The key phrase, of course, is that those impacts "may" occur. You can find just as many analysts supporting the merger. Kroger officials say the company "will not lay off any frontline associates or close any stores, distribution centers or manufacturing facilities as a result of this merger." They add: "The only parties who would benefit if this merger is not completed are large, non-unionized competitors such as Walmart and Amazon." Their interest in the welfare of consumers and employees, however, appears specious. Last year, Albertsons announced a "special dividend" payout of $4 billion, and the Washington State Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the dividend. Whether or not the payout is legal, investing in improved goods and services would better serve customers. But whether talking about grocery chains, telecommunications companies or pharmaceutical conglomerates, the proposed Kroger-Albertsons marriage should spark interest in corporate mergers.