Amazon is working with government officials to head off a lengthy deal investigation.
Amazon will re-file documents this week seeking government approval of its planned purchase of Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion. The move will restart the process, giving U.S. antitrust enforcers more time to complete an early review of the retailers’ planned tie-up, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Companies often use this tactic in the hopes that antitrust enforcers will get comfortable enough with their transaction during the extended initial review and agree to forego a longer probe. The government’s 30-day review period of the acquisition began on June 23, the Journal said.
Amazon’s decision to refile comes on the heels of several officials, including Democrats in Congress, calling for a close review of the purchase. Many are raising questions about how the deal might further bolster Amazon’s online muscle, and its impact on the future of the grocery industry, according to The Street.
Other antitrust observers are less concerned, reporting that the Amazon-Whole Foods merger will not equate into a dominant share of the grocery market, according to the Journal.
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