Whole Foods Bruised

To boost growth, Whole Foods agreed earlier this year to buy smaller natural-foods rival Wild Oats, but its plan may hit snags. Whole Foods disclosed last month that the Federal Trade Commission for the second time has requested more information on the deal.

The company said Wednesday that members of the FTC staff have voiced concerns about the potential anticompetitive effects of the transaction. Whole Foods said the FTC hasn't yet decided whether to challenge the purchase.

Shares of Whole Foods were falling $2.50, or 5.5%, to $43.30 in after-hours trading. Wild Oats shares were declining 20 cents, or 1.1%, to $17.90.