The Federal Trade Commission today filed an appeal of the D.C. District Court ruling that allowed Whole Foods Market, Inc. to purchase Wild Oats Markets, Inc. The FTC contends that the merger of the two rival organic food stores would increase prices due to less competition.
According to Whole Foods, it must offer prices competitive with other grocery stores that now offer organic food products. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman denied the FTC’s previous request to prevent the purchase, finding no antitrust violations. Whole Foods has agreed to delay closing until August 20th.
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR2007081701074.html
