U.S. Regulators Seek to Block Whole Foods’ Wild Oats Deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators on Friday appealed a court ruling that allowed Whole Foods Market Inc. to purchase its rival organic grocer Wild Oats Markets Inc.

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block the $565 million acquisition, arguing that it would stifle competition and lead to higher prices in the premium organic food market. The companies say the deal won’t hurt consumers because they also compete with conventional supermarkets such as Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co., which are selling increasing amounts of organic products.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman rejected the FTC’s arguments in a ruling late Thursday and denied the agency’s request to block the transaction.

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