WHOLE FOODS FINALIZES ACQUISITION, SNATCHES WILD OATS

Whole Foods Market said it officially acquired Wild Oats earlier this week after gaining support from enough of its shareholders. Whole Foods said it would own 84.1% of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats after its tender offer of $18.50 per share closed Monday (August 27), and another 12.7% were subject to guaranteed delivery over the next three days.

The company said 25.2 million shares of Wild Oats were tendered and not withdrawn and another 3.8 million shares were subject to guaranteed delivery. After buying the shares guaranteed for delivery, Whole Foods said it would acquire all the remaining outstanding Wild Oats shares.

Whole Foods shares gained $1.21, or 2.7%, to $45.75; and Wild Oats shares edged up 2 cents, to $18.48 after the announcement was made on Monday.