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Kroger Co. said it’s committed to hunkering down for a long legal battle if U.S. regulators attempt to block its $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons Cos.

Albertsons Cos. is anticipating higher labor costs and “a more difficult consumer environment” in a new sign of caution from big U.S. retailers.

Senators pressed the CEOs of Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. on Nov. 29 about whether their proposed $24.6 billion deal to create a supermarket giant will benefit consumers in an era of rising inflation.

The Senate plans to hold a hearing in November on Kroger Co.’s planned $24.6 billion takeover of Albertsons Cos.

Two of the nation’s largest grocers have agreed to merge as Kroger on Oct. 14 bid $20 billion for Albertsons Companies Inc., or $34.10 per share.

Kroger Co. is in talks about a tie-up with rival Albertsons Cos. in a deal that would create a U.S. grocery giant, people familiar with the matter said.