Kroger, the nation’s largest operator of traditional supermarkets, would buy Albertsons, the second-largest such operator, for $24.6 billion and merge it into Kroger’s operations. The deal would combine Cincinnati-based Kroger and its 2,722 stores with Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons and the 2,271 stores it operates.

Antitrust experts say a few core issues prompted the judges to say no the merger, ultimately dooming the deal.

In an unsealed complaint, Albertsons claims that Kroger’s hubris and reluctance to divest of stores sank their merger; Kroger has said its rival breached the agreement.

Grocery chain Albertsons called off its $25 billion blockbuster merger with Kroger Wednesday after a federal judge halted the deal.

After two years and ongoing opposition, Jewel-Osco parent Albertsons officially terminated its proposed $24.6 billion merger with Kroger and filed a lawsuit against the Mariano's parent. That lawsuit has been unsealed.

University of Houston professor Steven Craig said the Krogers-Albertsons merger falling apart is a good development for shoppers.

Kroger chose to sell as few stores as possible, ensured it was only selling Kroger’s worst performers, and opted to sell to one of the least-qualified buyers, Albertsons alleges