Court Allows Whole Foods Deal

A federal appeals court has refused to block Whole Foods Markets’ purchase of Wild Oats Markets.

The Federal Trade Commission had sought a stay of a lower court’s ruling while it argues its case on appeal, the Wall Street Journal reports (sub. req.). A federal judge had refused to grant an injunction, rejecting government arguments that the deal would reduce competition in the natural foods market.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said the FTC had failed to make a strong case that it could win on appeal.