Just as signs of life are emerging from the deal market with credit thawing and companies peeking out from their protective shells, word came two weeks ago that one deal was thwarted over additional requests from the Federal Trade Commission.

Snack maker Utz Quality Foods pulled out of a deal to be acquired by Snyder’s of Hanover after the FTC requested more detailed information from the company in a second round of information gathering done as the commission reviewed the deal for approval.