Albertsons, the US grocery retailer, has announced that it has reached an agreement to merge with Rite Aid, a leading pharmacy chain, in a cash and stock deal. Rite Aid shareholders will own a 28 to 29.6% stake in the combined company, whilst current Albertsons shareholders will own a stake from 70.4 percent to 72 percent in the combined company, upon the closure of the merger. “The combination will provide …