<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001047469-19-000041.txt : 20190107
<SEC-HEADER>0001047469-19-000041.hdr.sgml : 20190107
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20190107085045
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001047469-19-000041
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	424B5
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20190107
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20190107

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			KROGER CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000056873
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411]
		IRS NUMBER:				310345740
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			OH
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0202

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		424B5
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-215085
		FILM NUMBER:		19512320

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1014 VINE ST
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45201
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5137624000

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1014 VINE ST
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45201
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>424B5
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2237414z424b5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>424B5
<TEXT>
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Use these links to rapidly review the document<BR>
<A HREF="#bg70701_table_of_contents">  TABLE OF CONTENTS</A> <BR>
<A HREF="#bg70702_table_of_contents">  TABLE OF CONTENTS</A><BR></font>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ba70701_filed_pursuant_to_rule_424(b)(__fil01820"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ba70701_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  Filed Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b)(5)<BR>  Registration Statement&nbsp;No.&nbsp;333-215085    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT COLOR="#FF4040" SIZE=2>This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but is not complete and may be
changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and they are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT COLOR="#FF4040" SIZE=2><B>Subject to Completion, dated January&nbsp;7, 2019</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated December&nbsp;14, 2016 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=5><B>The Kroger Co.  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Senior Notes due 2029 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Senior Notes due 2049 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><I>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger is offering two series of notes due&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2029 (the "2029
notes"), and due&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2049 (the "2049 notes" and, together
with the 2029 notes, the "notes"). Kroger will pay interest on the notes
on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;of each year. The first interest payment on the notes will be made
on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
2019. The notes will be issued only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger
has the right to redeem all or any portion of the notes at any time at the applicable redemption prices described in this prospectus supplement, plus accrued and unpaid interest
on the notes being redeemed to the date of redemption. If a change of control triggering event as described herein occurs, unless Kroger has exercised its option to redeem the notes, Kroger will be
required to offer to repurchase the notes at the price described in this prospectus supplement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>See "Risk Factors" beginning on page&nbsp;S-2 of this prospectus supplement to read about certain factors you should consider before buying notes.  </I></FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed
upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.  </B></FONT></P>
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<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Initial Public<BR>
Offering Price </B></FONT></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Underwriting<BR>
Discount </B></FONT></TH>
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<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proceeds, before<BR>
expenses, to Kroger </B></FONT></TH>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Per&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% note due 2029</FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Total</FONT></TD>
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$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
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$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Per&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% note due 2049</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Total</FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
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$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
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$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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 <P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
initial public offering prices set forth above do not include accrued interest, if any. Interest on the notes will accrue
from&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019 and must be
paid by the purchaser if the notes are delivered after&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company for the accounts of its participants, including Clearstream
Banking, </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>soci&eacute;t&eacute; anonyme,</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, against payment in
New&nbsp;York, New&nbsp;York on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019. </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Joint Book-Running Managers for the 2029 Notes</I></FONT></P>
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<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B>Wells Fargo Securities</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B> Citigroup</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B> US Bancorp</B></FONT></TD>
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 <P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Joint Book-Running Managers for the 2049 Notes</I></FONT></P>
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<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B>Wells Fargo Securities</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B> BofA Merrill Lynch</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B> Goldman Sachs &amp; Co. LLC</B></FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Prospectus Supplement dated January&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019.  </B></FONT></P>

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NAME="BG70701A_main_toc"></A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  TABLE OF CONTENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

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NAME="BG70701_TOC"></A> </FONT></P>
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<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
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<TD COLSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B> Prospectus Supplement</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_risk_factors"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Risk Factors</FONT></A></TD>
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S-2</FONT></A></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_the_company"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>The Company</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_the_company"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_use_of_proceeds"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Use of Proceeds</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_use_of_proceeds"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_conflicts_of_interest"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Conflicts of Interest</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#da70701_conflicts_of_interest"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dc70701_description_of_the_notes"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Description of the Notes</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dc70701_description_of_the_notes"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-4</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#de70701_united_states_federal_tax_considerations"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>United States Federal Tax Considerations</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#de70701_united_states_federal_tax_considerations"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-15</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_underwriting"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Underwriting</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_underwriting"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-22</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_conflicts_of_interest"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Conflicts of Interest</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_conflicts_of_interest"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-26</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_validity_of_the_notes"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Validity of the Notes</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_validity_of_the_notes"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-27</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_experts"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Experts</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_experts"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-27</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_forward-looking_statements"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Forward-Looking Statements</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_forward-looking_statements"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-27</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_incorporation_by_reference"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Incorporation by Reference</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#dg70701_incorporation_by_reference"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
S-28</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Prospectus</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_about_this_prospectus"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>About This Prospectus</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_about_this_prospectus"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_the_company"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>The Company</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_the_company"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_risk_factors"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Risk Factors</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_risk_factors"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_forward_looking_statements"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Forward Looking Statements</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_forward_looking_statements"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_where_you_can_find_more_information"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Where You Can Find More Information</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_where_you_can_find_more_information"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_consolidated_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_consolidated_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_use_of_proceeds"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Use of Proceeds</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_use_of_proceeds"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_plan_of_distribution"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Plan of Distribution</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_plan_of_distribution"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_debt_securities"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Description of Debt Securities</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_debt_securities"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_capital_stock"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Description of Capital Stock</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_capital_stock"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
7</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_depositary_shares"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Description of Depositary Shares</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_depositary_shares"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
9</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_warrants"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Description of Warrants</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_warrants"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
12</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_experts"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Experts</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_experts"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
14</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_legal_matters"><p style="font-family:times;margin-top:12pt;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Legal Matters</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_legal_matters"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
14</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></DIV>
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 <P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-1</FONT></P>

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</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da70701_risk_factors"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da70701_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  RISK FACTORS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>You should carefully consider the risk factors included in our SEC filings as well as the following matters in deciding
whether to purchase the notes.</I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:0pt;text-indent:-0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Our indebtedness could adversely affect us by reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and
economic conditions and increasing our borrowing costs.  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of November&nbsp;10, 2018, our total outstanding indebtedness, including capital leases and the current portion thereof, was approximately
$15.0&nbsp;billion. As of November&nbsp;10, 2018, we maintained a $2.75&nbsp;billion revolving credit facility that terminates on August&nbsp;29, 2022. Outstanding borrowings under the credit
facility and commercial paper borrowings, and some outstanding letters of credit, reduce funds available under the credit facility. As of November&nbsp;10, 2018, we had $635&nbsp;million of
outstanding commercial paper and no borrowings under the credit facility. The outstanding letters of credit that reduced the funds available under our credit facility totaled $5.3&nbsp;million as of
November&nbsp;10, 2018. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
indebtedness could reduce our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, acquisitions or other purposes and could make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and
competitive pressures. Our needs for cash in the future will depend on many factors that are difficult to predict. These factors include results of operations, the timing and cost of acquisitions and
efforts to expand existing operations. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
believe that we will have sufficient funds from all sources to meet our needs over the next several years. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate cash flow at
or above current levels. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to pay our debt and make necessary investments, we will be required to:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> refinance all or a portion of our existing debt; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> seek new borrowings; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> forego strategic opportunities; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> delay, scale back or eliminate some aspects of our operations. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
necessary, any of these actions could have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes will effectively rank equal in right of payment with approximately $15.0&nbsp;billion of our other indebtedness as of November&nbsp;10, 2018. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, the condition of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse
effect on the market prices of the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:0pt;text-indent:-0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Our sources of liquidity are dependent upon our lenders honoring their commitments.  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our $2.75&nbsp;billion committed revolving credit facility, maturing on August&nbsp;29, 2022, continues to remain available. Letters of
credit totaling $5.3&nbsp;million as of November&nbsp;10, 2018 reduce amounts available under the credit facility. Commercial paper borrowings also reduce amounts available under the credit
facility. As of November&nbsp;10, 2018, we had $635&nbsp;million of outstanding commercial paper. Our liquidity could be affected if our committed lenders are unable or unwilling to honor their
contractual obligations to us. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-2</FONT></P>

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Our operations may be negatively impacted by a variety of factors.  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We obtain sales growth from new square footage, as well as from increased productivity from existing stores. Our ability to generate sales and
earnings could be adversely affected by the increasingly competitive environment in which we operate. In addition, a prolonged labor dispute, delays in opening new stores, changes in the economic
climate, unexpected changes in product cost, weather conditions and natural disasters, government regulations, or other unanticipated events, could adversely affect our operations. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da70701_the_company"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da70701_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  THE COMPANY    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger was founded in 1883 and was incorporated in 1902. We maintain our corporate offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as of November&nbsp;10,
2018, we were one of the largest grocery retailers in the world based on annual sales. We also manufacture and process some of the food for sale in our supermarkets. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
of November&nbsp;10, 2018, directly or through subsidiaries we operated approximately 2,765 supermarkets, 2,270 pharmacies, 232 retail health clinics, 263 fine jewelry stores, 1,532
supermarket fuel centers, and 37 food production plants in the United States. We also operated directly or through subsidiaries an expanded Pickup offering, which is a personalized, order online, pick
up at the store service. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da70701_use_of_proceeds"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da70701_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  USE OF PROCEEDS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;billion after deducting the underwriting
discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We expect to use the net proceeds of this offering to refinance long-term indebtedness and other indebtedness, including debt that matures in
January 2019, and for general corporate purposes. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da70701_conflicts_of_interest"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da70701_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  CONFLICTS OF INTEREST    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") participating in this offering receives 5% or more of the net proceeds of
the offering by reason of the repayment of our debt, that member will be deemed to have a "conflict of interest" within the meaning of FINRA Rule&nbsp;5121, and this offering will be conducted in
accordance with that rule. See "Underwriting&#151;Conflicts of Interest." </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-3</FONT></P>

