So far, anyway. But we'll see how much trouble his other indiscretions cause him at the current FTC hearings.
CNBC: Government Cites Mackey E-Mails
CNBC: Government Cites Mackey E-Mails
A government antitrust lawyer on Wednesday argued that comments made in e-mail and online by Whole Foods' chief executive _ including a reference to avoiding "nasty price wars" _ highlight the need to block the company's purchase of rival Wild Oats Markets.
Two days of hearings on the proposed deal ended Wednesday, with Whole Foods countering that the acquisition would help it compete with larger supermarket chains. Judge Paul L. Friedman of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is expected to rule by mid-August on whether to allow Whole Foods' $565 million purchase to proceed.
The Federal Trade Commission is trying to stop the deal out of concern that it would lead to higher prices for customers of the fancy and organic foods markets.
Michael Bloom, a lawyer for the FTC, quoted CEO John Mackey's comments in an e-mail to Whole Foods Market Inc.'s board that the purchase of Wild Oats Markets Inc. would allow the company to "avoid nasty price wars."
Two days of hearings on the proposed deal ended Wednesday, with Whole Foods countering that the acquisition would help it compete with larger supermarket chains. Judge Paul L. Friedman of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is expected to rule by mid-August on whether to allow Whole Foods' $565 million purchase to proceed.
The Federal Trade Commission is trying to stop the deal out of concern that it would lead to higher prices for customers of the fancy and organic foods markets.
Michael Bloom, a lawyer for the FTC, quoted CEO John Mackey's comments in an e-mail to Whole Foods Market Inc.'s board that the purchase of Wild Oats Markets Inc. would allow the company to "avoid nasty price wars."
The award for "Best Backhanded Compliment/Cheap Shot Combo" goes to the judge overseeing the FTC's case:
"He's candid regardless of which name he uses," Judge Paul L. Friedman said, referring to Mackey's postings on online financial Web sites under the screen name "rahodeb," an anagram of his wife's name, Deborah.
Mackey's online postings have attracted the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has said it is informally investigating them.
Mackey's online postings have attracted the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has said it is informally investigating them.
OUCH!
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