DENVER (KDVR) – The Kroger and Albertsons merger has been put on pause until Denver’s district court rules on the lawsuit brought on by the state of Colorado.

The two grocery store chains announced their plans to merge, however, this was met with much controversy as many said this would create a monopoly.

In February, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued to block the $24.6 billion merger between the grocery chains, saying the lack of competition would lead to higher grocery prices and lower wages for workers.

The State of Colorado also filed a lawsuit in February to stop the merger and block plans until the court’s decision.

On Thursday, the court ruled for the merger to be put on pause until a final decision was made.

I am pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on the state’s lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger. This is great news for shoppers, workers, farmers, and other suppliers, who can rest assured that this mega-merger will not go into effect during harvest season and while kids are headed back to school. The trial is set to begin on September 30 and my office looks forward to making the case that this merger will eliminate competition and impact food prices, jobs, and consumer choice.

Attorney General Phil Weiser

We’re pleased with the court’s decision to temporarily halt the proposed mega-merger, which would have devastating impacts in communities here in Colorado and across the country. Our members and customers alike are concerned about potential job losses, food and pharmacy deserts, increased food prices, cost to food suppliers, and a lack of competition if the merger goes through. It’s not a done deal, and we will continue to do all we can to stop the merger.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 President Kim Cordova

The trial for whether or not the two chains are creating a monopoly will begin on Sept. 30.