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</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dc70701_description_of_the_notes"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dc70701_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following description of the particular terms of the notes (referred to in the accompanying prospectus as the "debt securities")
supplements, and to the extent it is inconsistent with the description in the accompanying prospectus, it replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities in the
accompanying prospectus. We will issue the notes under an indenture dated June&nbsp;25, 1999, as it may be amended and supplemented from time to time, between Kroger and Firstar Bank, National
Association, now known as U.S.&nbsp;Bank National Association, as trustee. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the indenture. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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General  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2029 notes initially will be limited to $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;aggregate principal amount, subject to our ability to issue additional notes that
may be of the same series as the 2029 notes as described under "Further Issues." The 2049 notes initially will be limited to $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;aggregate principal amount, subject to our ability to
issue additional notes that may be of the same series as the 2049 notes as described under "Further Issues." The 2029 notes will mature
on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2029. The 2049 notes will mature on
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2049. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes will bear interest from&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019 at the rates shown on the front cover of this prospectus supplement.
Interest on the notes is payable
semi-annually
on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;of each year, commencing on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2019, to the person in whose name
such note is registered at the close of business
on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, as the case may be, immediately preceding such interest payment
dates. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior debt. The notes rank senior to any future subordinated indebtedness. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes will effectively rank equal in right of payment with approximately $15.0&nbsp;billion of other indebtedness of the company as of November&nbsp;10, 2018. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes are unsecured and not entitled to any sinking fund. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
notes will initially be issued only in registered, book-entry form, in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof as described under "Book-Entry
Procedures." We will issue global securities in denominations equal to the total principal amount of outstanding notes of the series represented by the global securities. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
any interest payment date or the maturity date of the notes does not fall on a business day, payment of interest or principal otherwise payable on that day will be made on the next
succeeding business day with the same effect as if made on the actual interest payment date or the maturity date of the notes, as the case may be, and no interest will accrue for the period from and
after such interest payment date or maturity date. "Business day" means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New&nbsp;York City or Cincinnati, Ohio are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Optional Redemption  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time. If the 2029 notes are redeemed
before&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2028 (three
months prior to their maturity date), the 2049 notes are redeemed before&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2048 (six months prior to their
maturity date) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-4</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>(each
such date, the "Par Call Date"), the redemption price for the applicable notes will equal the greater of:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> 100% of the principal amount of the notes; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed, excluding accrued and
unpaid interest on the date of redemption, from the redemption date to the Par Call Date of the applicable series. The discount to the redemption date will be made on a semi-annual basis based on a
360-day year, with each month consisting of 30&nbsp;days. The discount rate will equal the equivalent yield to maturity of U.S.&nbsp;Treasury securities having a comparable maturity to the notes
(assuming that the notes matured on the Par Call Date of the applicable series), plus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;basis points with respect to the 2029 notes,
and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;basis points with respect to the
2049 notes. The determination of the rate will be made by an agent we appoint. Initially, that agent will be Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
redemption price for the notes will include accrued and unpaid interest on the notes being redeemed to the date of redemption. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, on or after the Par Call Date of the applicable series the notes of such series will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes being redeemed to the date of redemption. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notice
of any redemption will be mailed at least 30&nbsp;days but not more than 60&nbsp;days before the redemption date to each holder of the notes to be redeemed. Unless we default
in payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on and after the redemption date on the notes or portions of the notes called for redemption. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Covenants  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The indenture provides that the following covenants will apply to us: </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limitations on Liens.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We covenant that, so long as any notes remain outstanding, neither we nor any of our restricted subsidiaries will
issue, assume
or guarantee any secured debt or other agreement comparable to secured debt upon any material real property or operating asset unless these notes and other debt ranking equally to these notes also is
so secured on an equal basis. This restriction will not apply to the following: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
on any property or assets of any corporation existing at the same time such corporation becomes a restricted subsidiary provided that the lien does not extend
to any of our other property or that of any other restricted subsidiaries;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
existing on assets acquired by us, to secure the purchase price of assets, or to obtain a release of liens from any of our other property, incurred no later
than 18&nbsp;months after the acquisition, assumption, guarantee, or, in the case of real estate, completion of construction and commencement of operations;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
securing indebtedness owing by any restricted subsidiary to us or another restricted subsidiary;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
on any assets existing upon acquisition of a corporation through merger or by acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets by us or a restricted
subsidiary; </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-5</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
in favor of the U.S., a foreign country, or any political subdivision to secure payments of debt incurred to finance the purchase of assets;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(6)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
existing on our or any of our restricted subsidiaries' properties or assets existing on the date of the supplemental indenture; provided that the liens secure
only those obligations which they secure on the date of the supplemental indenture or any extension, renewal or replacement thereof;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(7)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>any
extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements) in whole or in part, of any lien referred to in clauses&nbsp;(1) through
(6);
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(8)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>some
statutory liens or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of our or any of our restricted subsidiaries' business, or some liens arising out of
governmental contracts;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(9)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>some
pledges, deposits or liens made or arising under worker's compensation or similar legislation or in some other circumstances;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(10)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>some
liens in connection with legal proceedings, including some liens arising out of judgments or awards;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(11)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>liens
for some taxes or assessments, landlord's liens, mechanic's liens and liens and charges incidental to the conduct of the business, or the ownership of our or
any of our restricted subsidiaries' property or assets that were not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money and that do not, in our opinion, materially impair the use of the property or
assets in the operation of our business or that of a restricted subsidiary or the value of the property or assets for its purposes; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(12)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>any
other liens not included above, which together with amounts included in clause&nbsp;(1) of the next section do not exceed 10% of our consolidated net tangible
assets. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We and our restricted subsidiaries will not sell and leaseback for a term greater than
three years
under a capital lease any material real property or operating assets unless: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>we
could incur secured debt on that property equal to the present value of rentals under the lease without having to equally secure the note; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>the
sale proceeds equal or exceed the fair market value of the property and the net proceeds are used within 180&nbsp;days to acquire material real property or
operating assets or to purchase or redeem notes offered hereby or long term debt, including capital leases, that are senior to or rank on parity with these notes. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
restriction does not apply to sale and lease-back transactions of material property or operating assets acquired or constructed after 18&nbsp;months prior to the date of the
indenture as long as a commitment for the sale and lease-back is made within 18&nbsp;months of acquisition, in the case of operating assets, and of completion of construction and commencement of
operations, in the case of material real property. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
purposes of these covenants, a "subsidiary" is an entity that we directly or indirectly control, including partnerships in which we or our subsidiaries own a greater than 50%
interest. Restricted subsidiaries are all of our subsidiaries other than those our board of directors has determined are not material. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
covenants applicable to the notes would not necessarily afford holders protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving us or in the event of a material
adverse </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-6</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>change
in our financial condition or results of operation, and the notes do not contain any other provisions that are designed to afford protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction
involving us. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Merger and Consolidation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The indenture provides that we will not merge or consolidate with any corporation, partnership or other entity and will not sell, lease or
convey all or substantially all of our assets to any entity, unless:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we are the surviving entity, or the surviving or successor entity is a corporation or partnership organized under the laws of the United States
or a State thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes all our obligations under the indenture and the notes; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> immediately after the merger, consolidation, sale, lease or conveyance, we or the successor entity are not in default in the performance of the
covenants and conditions of the indenture. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Change of Control  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a Change of Control Triggering Event occurs, unless we have exercised our right to redeem the notes as described above, holders of notes will
have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of their notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of
Control Offer") on the terms set forth in the notes. In the Change of Control Offer, we will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased, to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Payment"). Within 30&nbsp;days following any Change of Control Triggering Event,
or, at our option, prior to any Change of Control, but after the public announcement of the Change of Control, we will be required to mail a notice to holders of notes describing the transaction or
transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offering to repurchase the notes on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than
30&nbsp;days and no later than 60&nbsp;days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Change of Control Payment Date"), pursuant to the procedures required by the notes and described in such
notice. The notice shall, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, state that the offer to purchase is conditioned on the Change of Control Triggering Event occurring on
or prior to the payment date specified in the notice. We must comply with the requirements of Rule&nbsp;14e-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control Triggering
Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of the notes, we will be required to comply with the applicable securities
laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control provisions of the notes by virtue of such conflicts. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
the Change of Control Payment Date, we will be required, to the extent lawful, to:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> accept for payment all notes or portions of notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered;
and </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-7</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the notes properly accepted together with an officers' certificate stating the aggregate
principal amount of notes or portions of notes being purchased. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of the
properties or assets of Kroger and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established
definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require Kroger to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition of less than all of the assets of Kroger and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
purposes of the foregoing discussion of a repurchase at the option of holders, the following definitions are applicable: </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Below
Investment Grade Rating Event" means the notes are rated below an Investment Grade Rating by each of the Rating Agencies (as defined below) on any date from the date of the public
notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the 60-day period following public notice of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which 60-day period shall be
extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade below investment grade by any of the Rating Agencies); provided that a Below Investment
Grade Rating Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a
Below Investment Grade Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Triggering Event) if the Rating Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise
apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the trustee in writing at our request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising
as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of
Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Below Investment Grade Rating Event). </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Change
of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (1)&nbsp;the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Kroger and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" (as that term is
used in Section&nbsp;13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than Kroger or one of its subsidiaries; (2)&nbsp;the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or
consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as that term is used in Section&nbsp;13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of
the then outstanding number of shares of Kroger's voting stock; or (3)&nbsp;the first day on which a majority of the members of Kroger's Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control if (1)&nbsp;we become a wholly owned subsidiary of a holding company that has agreed to be bound by the
terms of the notes and (2)&nbsp;the holders of the voting stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same as the holders of our voting stock
immediately prior to that transaction. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Change
of Control Triggering Event" means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Below Investment Grade Rating Event. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Continuing
Directors" means, as of any date of determination, members of the Board of Directors of Kroger who (1)&nbsp;were members of such Board of Directors on the date of the
issuance </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-8</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>of
the notes; or (2)&nbsp;were nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors under clause&nbsp;(1) or (2) of this
definition who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election (either by a specific vote or by approval of Kroger's proxy statement in which such member was named
as a nominee for election as a director, without objection to such nomination). </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Investment
Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's and BBB&#150; (or the equivalent) by S&amp;P, and the equivalent investment grade
credit rating from any replacement rating agency or rating agencies selected by us. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Moody's"
means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Person"
means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint stock company, business trust, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity,
or a government or political subdivision or agency thereof. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rating
Agencies" means (1)&nbsp;each of Moody's and S&amp;P; and (2)&nbsp;if Moody's or S&amp;P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for
reasons outside of our control, a "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" as defined in Section&nbsp;3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by us (as certified by a resolution of our
Board of Directors) as a replacement agency for Moody's or S&amp;P, or any of them, as the case may be. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"S&amp;P"
means Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor's Ratings Services, a division of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Book-Entry Procedures  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DTC.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Depository Trust Company, New&nbsp;York, New&nbsp;York ("DTC"), will act as securities depository for the notes. The notes
will be
issued as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co., which is DTC's nominee. Fully-registered global notes will be issued with respect to each of the notes. See
"Description of Debt Securities&nbsp;&#151; Global Securities" in the accompanying prospectus for a description of DTC's procedures with respect to global notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ownership
of beneficial interests in a global note will be limited to DTC participants and to persons that may hold interests through institutions that have accounts with DTC, including
Euroclear and Clearstream ("participants"). Beneficial interests in a global note will be shown on, and transfers of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC
and its participants for the global note. The conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to its participants and by its participants to owners of beneficial interests in the notes will be
governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal
and interest payments on the global notes represented by a global security will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole
holder of the global notes represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture. Accordingly, we, the trustee and the paying agent under the indenture will have no responsibility or
liability for:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any aspect of DTC's records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a global note represented by a
global security; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and its participants or the relationship between the participants and the owners of beneficial
interests in a global note held through the participants; or </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-9</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the maintenance, supervision or review of any of DTC's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DTC
has advised us that upon receipt of any payment of principal of or interest on a global note, DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global note as shown on DTC's records. The applicable
underwriter or underwriters will initially designate the accounts to be credited. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for customer accounts in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the sole responsibility of those participants. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
global note can only be transferred:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> as a whole by DTC to one of its nominees; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> as a whole by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> as a whole by DTC or a nominee of DTC to a successor of DTC or a nominee of the successor. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Global
notes represented by a global security can be exchanged for certificated notes in registered form only if:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global note and we do not appoint a successor depositary
within 90&nbsp;days after receiving the notice; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and we do not appoint a successor depositary within
90&nbsp;days after becoming aware that DTC has ceased to be so registered as a clearing agency; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we in our sole discretion determine that a global note will be exchangeable for certificated notes in registered form and notify the trustee of
our decision; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> an event of default with respect to the notes represented by a global note has occurred and is continuing. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
global note that can be exchanged under the previous paragraph will be exchanged for certificated notes that are issued in authorized denominations in registered form for the same
aggregate amount. Those certificated notes will be registered in the names of the owners of the beneficial interests in the global note as directed by DTC. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except
as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in a note will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the holders
of the notes for any purpose under the indenture and no global notes represented by a global security will be exchangeable. Each person owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the
procedures of DTC (and if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest) to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture or
the global note. The laws of some jurisdictions require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form. Those laws may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a global note. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DTC
advises that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New&nbsp;York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New&nbsp;York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New&nbsp;York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-10</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>provisions
of Section&nbsp;17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions,
including transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a
number of its direct participants and by the NYSE Euronext and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Access to DTC's system is also available to others, including securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear transactions through or maintain a
direct or indirect custodial relationship with a direct participant either directly, or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption
notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the notes within a series are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct
participant in the series to be redeemed. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither
DTC nor Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. will consent or vote with respect to the notes. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date.
The omnibus proxy assigns Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the notes are credited on the record date, which are identified in a listing
attached to the omnibus proxy. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may, at any time, decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, certificates representing the
notes will be printed and delivered. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beneficial
interests in the global note will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect
participants in DTC. Investors may elect to hold interests in the global note through DTC either directly if they are participants in DTC or indirectly through organizations that are participants in
DTC. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clearstream.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clearstream is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for
its
participating organizations ("Clearstream Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream Participants through electronic book-entry changes
in accounts of Clearstream Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides Clearstream Participants with, among other things, services for
safekeeping, administration, clearance and establishment of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries.
As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Clearstream Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including
underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, and may include the Underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream is also
available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream Participant either directly or indirectly. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distributions
with respect to notes held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures to the
extent received by DTC for Clearstream. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Euroclear.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear ("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and
settle
transactions between Euroclear Participants </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-11</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>through
simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities
and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by
Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (the "Euroclear Operator"), under contract with Euroclear Clearance System S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation (the "Cooperative"). All operations are conducted by the
Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes a policy for
Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may
include the Underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or
indirectly. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Euroclear Operation is regulated and examined by the Belgian Banking Commission. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Links
have been established among DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear to facilitate the initial issuance of the notes sold outside of the United States and cross-market transfers of the notes
associated with secondary market trading. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although
DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the procedures provided below in order to facilitate transfers, they are under no obligation to perform these procedures, and these
procedures may be modified or discontinued at any time. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clearstream
and Euroclear will record the ownership interests of their participants in much the same way as DTC, and DTC will record the total ownership of each of the U.S. agents of
Clearstream and Euroclear, as participants in DTC. When notes are to be transferred from the account of a DTC participant to the account of a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant, the
purchaser must send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a participant at least one day prior to settlement. Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, will instruct its U.S. agent to
receive notes against payment. After settlement, Clearstream or Euroclear will credit its participant's account. Credit for the notes will appear on the next day (European time). </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because
settlement is taking place during New&nbsp;York business hours, DTC participants will be able to employ their usual procedures for sending notes to the relevant U.S. agent
acting for the benefit of Clearstream or Euroclear participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the DTC seller on the settlement date. As a result, to the DTC participant, a cross-market
transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two DTC participants. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When
a Clearstream or Euroclear participant wishes to transfer notes to a DTC participant, the seller will be required to send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a
participant at least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases, Clearstream or Euroclear will instruct its U.S. agent to transfer these notes against payment for them. The payment will then
be reflected in the account of the Clearstream or Euroclear participant the following day, with the proceeds back valued to the value date, which would be the preceding day, when settlement occurs in
New&nbsp;York, if settlement is not completed on the intended value date, that is, if the trade fails, proceeds credited to the Clearstream or Euroclear participant's account will instead be valued
as of the actual settlement date. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
should be aware that you will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream and Euroclear on the days when
clearing systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-12</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>banks,
brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States. In addition, because of time zone differences there may be problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream
and Euroclear on the same business day as the United States. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
information in this section concerning DTC, its book-entry system, Clearstream and Euroclear and their respective systems has been obtained from sources that we believe to be
reliable, but we have not attempted to verify the accuracy of this information. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under terms satisfactory to the trustee, we may discharge some obligations to holders of the notes which have not already been delivered to the
trustee for cancellation and which have either become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year (or are scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing
with the trustee cash or U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the indenture) as trust funds in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay at maturity (or upon redemption) the principal of and
interest on the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may also discharge any and all of our obligations to holders of the notes at any time ("defeasance") or omit to comply with certain of the covenants contained in the indenture
("covenant defeasance"), but we may not avoid our duty to register the transfer or exchange of the notes, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen notes or to maintain an office
or agency for the notes. Defeasance or covenant defeasance may be effected only if, among other things: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>we
irrevocably deposit with the trustee cash or U.S. Government Obligations as trust funds in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay at maturity the principal
of and interest on all outstanding notes; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>we
deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and that defeasance or covenant defeasance will not otherwise alter the holders' U.S. federal income tax treatment of principal and
interest payments on the notes. In the case of defeasance, the opinion must be based on a ruling of the IRS or a change in U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture, since
that result would not occur under current tax law. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

