Amazon's Jeff Bezos: Millions of people love Whole Foods Market

Jeff Bezos doesn’t want Whole Foods Market to move away from its core model after Amazon revealed on Friday that it’s buying the company in a $13.7bn deal.

The online giant will acquire Whole Foods for $42 per share in a move that represents its biggest step yet into the bricks-and-mortar retail and grocery markets.

Bezos, Amazon’s founder and chief executive reserved praise for the well-established supermarket chain, which will continue to trade under the same name.

"Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy,” said Bezos.

"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’ John Mackey will stay on as CEO and said the sale is great news for the company’s shareholders and customers alike. 

"This partnership presents an opportunity to maximize value for Whole Foods Market's shareholders,” he said. 

“At the same time, it extends our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers."

The transaction will need to get the seal of approval from Whole Foods Market's shareholders. The parties expect to close the deal during the second half of 2017.