Albertsons and Kroger terminated their $25 billion merger plan on Wednesday after courts blocked the deal, with the former suing its rival and alleging a breach of contract that led to the deal's demise.

Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons — who compete in 22 states — agreed to sell 579 stores in places where their locations overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.

A federal judge blocked the deal and sided with the Federal Trade Commission, which raised antitrust concerns over the merger.