The Federal Trade Commission has approved the merger of Albertsons and Safeway, following the chains' divestiture of 168 stores in eight states, the FTC said Tuesday. The more-than $9 billion deal, which is expected to close over the next week, will see the stores sold to Haggen Holdings, SUPERVALU, Associated Wholesale Grocers and Associated Food Stores in 130 markets where Albertsons and Safeway directly compete.
