Dean Foods Company. (At Closing News).

Dean Foods Company, Dallas, signs a definitive agreement to acquire the 87 percent equity interest in Horizon Organic Holding Corporation, Boulder, Colo., that it does not already own. Dean Foods will purchase the remaining interest for a cash price of approximately $216 million, or $24 per share, and will assume approximately $40 million in debt. Horizon Organic markets the leading brand of certified organic foods in the United States, with revenues of approximately $187 million in 2002. The company's product line in the United States includes organic milk, a full line of organic dairy products and organic juices, pudding, fruit jells and eggs. In the United Kingdom, the company markets and sells organic milk, yogurt and butter under the Rachel's Organic brand.