The two companies agreed to the delay as they await a court ruling on a lawsuit filed by the attorney general of Colorado to block the deal. The trial is set to start on Sept. 30. [READ MORE: Judge puts temporary hold on Kroger, Albertsons $25 billion deal ] As of June 15, 2024, Albertsons operated 2,269 retail food and drug stores with 1,725 pharmacies, 403 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S.