Amazon to buy Whole Foods Market

Amazon is to buy Whole Food Market, the US organic food supermarket chain for $13.7 billion.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and chief executive, said: “Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades – they’re doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.”

Whole Food Market has nine stores in the UK, mostly in London. Globally, the company had sales of some $16 billion last year and has more than 460 stores in the United States, Canada, and the UK.

Amazon said Whole Foods Market would continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand and source from trusted vendors and partners around the world. “John Mackey will remain as CEO of Whole Foods Market and Whole Foods Market’s headquarters will stay in Austin, Texas.”

“This partnership presents an opportunity to maximise value for Whole Foods Market’s shareholders, while at the same time extending our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers,” said Mackey.