Albertsons Seeks Details on Ex-Kroger CEO McMullen’s Ethics Amid Litigation

Albertsons is intensifying its legal battle with Kroger by seeking detailed information regarding the sudden resignation of Kroger's former CEO Rodney McMullen amid an internal ethics investigation. McMullen stepped down earlier this year after Kroger's board found his personal conduct inconsistent with its business ethics policy, though the company has provided limited details and stated the conduct was unrelated to financial or operational matters. Albertsons argues that McMullen’s ethics and behavior are central to their lawsuit, suggesting his conduct may have influenced the collapse of the proposed $25 billion merger between the two grocers. The dispute over the failed merger has led to multiple lawsuits, including those involving C&S Wholesale Grocers, with a trial scheduled for October 2026 in Delaware. Albertsons is pushing the Delaware Court of Chancery to compel Kroger to disclose documents related to McMullen’s conduct, emphasizing the need to move beyond Kroger’s vague explanations. Meanwhile, Albertsons' stock has faced pressure amid the ongoing litigation, although analysts maintain an overall positive outlook on the company’s future performance.