High Court to Consider Review of Store Merger

Will Friday the 13th prove to be American Stores’ Lucky day?

On that day in October, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider whether to review the antitrust case that has so far prevented the Salt Lake City-based company from merging its Alpha Beta and Lucky supermarket units. A review would further delay, and possibly scuttle, American Stores’ effort to unite the chains under the Lucky banner.

California Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp challenged the integration 13 months ago on the grounds that it would diminish competition and result in higher grocery prices. Since then, the case has meandered through the California court system. In late August, the Attorney General’s Office posted a $10,000 bond so that it could pursue the case with the high court.

Word of the Supreme Court’s decision probably will be issued Oct. 16, sources close to the case said.