Kroger, Albertsons poised for growth after $25 bln merger plan falls apart
** Albertsons ACI.N and Kroger KR.N terminated their $25 billion merger plan on Wednesday after courts blocked the deal
** Albertsons also sued Kroger, alleging a breach of contract, and said it was seeking billions of dollars in damages and a $600 mln termination fee
** Both cos announce share buyback programs upon termination of the merger
WALL STREET SEES GREEN SHOOTS POST TERMINATED MERGER
** A new battle dawns between KR and ACI; makes sense that Albertsons should receive previously agreed upon termination fee of $600 mln to cover time and resources spent on the merger - Telsey Advisory Group
** "Refreshing and helpful" to see ACI on its front foot post-merger break, might expect store rationalization program -JPMorgan analysts after chat with ACI CFO Sharon McCollam
** View developments over last two days as a positive, removing a key overhang for KR shares- Oppenheimer
** M&A very much a part of Kroger's DNA historically; anticipate KR will explore options among smaller deals- Evercore ISI
** Kroger is an attractive buy with enhanced alternative revenue streams and substantial buyback post-merger; ACI is even more compelling on solid plans for 2025, a trough valuation, and sizable buyback of $2 bln - Wells Fargo
Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru
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