The case against US retailer Whole Foods Market’s acquisition of Wild Oats has been suspended by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) until 5 February to consider a proposed consent agreement, according to a report by the Progressive Grocer.
David Wales, the chief competition enforcer at the FTC, told Dow Jones that Whole Foods has sent the commission a settlement proposal – a move which could end the dispute that began in 2007.
The announcement comes less than a week after a federal appeals court rejected Whole Foods’ counter-lawsuit against the commission in a bid by the retailer to block a full administrative FTC trial, scheduled for April.
“We welcome this opportunity to hold constructive discussions directly with the commissioners as well as the FTC’s attorneys,” said Whole Foods’ executive vice-president Jim Sud.
The FTC said it would suspend its regulatory challenge until 5 February so the parties could discuss the matter.
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