DEAN FOODS CO
424B2, 1995-06-15
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Previous: CONSOLIDATED PAPERS INC, S-8, 1995-06-15
Next: DELMARVA POWER & LIGHT CO /DE/, 8-K, 1995-06-15



<PAGE>   1
 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated April 13, 1995)
 
                                  $100,000,000
 
                               DEAN FOODS COMPANY                         [LOGO]
 
                     6 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE JUNE 15, 2005
                            ------------------------
 
                    Interest payable June 15 and December 15
                            ------------------------
THE 6 3/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE JUNE 15, 2005 (THE "NOTES") WILL MATURE ON JUNE 15,
2005 AND WILL NOT BE REDEEMABLE PRIOR TO MATURITY. THE NOTES WILL NOT BE
 SUBJECT TO ANY SINKING FUND. THE NOTES WILL BE REPRESENTED BY BOOK-ENTRY
 SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE
   "DEPOSITARY") OR ITS NOMINEE. INTERESTS IN SUCH BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES WILL
    BE SHOWN ON, AND TRANSFER THEREOF WILL BE EFFECTED ONLY THROUGH, RECORDS
    MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY AND ITS PARTICIPANTS. EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED
     HEREIN, NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM WILL NOT BE ISSUED. SETTLEMENT FOR
     THE NOTES WILL BE MADE IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS. SO LONG AS THE
      NOTES ARE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE,
      THE NOTES WILL TRADE IN THE DEPOSITARY'S SAME-DAY FUNDS SETTLEMENT
       SYSTEM AND SECONDARY MARKET TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE NOTES WILL
        THEREFORE SETTLE IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS. SEE
        "DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES" HEREIN.
 
                            ------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
        COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
          PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
              REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
              OFFENSE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                   PRICE 99.64% AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                UNDERWRITING
                                                 PRICE TO      DISCOUNTS AND      PROCEEDS TO
                                                 PUBLIC(1)     COMMISSIONS(2)    COMPANY(1)(3)
                                                -----------    --------------    -------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>               <C>
Per Note.....................................     99.64%          .65%              98.99%
Total........................................   $99,640,000     $650,000         $98,990,000
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from June 19, 1995.
 
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended.
 
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $75,000.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     The Notes are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Sidley & Austin, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that delivery
of the Notes will be made on or about June 19, 1995 through the book-entry
facilities of the Depositary against payment therefor in immediately available
funds.
 
                            ------------------------
 
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.                                 J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
                  Incorporated
 
June 14, 1995
<PAGE>   2
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
The Company..........................................................................    S-3
Use of Proceeds......................................................................    S-3
Selected Consolidated Financial Information..........................................    S-4
Capitalization.......................................................................    S-5
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations..........................................................    S-6
Business.............................................................................    S-9
Description of the Notes.............................................................   S-11
Underwriters.........................................................................   S-14
Validity of the Notes................................................................   S-14
 
                                         PROSPECTUS
Available Information................................................................      2
Documents Incorporated by Reference..................................................      2
The Company..........................................................................      4
Use of Proceeds......................................................................      4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges...................................................      4
Description of Debt Securities.......................................................      4
Plan of Distribution.................................................................     14
Legal Matters........................................................................     14
Experts..............................................................................     14
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-2
<PAGE>   3
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Dean Foods Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") are engaged in the
processing, purchasing and distribution of dairy and specialty food products.
The Company's principal products are Dairy Products (fluid milk, specialty dairy
products and ice cream) and Specialty Food Products (frozen and canned
vegetables; pickles, relishes and specialty items; powdered products; and
sauces, puddings and dips). A significant portion of the Company's products are
sold under private labels. The Company also operates a trucking business hauling
less-than-truckload freight, concentrating primarily on refrigerated and frozen
cartage.
 
     Acquisitions have been an important factor in the Company's strategy. The
Company generally focuses on food companies having a well-established reputation
for quality products and service.
 
