Attorneys for Kroger and Albertsons insisted the deal would boost competition by strengthening both companies as a unified company, repeated company promises to lower grocery pric

The federal government urged a U.S. District Court judge on Tuesday to temporarily prevent a proposed merger between Kroger — parent company of Ralphs — and Albertsons — parent of Vons, saying in closing arguments the combination would “almost certainly” benefit shareholders and not everyday shoppers.

The federal government urged a U.S. District Court judge on Tuesday to temporarily prevent a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, saying in closing arguments the combination would “almost certainly” benefit shareholders and not everyday shoppers.