Judge Says Whole Foods Merger "Won't Kill Competition"

"Competition from conventional supermarkets would prevent Whole Foods Market Inc. from significant price hikes if it acquires rival organic grocer Wild Oats Markets Inc., a federal judge's ruling said.

Judge Paul L. Friedman released the reasoning Tuesday for denying the federal government's request Thursday to block the transaction.

The Federal Trade Commission has appealed Friedman's decision and has asked for a stay that would delay the merger pending the appeal's outcome. The appeals court has asked the agency and the companies to provide additional information on the request this week."

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