kroger co kr said tuesday it received a second request for information from the federal trade commission as part of the regulatory review process for its merger with albertsons companies inc aci  but it continues to expect to complete the deal by early 2024 we will continue to work cooperatively with the ftc as it conducts its review of the merger including developing a thoughtful divestiture plan the company said the second request extends the waiting period imposed by the hartscottrodino antitrust improvements act until 30 days after kroger and albertsons cos have complied with the requests shares of kroger rose 05 in premarket trades albertsons dipped 03