Kroger ($KR@US), the second-largest grocer in the U.S., is purchasing its rival Albertsons ($ACI@US) for $24.6 billion. The two companies unanimously agreed that Kroger would purchase Albertsons for $34.10 a share, which will require regulatory approval. Combined, Kroger and Albertsons employ more than 700,000 people across about 5,000 stores. Kroger and Albertsons each have numerous store banners, including names that the operators have acquired over the years. Kroger’s banners include Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and King Soopers, and Albertsons’ banners include Safeway, Acme, and Tom Thumb.