Kroger and Albertsons Companies detail merger
Kroger and Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the companies will merge two complementary organizations with iconic brands and deep roots in their local communities to establish a national footprint and unite around Kroger’s Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit. This combination will expand customer reach and improve proximity to deliver fresh and affordable food to approximately 85 million households with a premier omnichannel experience.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, Kroger will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Albertsons Companies, Inc. common and preferred stock (on an as converted basis) for an estimated total consideration of $34.10 per share, implying a total enterprise value of approximately $24.6 billion, including the assumption of approximately $4.7 billion of Albertsons Cos. net debt.
Together, Albertsons Cos. and Kroger currently employ more than 710,000 associates and operate a total of 4,996 stores, 66 distribution centers, 52 manufacturing plants, 3,972 pharmacies and 2,015 fuel centers. The combination creates a premier seamless ecosystem across 48 states and the District of Columbia, providing customers with a best-in-class shopping experience across both stores and digital channels. Both Kroger and Albertsons Cos. are anchored by shared values focused on ensuring associates, customers and communities thrive. The combined company will drive profitable growth and sustainable value for all stakeholders.
Christiana Ochoa announced as Dean of the Maurer School of Law
Christiana Ochoa has been named Dean of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She is the school’s first-ever Latina Dean and one of just eight Latina women ever to serve as the Dean of a US Law School.
“Professor Christiana Ochoa is a remarkable leader and internationally recognized researcher and scholar with a history of outstanding service to Indiana University,” said IU President Pamela Whitten. “She led the creation of innovative academic programs and immersive experiences for our students, including the Law and Technology Program and Rural Justice Initiative. Her breadth of knowledge and experience is an asset to the Maurer School of Law, and we are thrilled that she will be serving as its dean.”
Ochoa became interim Dean of the school in July after serving the Law School as Executive Associate Dean and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs. She is the Class of 1950 Herman B Wells Endowed Professor at the Maurer School of Law.
In addition to her administrative roles at the Law School, Ochoa served as associate vice provost for faculty and academic affairs for the IU Bloomington campus, as founding Academic Director of the IU Mexico Gateway, and as a founding and current Associate Director of IU’s Center for Documentary Research and Practice. Her research delves into the ways economic activity impacts human and ecological well-being through the lens of international and comparative law with a focus on business and human rights, law and development, international finance, and foreign direct investment.
Ochoa earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she was honored with a Harvard Human Rights Fellowship, Reginald F. Lewis Traveling Fellowship, Irving R. Kaufman Public Interest Fellowship, and Deborah K. Hauger Memorial Fellowship. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and American Culture from University of Michigan.
Bloomington Infrastructure Update
Fall Planting of Bicentennial Trees
Trees were delivered to Bloomington Wednesday for the fall continuation of Bicentennial Bond Tree Plantings that began last spring. Urban forestry crews unloaded 122 trees, and contractor Davey Resource Group immediately began delivering trees to established planting sites. Approximately 172 tree planting sites remain from the original 350 identified sites. Over the next few weeks, trees will be planted in Project Areas 3 and 4, which include the Crestmont, Maple Heights, Prospect Hill, Broadview, Southern Pines, and Winslow Farm neighborhoods. For more information about the Bicentennial Bond tree planting project, or for a map of the project areas and frequently asked questions about the Bicentennial Bond tree planting project, visit https://bton.in/evHK6.
New Trails at Goat Farm Park
Contractors are continuing work on park improvements at Goat Farm Park. The new trails have been laid out, compacted, and graveled in preparation for paving that will make the trails accessible. Paving is scheduled to happen this week, depending on the weather.
Hidden River Pathway Project
The two-year downtown stormwater infrastructure reconstruction project to address flooding during rain events is nearly complete. Grant & 4th are now fully open, although the eastbound lane of 4th will close in the near future to finish up power connections. Sidewalks are also getting completed. This project is on track to be finished by the February 2023 deadline. For more information about the project visit: bloomington.in.gov/utilities/hidden-river.
Hopewell Phase 1 East
The demolition and site restoration are complete! Removal of construction equipment and site fencing will take place over the next couple of weeks. The next phase of the project, which includes roads, infrastructure, and linear park, will start in the next few months. The Hopewell Phase 1 East project site is bounded by 2nd Street to the north, 1st Street to the south, B-Line to the east, and Rogers Street to the west. Additional information about the project and the contractor can be found at the following links: https://bton.in/mRp~I, hopewellbloomington.org & renascentinc.com/
Neighborhood Greenways
Neighborhood Greenways are low-speed, low-volume, shared-space streets that support high-comfort walking and bicycling connections. Recently completed Neighborhood Greenway projects include W. Graham Drive, which saw the installation of a speed cushion, concrete curbs that create a street edge, and a “whimsical wayfinding” green line (see below photo). There are currently two Neighborhood Greenway projects in progress and both will have their second public meeting in October. The W. Allen Neighborhood Greenway public meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on October 17th at Hoosier Heights Outdoor Area. The Hawthorne/Weatherstone Neighborhood Greenway public meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on October 24th at the Bryan Park Woodlawn Shelter. The meetings will host discussions about the design and implementation of the projects, as well as allow the community to give feedback on the projects. Both projects target a spring 2023 construction. Additional information about Neighborhood Greenways and both projects can be found online at bloomington.in.gov/tcgp.
This Week in Hoosier History
1823 – The Pepin & Barnet Circus appeared in Vincennes. The audience was treated to demonstrations of “horsemanship and feats of agility.” The organization is considered by many historians to be the first circus in the United States. Partner Andre Pepin purchased a home in New Albany and died there in 1845.
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