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Same-Day Settlement and Payment  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Settlement for the notes will be made by the underwriters in immediately available funds. We will pay all principal and interest in immediately
available funds. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Secondary
trading in long-term notes and debentures of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearing-house or next-day funds. In contrast, the notes will trade in the DTC's same-day
funds settlement system until maturity. As a result, DTC will require that secondary market trading activity in the notes be settled in immediately available funds. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
cannot advise holders on the effect on trading activity in the notes of settlement in immediately available funds. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Further Issues  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the registered holders of the notes, create and issue further notes of a series.
These further notes will rank equal with the notes of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than the payment of interest accruing prior to </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-13</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>the
issue date of the further notes, or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of the further notes). The further notes may be consolidated and form a single series with the
notes of such series and may have the same terms as to status, redemption, or otherwise, as the notes. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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The Trustee  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Bank National Association, formerly known as Firstar Bank, National Association, is the trustee under the indenture. In the
performance of its duties, the trustee is entitled to indemnification for any act which would involve it in expense or liability and will not be liable as a result of any action taken in connection
with the performance of its duties except for its own gross negligence or default. The trustee is protected in acting upon any direction or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be
signed by the proper party or parties or upon the opinion or advice of counsel. The trustee may resign upon written notice to us as provided in the indenture. The trustee may acquire our obligations
for its own account. The trustee performs banking and other services for us, and is a lender under our credit facility. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-14</FONT></P>

