CA AB853

Prohibits acquisition of voting securities or assets of retail grocery firms or retail drug firms without written notice to the Attorney General at least 180 days before the acquisition is effective.

Applies to acquiring parties required to file under federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act or acquiring more than 20 retail drug or grocery firms.

Requires notice to include Hart-Scott-Rodino filing materials if applicable, or detailed information on competitive effects, financial condition, planned divestitures, and impact on food/medicine access and worker supply if not required to file federally.

Charges acquiring parties a filing fee not exceeding 0.00045% of combined sales for the Attorney General's review and analysis, with the Attorney General having 180 days to evaluate the transaction.

Authorizes civil penalties up to $20,000 per day of noncompliance, injunctive relief, and recovery of attorney's fees for violations; permits Attorney General to seek court orders temporarily staying acquisitions if evaluation cannot be completed in time.