WASHINGTON AP – A federal appeals court said Monday it needs more time to consider whether to block Whole Foods Market Inc.’s takeover of rival Wild Oats Markets Inc.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit temporarily put the $565 million deal on hold until it can hear more arguments. The three-judge panel said, however, the decision “should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits” of the case.