Whole Foods, SEC Launch Probe Into CEO Postings

Whole Foods' (WFMI Quote) board is launching an independent investigation into the online message board postings of its CEO in relation to the grocer and its potential merger partner, Wild Oats Markets(OATS Quote).

Whole Foods also confirmed that the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun an inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, CEO John Mackey issued an apology to shareholders for the "error in judgment."

Last week, Mackey -- who founded the Austin, Texas, grocer -- was revealed to have posted a myriad of company-boosting entries on Yahoo! Finance message boards under the assumed name "Rahodeb." (Click here for a sample of his postings.) ...