Apr 25, 2007 10:30 AM

Whole Foods Market Inc has extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets Inc from April 24, 2007, to May 22, 2007, at 5 pm EDT.

Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats previously announced that they had received a second request for more information from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with WFM's proposed acquisition of Wild Oats. The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 10 days after WFM has substantially complied with the second request, unless that period is terminated sooner by the FTC.

As of the close of business April 24, a total of 24,178,605 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent about 64% of the shares subject to the tender offer, have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

Access the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov for more information on this tender offer.