement remain confidential [1].

Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "We are pleased to resolve the claims from C&S, and we look forward to a friendly relationship with them going forward. Kroger remains focused on serving our customers and running great stores across the U.S." [1].

C&S also expressed its satisfaction with the settlement, stating, "We are pleased to have reached this resolution with Kroger" [2]. Despite the settlement, Kroger continues to face legal challenges, as Albertsons has filed a lawsuit seeking a $600 million breakup fee [2].

Despite these legal issues, Kroger's stock has received a Moderate Buy consensus rating with a $76.88 average price target from analysts. This rating reflects the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the grocery market and its commitment to serving customers [3].

References:
[1] https://storebrands.com/kroger-cs-wholesale-grocers-reach-settlement
[2] https://www.grocerydive.com/news/kroger-cs-wholesalers-settle-lawsuit-termination-fee-albertons-merger/757300/
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/consensus-cloud-beats-q2-adjusted-eps-estimates-raises-fy-guidance-ce7c5edcd98cf227