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</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de70701_united_states_federal_tax_considerations"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de70701_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences and, in the case of a non-U.S. holder (as defined
below), the material United States federal estate tax consequences, of purchasing, owning and disposing of the notes. This summary applies to you only if you are a beneficial owner of a note and you
acquire the note in this offering for a price equal to the issue price of the notes of the applicable series. The issue price of the notes of a series is the first price at which a substantial amount
of the notes of such series is sold other than to bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
summary deals only with notes held as capital assets (generally, investment property) and does not deal with special tax situations such
as:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> dealers in securities or currencies; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> traders in securities; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> United States holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the United States dollar; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> persons holding notes as part of a conversion, constructive sale, wash sale or other integrated transaction or a hedge, straddle or synthetic
security; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> certain United States expatriates; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> financial institutions; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> insurance companies; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and regulated investment companies and shareholders of such corporations; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> entities that are tax-exempt for United States federal income tax purposes and retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and
tax-deferred accounts; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> accrual method taxpayers that are required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken
into account as revenue in applicable financial statements; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> pass-through entities, including partnerships and entities and arrangements classified as partnerships for United States federal tax purposes,
and beneficial owners of pass-through entities; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> persons that acquire the notes of a series for a price other than the issue price of the notes of such series. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
you are a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for United States federal tax purposes) holding notes, or a partner in such a partnership, the United
States federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership, and you should consult your own tax
advisor regarding the United States federal income and estate tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
summary does not discuss all of the aspects of United States federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your particular investment or other
circumstances. In addition, this summary does not discuss any United States state or local income or foreign </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-15</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>income
or other tax consequences. This summary is based on United States federal income and estate tax law, including the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal
Revenue Code"), Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authorities, all as in effect or in existence as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Subsequent developments in United
States federal income and estate tax law, including changes in law or differing interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could have a material effect on the United States federal income
and estate tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of notes as set forth in this summary. Before you purchase notes, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular
United States federal, state and local and foreign income and other tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the notes that may be applicable to you. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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United States Holders  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following summary applies to you only if you are a United States holder (as defined below). </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Definition of a United States Holder  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A "United States holder" is a beneficial owner of a note or notes that is for United States federal income tax
purposes:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> an individual citizen or resident of the United States; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> a corporation (or other entity classified as a corporation for these purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States,
any State thereof or the District of Columbia; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the source of that income; or </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> a trust, if (1)&nbsp;a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust's administration and one or more "United
States persons" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code) has the authority to control all of the trust's substantial decisions, or (2)&nbsp;the trust has a valid election in effect under
applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a "United States person." </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Interest  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on your notes will be taxed as ordinary interest income. In addition:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> if you use the cash method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes, you will have to include the interest on your notes in
your gross income at the time you receive the interest; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> if you use the accrual method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes, you will have to include the interest on your notes
in your gross income at the time the interest accrues. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Sale or Other Disposition of Notes  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your tax basis in your notes generally will be their cost. Upon the sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable disposition of the notes, you
generally will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the amount realized on the disposition (less any amount attributable to accrued interest, which will be taxable as ordinary interest income to
the extent not previously included in </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-16</FONT></P>

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<UL>
<UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>gross
income, in the manner described under "United States Tax Considerations&nbsp;&#151; United States Holders&nbsp;&#151; Interest"); and </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> your tax basis in the notes. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your
gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss. This capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the disposition you have held the notes for
more than one
year. Subject to limited exceptions, your capital losses cannot be used to offset your ordinary income. If you are a non-corporate United States holder, your long-term capital gain generally will be
subject to a reduced rate of taxation. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In general, information reporting requirements apply to payments to a non-corporate United States holder of interest on notes and the proceeds
of a sale or other disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
general, "backup withholding" may apply:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to any payments made to you of principal of and interest on your note, and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to payment of the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of your note, </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>if
you are a non-corporate United States holder and you fail to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Backup
withholding is not an additional tax and may be credited against your United States federal income tax liability, provided that correct information is timely provided to the
Internal Revenue Service. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Medicare Tax  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on the net investment income of certain individuals, estates and trusts. For these purposes,
"net investment income" will generally include interest on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of securities like the notes, subject to certain exceptions. If you are a United States
holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Non-U.S. Holders  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following summary applies to you if you are a beneficial owner of a note and you are neither a United States holder (as defined above) nor a
partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for United States federal tax purposes) (a "non-U.S. holder"). An individual may, subject to exceptions, be deemed to be a resident
alien, as opposed to a non-resident alien, by among other ways, being present in the United States:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> on at least 31&nbsp;days in the calendar year, and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> for an aggregate of at least 183&nbsp;days during a three-year period ending in the current calendar year, counting for such purposes all of
the days present in the current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Resident
aliens are subject to United States federal income tax as if they were United States citizens. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-17</FONT></P>

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United States Federal Withholding Tax  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under current United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the discussion below, United States federal withholding tax will not apply
to payments by us or our paying agent (in its capacity as such) of principal of and interest on your notes under the "portfolio interest" exception of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that in the
case of interest:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> you do not, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, own ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of Section&nbsp;871(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> you are not a controlled foreign corporation for United States federal income tax purposes that is related, directly or indirectly, to us
through sufficient stock ownership (as provided in the Internal Revenue Code); </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> you are not a bank receiving interest described in Section&nbsp;881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> such interest is not effectively connected with your conduct of a United States trade or business; and </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> you provide a signed written statement, on an Internal Revenue Service Form&nbsp;W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) which can
reliably be related to you, certifying under penalties of perjury that you are not a United States person within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code and providing your name and address
to:
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(A)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>us
or our paying agent; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(B)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds
your notes on your behalf and that certifies to us or our paying agent under penalties of perjury that it, or the bank or financial institution between it and you, has received from you your signed,
written statement and provides us or our paying agent with a copy of this statement. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
applicable Treasury regulations provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement described in this section. In addition, under these Treasury regulations,
special rules apply to pass-through entities and this certification requirement may also apply to beneficial owners of pass-through entities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
you cannot satisfy the requirements of the "portfolio interest" exception described above, payments of interest made to you will be subject to 30% United States federal withholding
tax unless you provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed (1)&nbsp;Internal Revenue Service Form&nbsp;W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on your
notes is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or (2)&nbsp;Internal Revenue Service Form&nbsp;W-8BEN or
W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in this withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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United States Federal Income Tax  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except for the possible application of United States federal withholding tax (see "United States Federal Tax Considerations&nbsp;&#151;
Non-U.S. Holders&nbsp;&#151; United States Federal Withholding Tax" above), backup withholding tax (see "United States Federal Tax Considerations&nbsp;&#151; Non-U.S. Holders-Backup
Withholding and Information Reporting" below) and FATCA withholding tax (see "United States Federal Tax Considerations&nbsp;&#151; Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" below), you </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-18</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>generally
will not have to pay United States federal income tax on payments of principal of and interest on your notes, or on any gain realized from (or accrued interest treated as received in
connection with) the sale, redemption, retirement at maturity or other disposition of your notes unless:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> in the case of interest payments or disposition proceeds representing accrued interest, you cannot satisfy the requirements of the "portfolio
interest" exception described above (and your United States federal income tax liability has not otherwise been fully satisfied through the United States federal withholding tax described above); </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> in the case of gain, you are an individual who is present in the United States for 183&nbsp;days or more during the taxable year of the sale
or other disposition of your notes and specific other conditions are met (in which case, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain, which may be offset by certain
United States source capital losses, generally will be subject to a flat 30% United States federal income tax, even though you are not considered a resident alien under the Internal Revenue Code); or </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the interest or gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a United States trade or business and, if required by an applicable income
tax treaty, is attributable to a United States "permanent establishment" maintained by you. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest or gain in respect of your notes is effectively connected with the conduct of your trade or business (and, if
required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States "permanent establishment" maintained by you), the interest or gain generally will be subject to United States federal
income tax on a net basis at the regular graduated rates and in the manner applicable to a United States holder (although the interest will be exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the
preceding paragraphs if you provide to the applicable withholding agent a properly executed Internal Revenue Service Form&nbsp;W-8ECI (or other applicable form) on or before any payment date to
claim the exemption). In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as
adjusted for certain items, unless a lower rate applies to you under an applicable United States income tax treaty. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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United States Federal Estate Tax  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are an individual and are not a United States citizen or a resident of the United States (as specially defined for United States federal
estate tax purposes) at the time of your death, your notes generally will not be subject to the United States federal estate tax, unless, at the time of your
death:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> you directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, own ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock
entitled to vote within the meaning of Section&nbsp;871(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> your interest on the notes is effectively connected with your conduct of a United States trade or business. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under current Treasury regulations, backup withholding and certain information reporting will not apply to payments made on the notes to you if
you have provided to the applicable withholding agent the required certification that you are not a United States person as described </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-19</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>in
"United States Tax Considerations&nbsp;&#151; Non-U.S. Holders&nbsp;&#151; United States Federal Withholding Tax" above, and provided that the applicable withholding agent does
not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States person. However, the applicable withholding agent may be required to report to the IRS and you payments of interest on the
notes and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the
tax authorities in the country in which you reside under the provisions of a treaty or agreement. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
gross proceeds from the disposition of your notes may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding. If you sell your notes outside the United States through a non-U.S.
office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then the U.S. backup withholding and information reporting requirements generally will not apply to that
payment. However, U.S. information reporting, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if you sell your notes
through a non-U.S. office of a broker that:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code); </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> derives 50% or more of its gross income in specific periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> is a "controlled foreign corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> is a foreign partnership, if at any time during its tax year: </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> one or more of its partners are U.S. persons who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interests in the
partnership; or  </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the foreign partnership is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>unless
the broker has documentary evidence in its files that you are not a United States person and certain other conditions are met or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you receive payments of
the proceeds of a sale of your notes to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment is subject to both U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless you provide a Form&nbsp;W-8BEN
or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) certifying that you are not a United States person or you otherwise establish an exemption, provided that the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to
know that you are not a United States person or the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
should consult your own tax advisor regarding application of backup withholding in your particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from
backup withholding under current Treasury regulations. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to you will be allowed as a
refund or credit against your United States federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code referred to as the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" or "FATCA", additional United States
withholding tax may apply to certain types of payments made to "foreign financial institutions," as specially defined under such rules, and certain other non-U.S. entities (including in circumstances
where the foreign financial institution or non-U.S. entity is acting as an intermediary). The legislation imposes a 30% withholding tax on U.S. source interest paid to a foreign financial institution
unless the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the United States Treasury or, in the case of a foreign financial </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-20</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>institution
in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States, complies with the requirements of such agreement. In addition, the legislation imposes a 30%
withholding tax on U.S. source interest paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless the entity certifies that it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying
information regarding each substantial United States owner. The legislation will apply to payments of interest on the notes. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this
legislation. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-21</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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NAME="page_dg70701_1_22"> </A>

