FTC Guns for Whole FoodWild Oats Merger, Again
WASHINGTON -- Not content to let bygones be bygones, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission here asked a Washington appellate court to review the federal district court ruling that allowed Whole Foods Market to merge with Wild Oats Markets, Inc., its former competitor in the natural and organic foods arena.
The FTC filed the latest motion on Monday, saying that an appeal is still warranted in part because Whole Foods is still operating many stores under the Wild Oats banner.
The federal agency, which contends that the $565 million deal violates antitrust grounds, is asking for an expedited ruling. It is a highly unusual request, and one that observers said is unlikely to be granted.
The FTC filed the latest motion on Monday, saying that an appeal is still warranted in part because Whole Foods is still operating many stores under the Wild Oats banner.
The federal agency, which contends that the $565 million deal violates antitrust grounds, is asking for an expedited ruling. It is a highly unusual request, and one that observers said is unlikely to be granted.