WASHINGTON, DC, March 8, 2009 – The Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday a settlement with Whole Foods Market, Inc., that intends to substantially restore competition that was allegedly eliminated by Whole Foods’ 2007 acquisition of its closest rival, Wild Oats Markets, Inc., and resolves agency charges that the acquisition violated federal antitrust laws. Under the consent order, Whole Foods will sell 32 premium natural and organic supermarkets and related assets. Of the 32 stores, 12 operate under the Wild Oats banner and one operates under the Whole Foods banner. The remaining 19 stores are closed locations.