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</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_underwriting"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  UNDERWRITING    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger and the underwriters for the offering named below, for whom Wells Fargo Securities,&nbsp;LLC, Citigroup Global Markets&nbsp;Inc.,
Goldman Sachs&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Co.&nbsp;LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner&nbsp;&amp; Smith Incorporated and U.S. Bancorp Investments,&nbsp;Inc. are acting as representatives, have entered into an
underwriting agreement and a pricing agreement for offering the notes. Subject to conditions in these agreements, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the principal amount of notes
indicated in the following table. </FONT></P>
 <div style="display:none;*display:block;margin-top:-1pt;"></div>

 <DIV style="padding:0pt;position:relative;width:70%;margin-left:15%;">
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<TR><!-- TABLE COLUMN WIDTHS SET -->
<TD WIDTH="" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12pt" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7pt" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="82pt" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12pt" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7pt" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="82pt" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12pt" style="font-family:times;"></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH NOWRAP  ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><DIV style="border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;width:auto;display:inline-block;*display:inline;zoom:1;;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Underwriter

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 </B></FONT></DIV></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Principal<BR>
Amount of<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;%&nbsp;2029&nbsp;Notes </B></FONT></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Principal<BR>
Amount of<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;%&nbsp;2049&nbsp;Notes </B></FONT></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Wells Fargo Securities,&nbsp;LLC</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
<!-- -->
$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
<!-- -->
$</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Citigroup Global Markets&nbsp;Inc.&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Goldman Sachs&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Co.&nbsp;LLC</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner&nbsp;&amp; Smith<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporated</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>U.S. Bancorp Investments,&nbsp;Inc.&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR bgcolor="#FFFFFF"  VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_ROWSHADECOLOR,"#FFFFFF" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_GUTTERGRID,"line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;" -->


 </font>&#8203;<font></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;<font></FONT></TD>
<TD style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;



<!-- COMMAND=ADD_GRID,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" -->


 </TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_GRID,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" -->


 <font></FONT></TD>
<TD style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;<font></FONT></TD>
<TD style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_GRID,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" -->


 <font></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;


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 <font></FONT></TD>
<TD style="line-height:0pt;font-size:1.5pt;font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2></font>&#8203;<font></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
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$</FONT></TD>
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</TABLE></DIV>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
 </DIV>
 <P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the notes being offered, if any are taken. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notes
sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering prices set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the
underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% of the principal amount of the 2029 notes and up to&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% of the
principal amount of the 2049 notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering
price of up to&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% of the principal amount of the 2029 notes and up to&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% of the principal amount of the 2049 notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial offering
price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters'
right to reject any order in whole or in part. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger
estimates that its share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discounts, will be approximately $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger
has agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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New Issue of Notes  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each series of the notes is a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The underwriters have advised Kroger that the
underwriters intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the
trading market for the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Short Sales; Stabilization; Penalty Bid  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales,
stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-22</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>positions
created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of
certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the
underwriters have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These
activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that
otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the
underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Settlement  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger expects that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor on or about the settlement date specified on the front cover of
this prospectus supplement, which will be the fifth business day following the date of this prospectus supplement. Under Rule&nbsp;15c6-1 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers
who wish to trade the notes on the date of this prospectus supplement or the next two succeeding business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in
T+5, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes on the date of this
prospectus supplement or the next two succeeding business days should consult their own advisor. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Selling Restrictions  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Canada  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in
National Instrument&nbsp;45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection&nbsp;73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument&nbsp;31-103
Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus
requirements of applicable securities laws. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities
legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any
amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of
the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or
consult with a legal advisor. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to section&nbsp;3A.3 of National Instrument&nbsp;33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI&nbsp;33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure
requirements of NI&nbsp;33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-23</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


European Economic Area  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any
retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i)&nbsp;a retail client as defined in point (11)&nbsp;of
Article&nbsp;4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID&nbsp;II"); or (ii)&nbsp;a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC (as amended, the "Insurance Mediation Directive"),
where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10)&nbsp;of Article&nbsp;4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii)&nbsp;not a qualified investor as defined in
Directive&nbsp;2003/71/EC (as amended, the "Prospectus Directive"). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for
offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any
retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of the notes in any
Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of the notes. This prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Directive. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


United Kingdom  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to, and are only directed at, (i)&nbsp;persons who are
outside the United Kingdom, (ii)&nbsp;investment professionals falling within Article&nbsp;19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"),
(iii)&nbsp;high net worth companies, and such other persons to whom they may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article&nbsp;49(2)(a) to (d)&nbsp;of the Order, and (iv)&nbsp;persons who
are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article&nbsp;2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive&nbsp;2003/71/EC as amended by Directive&nbsp;2010/73/EU) (each such person being
referred to as a "relevant person"). The notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the notes will be engaged in only with,
relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any of their contents. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each
underwriter has further represented and agreed that: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>it
has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment
activity (within the meaning of Section&nbsp;21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA")) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the notes in circumstances in which
Section&nbsp;21(1) of FSMA would not, if Kroger was not an authorized person, apply to Kroger; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>it
has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise
involving the United Kingdom. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Hong&nbsp;Kong  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notes may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i)&nbsp;in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the
public within the meaning of the
Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.&nbsp;32) of Hong&nbsp;Kong, or (ii)&nbsp;to </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-24</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>"professional
investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.&nbsp;571) of Hong&nbsp;Kong and any rules made thereunder, or (iii)&nbsp;in other circumstances which do
not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.&nbsp;32) of Hong&nbsp;Kong, and no advertisement,
invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong&nbsp;Kong or elsewhere), which is directed
at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong&nbsp;Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong&nbsp;Kong) other than with respect to notes
which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong&nbsp;Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.&nbsp;571) of
Hong&nbsp;Kong and any rules made thereunder. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Japan  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and
Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein
means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a
resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws,
regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


