January 3, 2025 – Daily Report recently featured Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s promotion of eight attorneys to partner, marking an increase from last year’s six new partners. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 19, 2024 – Cincinnati Business Courier recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the termination of the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger, which courts blocked due to antitrust concerns. Cross noted, “Judge Nelson applied all of the analyses that I would have expected to see students apply to one of my merger exam questions,” emphasizing the rigor of the court’s decision. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 17, 2024 – Cincinnati Business Courier recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on Albertsons’ lawsuit against Kroger following the collapse of their $24.6 billion merger. Cross noted, “Albertsons has a strong case that Kroger failed to use its best efforts to consummate the merger, especially as to the divestiture of stores to C&S.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 16, 2024 – Law360 interviewed Jeffery Cross on recent antitrust enforcement efforts and the impact of court victories on merger guidelines. Cross highlighted the significance of the Kroger ruling, noting, “The court shared the FTC’s concerns about the divestiture offer, including that C&S lacks the experience and expertise to run a grocery chain.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 12, 2024 – Crain’s Chicago Business recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the fallout from the failed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger. Cross explained how prolonged merger negotiations can harm companies, noting, “You start losing employees. You also start losing customers, particularly customers who have potential substitutes like Walmart. There is really damage.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 11, 2024 – MarketWatch recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the legal fallout following the terminated merger between Albertsons and Kroger. Cross noted that Albertsons’ lawsuit argues Kroger “didn’t use [its] best effort to make this deal work, including the divestiture,” and suggested Kroger entered the trial knowing its case for regulatory approval was weak. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 11, 2024 – Law360 recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the court rulings that blocked the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a decision that aligned with the FTC’s revised merger guidelines. Cross commented, “What that says to me, is [the companies’ expert] knew that under the traditional methodology Kroger would lose, so he tried to come up with something cutesy.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 10, 2024 – Cincinnati Business Courier recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on Judge Adrienne Nelson’s decision to block Kroger’s $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons. Cross noted, “In short, Judge Nelson applied all of the analyses that I would have expected to see students apply to one of my merger exam questions.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 9, 2024 – Daily Business Review recently highlighted insights from Steven Brust on our expansion in Florida, including the firm’s combination with Jacksonville-based boutique ABL Law. “Combining with a varied Florida-based practice made sense for Smith Gambrell because it fits well with our growth ambitions,” Brust explained. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

December 6, 2024 – Cincinnati Business Courier recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the FTC’s lawsuit to block Kroger’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons. Cross predicted, “My conclusion is the FTC wins,” citing the agency’s ability to raise “serious and substantial questions” under the legal standard for antitrust cases. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).