It’s scarcely believable that there hasn’t been an aggressive investigation — by the Federal Trade Commission; the attorneys general for Washington, Oregon and California; and, why not, by The Daily Herald — into the continuing Haggen’s, Albertsons, Safeway imbroglio.
At a glance: Albertsons merges with Safeway. The FTC forces this joint enterprise to sell over 140 stores. Haggen’s, with 18 stores, inexplicably had financial resources to buy them all. Within weeks of this sale, both parties are filing suit against one another (smokescreen?). Then, in late summer, Haggen’s declares bankruptcy. Finally, Haggen’s announces that all its stores are available for purchase. The No. 1 prospective buyer? Albertsons.
If this obvious setup goes unpunished, then I’ll be standing by for the cow to jump over the moon. Give me a break.
Andy Dockhorn
Everett
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