<!-- COMMAND=STYLE_ADDED,"margin-left:10.5pt;text-indent:-10.5pt;" -->


Singapore  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus
supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or
purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly,
to persons in Singapore other than (i)&nbsp;to an institutional investor (as defined in the SFA) pursuant to Section&nbsp;274 of the SFA, (ii)&nbsp;to a relevant person (as defined in
Section&nbsp;275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section&nbsp;275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section&nbsp;275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in
Section&nbsp;275 of the SFA or (iii)&nbsp;otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where
the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section&nbsp;275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is: (a)&nbsp;a corporation (which is not an "accredited investor" (as defined
in the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b)&nbsp;a trust
(where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, securities (as defined in Section&nbsp;2(1) of the SFA) or
securities-based derivatives contracts (as defined in Section&nbsp;2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust (howsoever described) shall not be
transferable for 6&nbsp;months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section&nbsp;275 of the SFA except: (1)&nbsp;to an institutional investor under
Section&nbsp;274 of the SFA or to a relevant person defined in Section&nbsp;275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in to Section&nbsp;275(1A) or
Section&nbsp;276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; (2)&nbsp;where no consideration is given for the transfer; (3)&nbsp;where the transfer is by operation of law; (4)&nbsp;as specified in
Section&nbsp;276(7) of the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-25</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:times;page-break-before:always'></p>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>SFA;
or (5)&nbsp;as specified in Regulation&nbsp;37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations&nbsp;2018 of
Singapore. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Singapore
Securities and Futures Act Product Classification &#151; Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to sections&nbsp;309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA, the
company has determined, and hereby notifies all persons that the notes are "prescribed capital markets products" (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products)
Regulations&nbsp;2018 of Singapore) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations
on Investment Products). </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
reference to the SFA is a reference to the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter&nbsp;289 of Singapore and a reference to any term as defined in the SFA or any provision in the SFA
is a reference to that term as modified or amended from time to time including by such of its subsidiary legislation as may be applicable at the relevant time. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_conflicts_of_interest"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  CONFLICTS OF INTEREST    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include
securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. One or more of
the underwriters or their affiliates have provided and may in the future provide various commercial or investment banking services and other services to Kroger and its affiliates. In addition,
affiliates of some of the underwriters are lenders, and in some cases agents or managers for the lenders, under Kroger's credit facility, and affiliates of some of the underwriters may be lenders in
connection with Kroger's current and future commercial paper borrowings. U.S.&nbsp;Bancorp Investments,&nbsp;Inc., one of the representatives of the underwriters in this offering, is an affiliate
of U.S.&nbsp;Bank National Association, the trustee under the indenture governing the notes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments, including serving as counterparts
to certain derivative and hedging arrangements, and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account
and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates
that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would
hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes
offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make
investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long
and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
expect to use the net proceeds of this offering to refinance long-term indebtedness and other indebtedness, including debt that matures in January 2019, and for general corporate
purposes. If any member of FINRA participating in this offering receives 5% or more of the net proceeds of the offering by reason of the repayment of such commercial paper, that member will be deemed
to have a "conflict of interest" within the meaning of FINRA Rule&nbsp;5121, and this offering will be conducted in accordance with that rule. Any FINRA member with a conflict of </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-26</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>interest
will not confirm sales to any account over which it exercises discretion without the specific written approval of the account holder. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_validity_of_the_notes"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  VALIDITY OF THE NOTES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the notes will be passed upon for Kroger by Christine&nbsp;S. Wheatley, Esq., Group Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel of Kroger, and for the underwriters by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, New&nbsp;York, New&nbsp;York ("Freshfields"). Ms.&nbsp;Wheatley may rely as to matters of New&nbsp;York
law upon the opinion of Freshfields and Freshfields may rely as to matters of Ohio law upon the opinion of Ms.&nbsp;Wheatley. As of November&nbsp;10, 2018, Ms.&nbsp;Wheatley owned approximately
105,553 Kroger common shares and had options to acquire an additional 104,970&nbsp;shares. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_experts"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  EXPERTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to the Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended February&nbsp;3,
2018 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers&nbsp;LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_forward-looking_statements"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prospectus and this prospectus supplement contain, or incorporate by reference, certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act and Section&nbsp;21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address
activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on certain
assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes to
be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in the prospectus and this prospectus supplement are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to
the factors described under "Risk Factors" herein and economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices, and other factors
discussed in our filings under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Prospective investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that
actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-27</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg70701_incorporation_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg70701_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them. This means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of the prospectus and this prospectus supplement, and information in documents that we file with the
SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and before we sell all of the notes will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference (i)&nbsp;our Annual Report
on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended February&nbsp;3, 2018, filed with the SEC on April&nbsp;3, 2018, as amended by Amendment No.&nbsp;1, filed with the SEC on April&nbsp;18, 2018;
(ii)&nbsp;our Quarterly Reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarters ended May&nbsp;26, 2018, filed with the SEC on June&nbsp;29, 2018, August&nbsp;18, 2018, filed with the SEC on
September&nbsp;25, 2018, and November&nbsp;10, 2018, filed with the SEC on December&nbsp;18, 2018; (iii)&nbsp;our Current Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on June&nbsp;29, 2018
and December&nbsp;17, 2018; and (iv)&nbsp;any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until we sell all of the notes. This
Incorporation by Reference section supersedes the second paragraph of the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" in the base prospectus. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>S-28</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>PROSPECTUS  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=5><B>The Kroger&nbsp;Co.  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=4><B>Debt Securities<BR>
Preferred Shares<BR>
Depositary Shares<BR>
Common Shares<BR>
Warrants  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully
before you invest. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may offer any of the following securities from time to time:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> debt securities; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> preferred shares; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> depositary shares relating to preferred shares; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> common shares; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> warrants to purchase debt securities, common shares or preferred shares. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KR". If we decide to seek a listing of any debt securities, preferred shares, depositary shares, or warrants
offered by this prospectus, the related prospectus supplement will disclose the exchange or market on which the securities will be listed, if any, or where we have made an application for listing, if
any. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
principal executive offices are located at 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Our telephone number is 513-762-4000. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=3><B>Investing in our securities involves risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page&nbsp;1 and the documents incorporated
herein by reference.</B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
date of this prospectus is December&nbsp;14, 2016 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="BG70702A_main_toc"></A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="bg70702_table_of_contents"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  TABLE OF CONTENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>
<A NAME="BG70702_TOC"></A> </FONT></P>
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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Page </B></FONT></TH>
<TH style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_about_this_prospectus"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_about_this_prospectus"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_the_company"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>THE COMPANY</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_the_company"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_risk_factors"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RISK FACTORS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_risk_factors"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_forward_looking_statements"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_forward_looking_statements"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_where_you_can_find_more_information"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_where_you_can_find_more_information"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_consolidated_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_consolidated_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_use_of_proceeds"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>USE OF PROCEEDS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_use_of_proceeds"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_plan_of_distribution"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_plan_of_distribution"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_debt_securities"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_debt_securities"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_capital_stock"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#ca70702_description_of_capital_stock"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_depositary_shares"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_depositary_shares"><FONT SIZE=2>9</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_warrants"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_description_of_warrants"><FONT SIZE=2>12</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_experts"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EXPERTS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_experts"><FONT SIZE=2>14</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_legal_matters"><p style="font-family:times;margin-left:10pt;text-indent:-10pt;"><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEGAL MATTERS</FONT></A></TD>
<TD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><A HREF="#cc70702_legal_matters"><FONT SIZE=2>14</FONT></A></TD>
<TD VALIGN="BOTTOM" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_about_this_prospectus"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf
process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.
Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For
further information about our business and the securities, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. The exhibits to the registration statement and the
documents we incorporate by reference contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not contain all the information
that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase securities we may offer, you should review the full text of those
documents. The registration statement and additional information can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_the_company"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  THE COMPANY    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1902. As of November&nbsp;5, 2016, we were one of the largest retailers in the world based on
annual sales. We also manufacture and process food for sale in our supermarkets. Our principal executive offices are located at 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio&nbsp;45202-1100, and our telephone
number is (513)&nbsp;762-4000. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
of November&nbsp;5, 2016, directly or through subsidiaries, we operated approximately 2,796 retail food stores, 787 convenience stores, 1,439 supermarket fuel centers, 324 fine
jewelry stores, and an online retailer. Some of the convenience stores were franchised to third parties. We also operated directly or through subsidiaries 38 food production plants that permit us to
offer quality, low-cost private label products. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_risk_factors"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  RISK FACTORS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You should carefully consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended January&nbsp;30,
2016, the risk factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in any applicable prospectus supplement, and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC pursuant to
Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") before making an investment decision. See "Where You Can Find More Information" in
this prospectus. You should also carefully review the cautionary statement in this prospectus referred to under "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_forward_looking_statements"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this document may be deemed to be "forward looking statements" within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we may make other written and oral communications from time to time that contain such statements. Forward-looking statements
include statements as to industry trends and our future expectations and other matters that do not relate strictly to historical facts and are based on certain assumptions by our management. These
statements are often identified by the use of
words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "should," "estimate" or "continue," and similar expressions or variations. These statements are based on the beliefs
and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to our management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year
ended January&nbsp;30, 2016, the risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in any applicable prospectus supplement and any risk set forth in our other filings with the SEC that are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. You should carefully consider these factors before investing in our securities. Such forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date they are made, and except for our ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in, contemplated or implied by forward-looking
statements made by us or our representatives. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_where_you_can_find_more_information"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kroger files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we
file at the SEC's public reference room at 100&nbsp;F&nbsp;Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC
filings are also available to the public from the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You can find additional information about Kroger at ir.kroger.com. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The
information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate
by reference (i)&nbsp;our Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended January&nbsp;30, 2016, filed with the SEC on March&nbsp;29, 2016; (ii)&nbsp;our Quarterly Reports on
Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended May&nbsp;21, 2016, filed with the SEC on June&nbsp;28, 2016, the quarter ended August&nbsp;13, 2016, filed with the SEC on September&nbsp;20, 2016, and
the quarter ended November&nbsp;5, 2016, filed with the SEC on December&nbsp;13, 2016; (iii)&nbsp;our Current Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on June&nbsp;24, 2016 and
October&nbsp;3, 2016; and (iv)&nbsp;any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until we sell all of the securities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
may request a copy of these filings, other than any exhibits, unless we have specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address: </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Kroger&nbsp;Co.<BR>
1014 Vine Street<BR>
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202<BR>
(513)&nbsp;762-4000<BR>
Attention: General Counsel </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
prospectus is part of a Registration Statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated into this Registration Statement exhibits that include a form of proposed underwriting
agreement and indenture. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
should rely on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different
information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the documents incorporated
by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_consolidated_ratio_of_earnings_to_fixed_charges"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ratio of earnings to fixed charges of The Kroger&nbsp;Co. and consolidated subsidiary companies for the five fiscal years ended
January&nbsp;30, 2016 and for the quarters ended November&nbsp;5, 2016 and November&nbsp;7, 2015 is included as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended
November&nbsp;5, 2016 and is incorporated in this prospectus by reference. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_use_of_proceeds"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  USE OF PROCEEDS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities to repay amounts under our credit facility or short-term borrowings and thereafter
to use short-term borrowings or borrowings under our credit facility to repurchase, repay or redeem our outstanding indebtedness. We also expect to use borrowing proceeds for other general corporate
purposes. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_plan_of_distribution"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We may sell the securities in any one or more of the following ways:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> directly to investors; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to investors through agents or dealers; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> through one or more underwriters acting alone. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
we use underwriters in the sale, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the
securities offered, if any are purchased. The underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters
may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may
change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may use agents in the sale of securities. Unless indicated in the prospectus supplement, the agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
we use a dealer in the sale of the securities, we will sell the securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices it
determines at the time of resale. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
also may sell the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment, by a remarketing firm acting as principal for its own
account or as our agent. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they remarket. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities under a delayed delivery contract providing for payment and delivery at a future date. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
will identify any underwriters or agents and describe their compensation, including any discounts or commissions, in a prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents that
participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of&nbsp;1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Any discounts or commissions received
by them from us and any profit on the resale of the securities by them may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against some civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments that the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>underwriters,
dealers or agents may be required to make. Underwriters, dealers or agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of their business. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_description_of_debt_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus describes the terms and provisions of the debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will
describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus
apply to the particular series of debt securities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
debt securities will be issued under an indenture between Kroger and a trustee to be selected by us. The indenture allows us to have different trustees for each debt security
offering. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have summarized the material terms of the indenture below. The indenture is included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement for these securities that we have filed with the SEC.
You should read the indenture for the provisions that are important to you. </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Principal Terms of the Debt Securities  </B></FONT></P>

