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Kroger announced Wednesday it will acquire regional supermarket chain Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal, marking the grocery giant's first major acquisition since regulators blocked its proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons nearly two years ago.

The acquisition will strengthen Kroger's presence across several Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic markets as traditional grocery chains compete with Walmart and Amazon while consumers continue searching for lower prices after years of elevated inflation.

"We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear," Kroger CEO Greg Foran said in a statement. "Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets."

This acquisition follows the collapse of Kroger's proposed merger with Albertsons in late 2024, when courts blocked the deal over antitrust concerns, prompting the nation's largest traditional supermarket operator to pursue other avenues for growth.

The grocery industry remains fiercely competitive as retailers battle for market share amid persistent pressure on household budgets. Kroger has sought to keep prices competitive as shoppers remain price-conscious, while Walmart has continued to gain grocery market share and Amazon has expanded its online grocery offerings.

Kroger said it expects the Giant Eagle acquisition to increase adjusted earnings beginning in the second full year after the transaction closes, which is expected in 2027.

The deal also reflects a broader wave of consolidation across the consumer sector, with companies pursuing acquisitions to gain scale and navigate inflationary pressures, changing consumer preferences and heightened competition.