Error by FTC Reveals Whole Foods' Trade Secrets

[DeepModem Mom]

WP/AP: Error by FTC Reveals Whole Foods' Trade Secrets
By Christopher S. Rugaber
Associated Press
Wednesday, August 15, 2007; Page D03

Federal regulators inadvertently released dozens of trade secrets in public court documents yesterday as they tried to block Whole Foods Market's $565 million purchase of Wild Oats Markets.

The Federal Trade Commission documents revealed that Whole Foods plans to close 30 or more Wild Oats stores in competitive markets, a move that the company thinks would nearly double revenue for some Whole Foods stores.

Among other details not meant to be released, the FTC revealed how Whole Foods negotiates with suppliers to drive up costs for Wal-Mart stores. Regulators also discussed the company's closely held marketing strategies.

Regulators are trying to block the deal on antitrust grounds, arguing that it would mean higher prices for organic and natural food. A judge is considering whether to temporarily block the deal.

Lawyers for the FTC electronically filed documents as part of that court case yesterday afternoon. Court officials realized the redacted portions of the document could easily be read and blocked it from being downloaded from court computer servers. The Associated Press downloaded the document from the public server before it was replaced by a properly redacted version....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/14/AR2007081401784.html?hpid=sec-business

[LeftyMom]

1. anybody know where I can get the unredacted version?

[Triana]

2. It's funny to me that the FTC / FCC had NO issue with Murdoch buying WSJ...

...THAT wasn't considered a problem. Why?

[Gold Metal Flake]

3. Interesting.

FTC trying to enforce antitrust laws outside the courts? Who gains from this "mistake"? Also, you don't redact by highlighting text with black in Word and then saving as a PDF. Kinda word processing 101.

[MadMaddie]

4. If anyone believes this was a mistake or an accident....I got

some levies that still don't meet requirements to sell you in New Orleans...:sarcasm:

All government organizations have been infiltrated with Anti-American, Anti-Constitutional traitors....The FTC is one of the most corrupt organizations out there.

This was done on purpose.....

[defendandprotect]

5. Organic foods the target? Not sure?

Whole Foods' reputation has been suffering --
I'm one of their long-time customers -- in a variety of locations.
Chaos at our store as the manager was promoted --

Lots of nonsense goes on like not have the right bags for bread -- you buy it, get it home and an hour later it's stale!!!

Ordering problems, etc.
Meanwhile, lots of criticism of the store and its practices by customers.
Me, included!!!

Large staff overturned -- different attitudes --
Health store? Every Saturday the ailes are full of salty chips and junk food everywhere.