Washington, D.C. ? A federal judge Thursday gave the go-ahead for grocer Whole Foods Market Inc. to buy rival Wild Oats Markets Inc., rejecting government arguments the deal would stifle competition and lead to higher prices.

The judge denied the Federal Trade Commission’s request to temporarily block the $565 million deal. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman’s reasoning was detailed in a 93-page court document that was sealed because it contains corporate secrets.

The FTC could appeal the ruling and ask the court to delay the closing of the transaction, pending the appeal.