Grocery-store Retailers Ask Judge To Protect Info

The companies said the plaintiffs have not served a subpoena for the information, demonstrated a need for the information or agreed to be bound by the protective order.

The companies are requesting the court notify the grocery chains to set a briefing schedule on the matter so that they can explain why they think the information should be protected. Or alternatively, they ask that the court grant the motion to enforce the same protective order from the previous case.

In March, Whole Foods agreed to sell 13 of its stores to settle the FTC's challenge of its $565 million acquisition of Wild Oats Markets.