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Report: FTC May Drop Administrative Whole Foods Case

9/26/2007

Washington D.C., The U.S. administrative proceeding looking into the merger of organic grocers Wild Oats and Whole Foods Markets has not been stopped despite a loss in district court. However, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Deborah Majoras said on Tuesday the FTC rarely presses on after losing a court fight, according to a Reuters report.

Last month, the FTC failed to win a temporary injunction in federal court to stop the merger while the agency's administrative examination of the deal unfolded. A federal-appeals court upheld the decision on Aug. 23, and the two companies merged within days.

Asked about the case at a U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee hearing, Majoras said the agency's administrative process against Whole Foods had not been stopped but added: "It's been a very rare case when we've (pursued administrative action) when we've lost in district court."

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