U.S. Rep. Christopher Jacobs is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to quickly approve a merger between Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper. The merger was announced a year ago and requires approval from the FTC, but there has so far been “radio silence” from the board, Jacobs said this week. “The financing for this project will expire on November 8,” he explained. “If the FTC does not act before then this deal is dead and there is potential that many of our Tops Markets will be forced to close.” Jacobs represents a district in western New York where there are almost 30 Tops Markets, he said, adding that “in many of the rural communities I represent, Tops is the only grocery option for more than an hour drive.” In Greene County, Tops has stores in Greenville, Tannersville and Coxsackie. Price Chopper has a store in Catskill. Jacobs sent a letter to the FTC highlighting his concerns and calling on the board to make a quick decision. The FTC did not respond to a request for comment. Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets first announced the planned merger in February 2021. Price Chopper/Market 32 is based in Schenectady and operates 130 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores, employing 18,000 people. Based in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates 162 grocery stores; they are the largest private, for-profit employer in western New York with more than 14,000 associates. If the merger is approved, the new parent company will be headquartered in Schenectady.