<p> Earlier this week, the Federal Trade Commission voted 4-0 to accept a settlement package from Albertsons that includes the sale of its Amarillo and Wichita Falls stores, made necessary by its proposed $385 million acquisition of United Supermarkets, according to Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The terms of this acquisition had not been disclosed until recently.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The FTC issued a statement that claimed the United acquisition would likely “substantially lessen competition for the retail sale of food and other grocery products in supermarkets in the relevant geographic markets.” The buyout would violate federal law by supporting competition and could harm Amarillo and Wichita Falls customers through higher prices, lower quality, and reduce service levels, according to the FTC filing.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">To resolve these charges, Albertsons agreed to sell these particular stores to MAL Enterprises, which operates Lawrence Brothers IGA, Cash Saver Cost Plus, and Save-A-Lot supermarket banners. The sale, which is expected to be completed by January 13, is estimated to be worth “several million dollars each,” said MAL Enterprises President Jay Lawrence. This includes an estimated $2.8 million to buy the inventory both stores contain. The stores are planned to be re-opened around January 17 or 18 “with a new concept.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Last September, United agreed to be acquired by Albertsons, which includes United’s 50 supermarket locations, 26 fuel sites, 3 distribution centers, and 1 manufacturing facility throughout North and West Texas.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2013-12-24/federal-trade-commission-unanimously-accepts-albertsons-agreement#.UrnXB7SyONM" target="_new"> Lubbock Avalanche-Journal </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
