If completed, this merger is likely to particularly affect people who live in rural areas or have lower incomes. The $26 Billion deal is receiving criticism from independent grocery chains, consumer advocates, and some elected officials. Assuming completion, the merger would allow Albertson-Kroger and Walmart to control 70% of the market in 167 U.S. cities. In some places, the share would allow over 90% market control. See Salinas, KS, and Durango, CO, as examples. Although the news coverage has said little about the effect of the merger on food producers who sell to the companies, it is obvious this merger would give Albertsons-Kroger more power to squeeze food producers, too.