The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Plaintiff States sought to enjoin Ahold’s acquisition of The Stop & Shop Companies Inc. (Stop & Shop), alleging that the merger would substantially lessen competition within the supermarket industry. In order to consummate the merger and maintain a viable, competitive marketplace, the parties agreed to settlement terms by which Ahold agreed to divest 30 supermarkets in 14 communities. Additionally, the parties agreed to a settlement sum of $136,711.54 to repay costs of the investigation and attorneys fees.