To: Office of the Illinois Attorney General, 115 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois

Re: Kroger and Albertsons Merger

Dear A.G. Raoul: I am concerned that the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons grocery stores will create a disadvantage for Illinois shoppers. Here, in Lake County, we are fortunate to have two corporate branches: Jewel (Albertsons) and Mariano’s (Kroger). The stores face each other across Milwaukee Avenue, in Libertyville/Vernon Hills. They are connected via a major intersection.

The parking lots are full.

We are long term shoppers at Sunset Foods, Jewel, and Mariano’s . Despite the distance, we visit all three stores regularly to choose from a rich, wide selection. Each store continually makes competitive offers, which we enjoy. We are frequent shopper club members at all three stores, and take full advantage of the timely deals.

Over the past 27 months I have logged the dollars spent at each store.

As you can see, all three stores enjoy our business. If Jewel and Marianos co-exist under a merger, it would not be for long, as they will both get their product through the same purchasing department. So one of these stores will probably close. To me, that eliminates the competitive environment. Indeed, it is likely, with no competition, that prices will rise over time.

I urge you to be firm in fighting this proposed merger. It may be good for business, but it’s no good for shoppers.

Sincerely,

Phil Brown, Libertyville, IL.