FTC Files Complaint Against Whole Foods-Wild Oats Deal

WASHINGTON—FTC’s latest maneuver in its case against the proposed merger between Whole Foods and Wild Oats is an administrative complaint intended to ensure the agency’s ability to pursue other obstructive options following the July 31 hearing on its earlier federal court complaint in the case. As in the federal complaint, this latest administrative filing represents FTC’s concern the transaction between Whole Foods and Wild Oats would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating the substantial competition between these two uniquely close competitors in the operation of premium natural and organic supermarkets nationwide. More specifically, the agency fears a post-merger Whole Foods would have the ability to raise prices and reduce quality and services.

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