</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior debt. The debt securities will
rank senior to any future subordinated indebtedness. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to that series of debt securities. These terms will include some or
all of the following:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their type and title; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their total principal amount and currency; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the denominations in which they are authorized to be issued; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the percentage of their principal amount at which they will be issued; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the date on which they will mature; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> if they bear interest, the interest rate or the method by which the interest rate will be determined; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the times at which any interest will be payable or the manner of determining the interest payment dates; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any optional or mandatory redemption periods and the redemption or purchase price; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any guarantees by our direct and indirect subsidiaries; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any sinking fund requirements; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any special United States federal income tax considerations; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> whether they are to be issued in the form of one or more temporary or permanent global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary
for the global securities; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any information with respect to book-entry procedures; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the manner in which the amount of any payments of principal and interest determined by reference to an index are determined; and </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> any other specific terms not inconsistent with the indenture. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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Denominations, Registration, Transfer and Payment  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will issue the debt securities in registered form without coupons or in the form of one or more global securities, as described below under
"Global Securities." We will issue registered securities denominated in U.S. dollars only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. We will issue global securities in a denomination
equal to the total principal amount of
outstanding debt securities of the series represented by the global security. We will describe the denomination of debt securities denominated in a foreign or composite currency in a prospectus
supplement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You
may present registered securities for registration of transfer at the office of the registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
will pay principal and any premium and interest on registered securities at the office of the paying agent. We may choose to make any interest payment (1)&nbsp;by check mailed to
the holder's address appearing in the register or (2)&nbsp;by wire transfer to an account maintained by the holder as specified in the register. We will make interest payments to the person in whose
name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the day or days specified by us. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
trustee's principal office in the City of New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, or other location, will be designated as the sole paying agent for payments on registered securities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Global Securities  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will deposit global securities with the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. A global security is a security, typically held
by a depositary, that represents the beneficial interests of a number of purchasers of the security. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After
we issue a global security, the depositary will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the
global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary. These account holders are known as "participants." The underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of
the debt securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Only a participant or a person that holds an interest through a participant may be the beneficial owner of a global security. Ownership
of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary and its participants. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
and the trustee will treat the depositary or its nominee as the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by a global security. Except as set forth below, owners of
beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global security registered in their names. They also will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal,
any premium and any interest payments on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary
or its nominee as the registered owner of the global security. None of Kroger, the trustee or any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payments, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the depositary's records. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security
will be governed by standing </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>instructions
and customary practices, as is the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names" and will be the responsibility of the participants. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within ninety days, we will issue registered securities
in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities. In that
event, we will issue debt securities of that series in definitive form in exchange for the global securities. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Events of Default  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When we use the term "Event of Default" in the indenture, here are examples of what we mean:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we fail to pay the principal or any premium on any debt security when due; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we fail to deposit any sinking fund payment when due; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we fail to pay interest when due on any security for 30&nbsp;days; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we fail to comply with any other covenant in the debt securities and this failure continues for 60&nbsp;days after we receive written notice
of it; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we default in any of our other indebtedness in excess of $50,000,000, and that results in an acceleration of maturity; or </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> we take specified actions relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
supplemental indenture or the form of security for a particular series of debt securities may include additional Events of Default or changes to the Events of Default described
above. You should refer to the prospectus supplement for the Events of Default relating to a particular series of debt securities. A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be
a default under another series. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
an Event of Default for debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all of the debt securities of that
series outstanding may require us to immediately repay all of the principal and interest due on the debt securities of that series. The holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the debt
securities of that series may rescind this accelerated payment requirement, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree by a court and if all existing Events of Default have been
cured or waived. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee may pursue any remedy available to it to collect payment or to enforce the performance of any provision of the debt
securities or the indenture. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities may generally waive an existing default and its consequences. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Modification of the Indenture  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The indenture may be amended without the consent of any holder of debt securities:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to permit a successor to assume our obligations under the indenture; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to add additional covenants for the benefit of holders; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to add additional Events of Default; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to add or change provisions necessary to facilitate the issuance of securities; or </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> to entitle the securities to the benefit of security. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
indenture may be amended with the written consent of the holders of at least 50% in principal amount of the debt securities of the series affected by the amendment. Holders of at
least 50% in principal amount of the debt securities may waive our compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities by giving notice to the trustee. </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>However,
no amendment or waiver that </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> changes the maturity of principal or any installment of principal or interest; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> reduces the amount of principal or interest or premium payable on redemption; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> reduces the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> modifies provisions related to rights of holders to redeem securities at their option; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> changes other rights of holders as specifically identified in the indenture </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>will
be effective against any holder without the holder's consent. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Other Debt Securities  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the debt securities described above, we may issue subordinated debt securities that rank junior to our senior debt securities.
These debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement and will be issued pursuant to an indenture entered into between Kroger and a trustee that we select. The indenture will be filed
with the SEC and qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Other Limitations  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prospectus supplement may contain provisions that limit our ability to consolidate or merge with other companies. It also may contain
provisions that limit our right to incur liens and to engage in sale and leaseback transactions. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ca70702_description_of_capital_stock"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ca70702_10"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Amended Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorize us to issue 2,000,000,000 common shares, $1 par value per share, and 5,000,000
cumulative preferred shares, $100
par value per share. As of December&nbsp;7, 2016, there were outstanding 938,124,655 common shares, and no cumulative preferred shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Common Shares  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All outstanding common shares are, and any shares issued under this prospectus will be, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to rights of
preferred shareholders if any preferred shares are issued and outstanding, holders of common shares </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> are entitled to any dividends validly declared; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> will share ratably in our net assets in the event of a liquidation; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> are entitled to one vote per share. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
common shares have no conversion rights. Holders of common shares have no preemption, subscription, redemption, or call rights related to those shares. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wells
Fargo Shareowner Services, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., is the transfer agent and registrar for our common shares. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

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</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>



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Preferred Shares  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus describes the terms and provisions of our preferred shares. When we offer to sell a particular series of preferred shares, we
will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply
to the particular series of preferred shares. The preferred shares will be issued under a certificate of designations relating to each series of preferred shares. It is also subject to our Amended
Articles of Incorporation. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have summarized the material portions of the certificate of designations below. The certificate of designations will be filed with the SEC in connection with an offering of preferred
shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
Amended Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorize us to issue 5,000,000 preferred shares, par value $100 per share. Our Board is authorized to designate any series of
preferred shares and the powers, preferences and rights of the preferred shares without further shareholder action. As of December&nbsp;7, 2016, we had no preferred shares outstanding. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
Board is authorized to determine or fix the following terms for each series of preferred shares, which will be described in a prospectus
supplement:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the designation and number of shares; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the dividend rate; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the payment date for dividends and the date from which dividends are cumulative; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> our redemption rights and the redemption prices; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> amounts payable to holders on our liquidation, dissolution or winding up; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the amount of the sinking fund, if any; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> whether the shares will be convertible or exchangeable, and if so the prices and terms; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> whether future shares of the series or any future series or other class of stock is subject to any restrictions, and if so the nature of the
restrictions. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When
we issue preferred shares, they will be fully paid and nonassessable. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Dividends  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The holders of preferred shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds we can legally use
for payment. The prospectus supplement will indicate the dividend rates and the dates on which we will pay dividends. The rates may be fixed or variable or both. If the dividend rate is variable, the
formula used to determine the dividend rate will be described in the prospectus supplement. We will pay dividends to the holders of record as they appear on the record dates fixed by our Board. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
Board will not declare and pay a dividend on any series of preferred shares unless full dividends for all series of preferred shares ranking equal as to dividends have been declared
or paid and sufficient funds are set aside for payment. If dividends are not paid in full, we will declare any dividends pro rata among the preferred shares of each series and any series of preferred
shares ranking equal to any other series as to dividends. A "pro rata" declaration means that the dividends we declare per share on each series of preferred shares will bear the same relationship to
each other that the full accrued dividends per share on each series of the preferred shares bear to each other. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless
all dividends on the preferred shares have been paid in full, we will not declare or pay any dividends or set aside sums for payment of dividends or distributions on any common
shares or on any class of security ranking junior to the series of preferred shares, except for dividends or distributions </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>8</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>paid
for with securities ranking junior to the preferred shares. We also will not redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire any securities ranking junior to the series of preferred shares as to dividends
or liquidation preferences, except by conversion into or exchange for stock junior to the series of preferred shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Convertibility  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will not convert or exchange any series of preferred shares for other securities or property, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Redemption and sinking fund  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will not redeem or pay into a sinking fund any series of preferred shares, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Liquidation rights  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business, holders of any series of preferred shares will be entitled to
receive the liquidation preference per share specified in the prospectus supplement and all accrued and unpaid dividends. We will pay these amounts to the holders of each series of the preferred
shares, and all amounts owing on any preferred shares ranking equally with that series of preferred shares as to distributions upon liquidation. These payments will be made out of our assets available
for distribution to shareholders before any distribution is made to holders of common shares or any class of shares ranking junior to the series of preferred shares as to dividends and liquidation
preferences. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
the event there are insufficient assets to pay the liquidation preferences for all equally-ranked classes of preferred shares in full, we will allocate the remaining assets equally
among all series of equally-ranked preferred shares based upon the aggregate liquidation preference for all outstanding shares for each series. This distribution means that the distribution we pay to
the holders of all shares ranking equal as to distributions if we dissolve, liquidate or wind up our business will bear the same relationship to each other that the full distributable amounts for
which the holders are respectively entitled if we dissolve, liquidate or wind up our business bear to each other. After we pay the full amount of the liquidation preference to which they are entitled,
the holders of a series of preferred shares will not be entitled to participate in any further distribution of our assets. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Voting rights  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holders of preferred shares will be entitled to one vote per share, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement or otherwise
required by law. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>


