WASHINGTON, D.C.—Whole Foods Market has finally settled the antitrust challenge brought by FTC. The charge arose in the wake Whole Foods’ 2007 acquisition of Wild Oats Markets. FTC alleged that the deal would unfairly minimize competition in the natural and organic foods retail sector.
The terms of the settlement stipulate that Whole Foods sell 32 Wild Oats stores. Some of those stores are already closed.
“As a result of this settlement, American consumers will see more choices and lower prices for organic foods,” noted Jon Leibowitz, chairman, FTC, in a prepared statement.
