Attorneys general say Albertsons should delay $4B dividend

A bipartisan group of attorneys general is asking Albertsons to delay a $4 billion payout to its shareholders. The attorneys general first want to complete a review Kroger’s planned acquisition of the grocery chain. Kroger this month announced it was buying Albertsons for $20 billion. The deal includes a special dividend of up to $4 billion that Albertsons is scheduled to pay its shareholders on Nov. 7. The attorneys general say Albertsons needs the money to do business while regulators decide on the merger. But Albertsons says its finances are strong and the dividend would reward all of its shareholders.