Amazon buys Whole Foods for $13.7 billion

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Amazon announced today it will acquire the Whole Foods Market for approximately $13.7 billion. The acquisition comes as the two companies agreed to enter a definitive merger agreement in which Amazon will acquire the supermarket chain for $42 per share in an all-cash transaction, and it will include Whole Foods' net debt.

"Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy," Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote in a statement. "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 Foods will continue to operate under its brand name and cofounder John Mackey will remain CEO. Mackey stated that this merger will allow the company to "maximize value for Whole Foods Market's shareholders" while also "bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers."

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