Whole Foods Market to Sell Henry's and Sun Harvest Stores and California Distribution Center Subject to the Closing of the Wild Oats Markets Merger

22/06/07 Whole Foods Market announced that it plans to transfer all 35 Henry's and Sun Harvest store locations, and a Riverside, Calif. distribution center to a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart & Final Inc., a Los Angeles-based food retailer, subject to Whole Foods Market prevailing in the current lawsuit with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission concerning Whole Foods Market's merger with Wild Oats Markets and the actual closing of that merger. The Henry's and Sun Harvest stores are located in California and Texas.

"We have determined that these stores do not fit into Whole Foods Market's long-term real estate and brand strategy," said Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey. "It is important to us to ensure a smooth transition and to be open about our plans because of the employees and loyal shoppers at these locations. We believe both will be well served by Smart and Final's business focus."

Smart & Final is privately held and controlled by Apollo Management, L.P., one of the largest private equity firms in the world. Operating under the Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice Cash & Carry banners, the company operates 255 non-membership warehouse stores selling food and foodservice products to both traditional household customers and small business owners in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Northern Mexico.