Kroger, the nation’s largest operator of traditional supermarkets, would buy Albertsons, the second-largest such operator, for $24.6 billion and merge it into Kroger’s operations. The deal would combine Cincinnati-based Kroger and its 2,722 stores with Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons and the 2,271 stores it operates.

Antitrust experts say a few core issues prompted the judges to say no the merger, ultimately dooming the deal.

Two federal court rulings blocked the $25 billion merger of the supermarket giants and Albertsons sued Kroger for its handling of the deal. What now?

Grocery chain Albertsons called off its $25 billion blockbuster merger with Kroger Wednesday after a federal judge halted the deal.

University of Houston professor Steven Craig said the Krogers-Albertsons merger falling apart is a good development for shoppers.

Kroger chose to sell as few stores as possible, ensured it was only selling Kroger’s worst performers, and opted to sell to one of the least-qualified buyers, Albertsons alleges