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Transfer agent and registrar  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prospectus supplement for each series of preferred shares will name the transfer agent and registrar. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="cc70702_description_of_depositary_shares"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_cc70702_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus describes the terms and provisions of our depositary shares. When we offer to sell depositary shares, we will describe the
specific terms for the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to the depositary
shares being offered. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have summarized the material portions of the deposit agreement below. The deposit agreement will be filed with the SEC in connection with an offering of depositary shares. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>9</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may offer fractional interests in preferred shares, rather than full preferred shares. If we do, we will provide for a depositary to issue to the public receipts for depositary
shares, each of which will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fractional interest in a preferred share of a specified series. These rights include dividend,
voting, redemption and liquidation rights. The applicable fraction will be specified in a prospectus supplement. The preferred shares represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a
depositary named in a prospectus supplement, under a deposit agreement among us, the depositary and the holders of the depositary receipts. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for
the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to file proof of residence and pay charges. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Dividends  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received to the record holders of depositary receipts in
proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by them on the relevant record date. The record date will be the same date as the record date we fix for the applicable series of preferred shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
we make a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property to the holders of depositary receipts, unless the depositary determines, after consultation with us, that it
is not feasible to make this distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, adopt any other method for the distribution as it deems appropriate, including the sale of the
property and distribution of the net proceeds from the sale. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>



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Liquidation Preference  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business, the holders of each depositary share will receive the fraction
of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Redemption  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If we redeem the series of preferred shares underlying the depositary shares, we will redeem the depositary shares from the redemption proceeds
of the preferred shares held by the depositary. Whenever we redeem any preferred shares held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem on the same redemption date the number of depositary shares
representing the preferred shares being redeemed. The depositary will mail the notice of redemption between 30 to 60&nbsp;days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the record holders of the
depositary receipts. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Voting  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The depositary will promptly mail information contained in any notice of meeting it receives from us to the record holders of the depositary
receipts. Each record holder of depositary receipts will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to its exercise of its voting rights pertaining to the number of preferred shares represented by its
depositary shares. The depositary will try, if practical, to vote the preferred shares underlying the depositary shares according to the instructions received. We will agree to try to take all action
that the depositary finds necessary in order to enable the depositary to vote the preferred shares in that manner. The depositary will not vote any of the preferred shares for which it does not
receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>10</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

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Withdrawal of Preferred Shares  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If holders surrender depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary and pay any unpaid amount due to the depositary, the owner of
the depositary shares is entitled to receive the number of whole preferred shares and all money and other property represented by the depositary shares. Partial preferred shares will not be issued. If
the holder delivers depositary receipts evidencing a number of depositary shares that represent more than a whole number of preferred shares, the depositary will issue a new depositary receipt
evidencing the excess number of depositary shares to that holder. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holders
of preferred shares received in exchange for depositary shares will no longer be entitled to deposit these shares under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended by agreement between
us and the depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders, other than any change in fees, of depositary shares will not be effective unless approved
by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. An amendment may not impair the right of any owner of any depositary shares to surrender its depositary receipt with
instructions to the depositary in exchange for preferred shares, money and property, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. The deposit agreement may be terminated by
us or the depositary only if:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> there has been a final distribution to the holders of the preferred shares in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
business, and the distribution has been made to all the holders of depositary shares. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

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Charges of Depositary  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges attributable solely to the depositary arrangements. We will pay the
depositary's charges for the initial deposit of the preferred shares and the initial issuance of the depositary shares, any redemption of the preferred shares and all exchanges for preferred shares.
Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and other charges stated in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. In some circumstances, the
depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, may withhold dividends and distributions and may sell the depositary shares if those charges are not paid. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Obligations of Depositary  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary receipts all reports and communications from us that are delivered to it and that we
are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred shares. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at its principal office, and at other
places it deems advisable, any reports and communications received from us. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
will not assume, and the depositary will not assume, any obligation or any liability under the deposit agreement to holders of depositary receipts other than for gross negligence or
willful misconduct. We will not be liable, and the depositary will not be liable, if we are prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our obligations under the
deposit agreement. Our obligations and the depositary's obligations under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of our and their duties. We and the depositary will not be
obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding related to any depositary shares or preferred shares unless we </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>11</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>receive
satisfactory indemnity. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of our counsel or accountants, on information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in
good faith to be competent to give this information. We also may rely on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. </FONT></P>

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Resignation and Removal of Depositary  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so. At any time we may remove the depositary. The
resignation or removal will take effect after a successor depositary is appointed and has accepted the appointment. We must appoint a successor within 60&nbsp;days after delivery of the notice for
resignation or removal and the successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Federal Income Tax Consequences  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Owners of the depositary shares will be treated for federal income tax purposes as if they were owners of the preferred shares underlying the
depositary shares. Accordingly, the owners will be entitled to take into account for federal income tax purposes income and deductions to which they would be entitled if they were holders of the
preferred shares. In addition:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> no gain or loss will be recognized for federal income tax purposes upon the withdrawal of preferred shares in exchange for depositary shares; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the tax basis of each preferred share to an exchanging owner of depositary shares will, when exchanged, be the same as the aggregate tax basis
of the depositary shares being exchanged; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the holding period for preferred shares in the hands of an exchanging owner of depositary shares will include the period during which that
person owned the depositary shares. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="cc70702_description_of_warrants"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_cc70702_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus describes the terms and provisions of the warrants. When we offer to sell warrants, we will describe the specific terms of the
warrants and warrant agreement in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to the warrants
being offered. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have summarized the material portions of the warrant agreement below. The warrant agreement will be filed with the SEC in connection with an offering of warrants. You should read the
warrant agreement for the provisions that are important to you. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, preferred shares or common shares. Warrants may be issued alone or together with debt securities, preferred shares or
common shares offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered
into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of
agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Debt Warrants  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to issue debt securities will describe the terms of the debt warrants,
including the following:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their title; </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>12</FONT></P>

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<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70702a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A></FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their offering price; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their aggregate number; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the designation and terms of the debt securities that can be purchased when they are exercised; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the designation and terms of the debt securities that are issued with the warrants and the number of warrants issued with each debt security; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the date when they and any debt securities issued will be separately transferable; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the principal amount of debt securities that can be purchased when they are exercised and the purchase price; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the date on which the right to exercise warrants begins and the date on which the right expires; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> whether they and the debt securities that may be issued when they are exercised will be issued in registered or bearer form; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> information about book-entry procedures; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the currency in which the offering price and the exercise price are payable; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the antidilution provisions; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the redemption or call provisions. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:times;;margin-left:10.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>


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Stock Warrants  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The prospectus supplement relating to any particular issue of warrants to issue common shares or preferred shares will describe the terms of the
stock warrants, including the following:</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their title; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their offering price; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> their aggregate number; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the designation and terms of the common shares or preferred shares that can be purchased when they are exercised; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the designation and terms of the common shares or preferred shares that is issued and the number of warrants issued with common shares or
preferred shares; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the date when they and any common shares or preferred shares issued will be separately transferable; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the number of common shares or preferred shares that can be purchased when they are exercised and the purchase price; </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the date on which the right to exercise them begins and the date on which the right expires; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the minimum or maximum amount that may be exercised at any one time; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the currency in which the offering price and the exercise price are payable; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the antidilution provisions; and </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:times;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2> the redemption or call provisions. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>13</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="cc70702_experts"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_cc70702_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  EXPERTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended January&nbsp;30, 2016 have
been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers&nbsp;LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="cc70702_legal_matters"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_cc70702_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>  LEGAL MATTERS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:times;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the securities will be passed upon for Kroger by Christine S. Wheatley, Esq., Group Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel of Kroger, and for any underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. As of December&nbsp;13, 2016, Ms.&nbsp;Wheatley owned approximately 54,113 Kroger
common shares, and had options to acquire an additional 127,369 common shares. </FONT></P>

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</FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#bg70701a_main_toc">Table of Contents</A> </FONT></P>

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end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