     The predecessor to the Company was incorporated in Illinois in 1925. The
principal office of the Company is located at 3600 North River Road, Franklin
Park, Illinois 60131, and its telephone number is (708) 678-1680.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes will be used to repay existing
short and long-term indebtedness under the Company's syndicated bank revolving
credit facilities and bank short-term credit lines. As of the date of this
Prospectus Supplement, $128 million was outstanding under these revolving credit
facilities and credit lines, bearing interest at floating rates which at June 8,
1995 were between 6.11% and 6.23%. The syndicated bank revolving credit
facilities expire no later than February, 2000. These facilities were used to
fund business acquisitions in fiscal 1994 and 1995 and working capital
requirements. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York is the Agent under the
syndicated bank revolving credit facilities and is an affiliate of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc., one of the Underwriters for the offering of the Notes. See
"Underwriting."
 
                                       S-3
<PAGE>   4
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the captions
"Operating Data", "Balance Sheet Data" and "Common Stock Data" are derived from
the consolidated financial statements of Dean Foods Company and subsidiaries,
which consolidated financial statements are as of and for the five fiscal years
ended May 29, 1994. The consolidated financial statements as of May 29, 1994 and
May 30, 1993 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 29,
1994 are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement. The selected
consolidated financial data presented below as of February 26, 1995 and for the
39 week periods ended February 26, 1995 and February 27, 1994 are derived from
the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company also incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus Supplement. In the opinion of management, such
unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting
of only normal, recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the
consolidated financial position as of February 26, 1995 and consolidated results
of operations for the 39 week periods ended February 26, 1995 and February 27,
1994. The results for the 39 week period ended February 26, 1995 are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full
year. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            39 WEEKS ENDED                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY,
                       ------------------------    ------------------------------------------------------------------
                        2/26/95       2/27/94         1994          1993          1992          1991          1990
                       ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                    <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Net sales............. $1,943,026    $1,759,654    $2,431,203    $2,274,340    $2,289,441    $2,157,997    $1,987,517
Costs of products sold
  and all operating
  expenses............  1,835,756     1,671,386     2,298,399     2,148,385     2,162,820     2,022,092     1,876,176
Interest expense......     16,567        11,101        15,471        14,888        15,551        16,780        12,682
Income before taxes...     92,269        78,446       118,313       114,759       105,527(B)    124,340       102,066
Provision for income
  taxes...............     38,107        31,963        47,551        46,350        43,511        51,807        40,834
Net income............     54,162        47,662        71,941(A)     68,409        62,016(B)     72,533        61,232
Depreciation on
  properties..........     49,686        43,082        58,549        51,815        48,348        44,465        37,338
Capital
  expenditures........     57,814        63,450        80,977        74,803        77,867        72,844        68,196
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital....... $  159,739    $  114,764    $   92,915    $  198,393    $  183,577    $  198,429    $  182,852
Total assets..........  1,194,996     1,112,361     1,109,154       892,836       857,152       816,999       744,759
Net plant and
  equipment...........    555,273       546,637       543,211       443,764       415,791       375,930       337,068
Long-term
  obligations.........    184,914       148,423       136,150       151,127       155,478       149,980       146,622
Shareholders'
  equity..............    561,491       506,283       524,774       476,319       430,443       416,560       362,760
COMMON STOCK DATA:
Net income per
  share............... $     1.36    $     1.20    $     1.81(A) $     1.73    $     1.53(B) $     1.79    $     1.53
Cash dividends per
  share...............        .51           .48           .64           .60           .56           .49           .44
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(A) 1994 includes an after-tax net gain of $1,179 ($.03 per share) related to
    changes in accounting principles.
 
(B) 1992 includes a charge against operations of $9,100 related to the
    termination of the Company's refrigerated truckload transportation business
    ($5,685 after taxes, or $.14 per share).
 
                                       S-4
<PAGE>   5
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the total current liabilities and
consolidated capitalization of the Company at February 26, 1995, and as adjusted
to reflect the application of the estimated net proceeds ($98,915,000) from the
sale of Notes.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             FEBRUARY 26, 1995
                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                           ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                                          --------    -----------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>
Current Liabilities:
  Notes payable to banks...............................................   $117,000     $  68,085
  Other current liabilities............................................    249,698       249,698
                                                                          --------     ----------
     Total current liabilities.........................................    366,698       317,783
                                                                          ========     =========
Long-term obligations, excluding current portion.......................   $184,914     $ 134,914
Notes offered hereby...................................................                  100,000
                                                                          --------     ----------
     Total long-term obligations.......................................    184,914       234,914
                                                                          --------     ----------
Shareholders' Equity:
  Common stock (80,000,000 shares authorized;
     41,189,497 shares issued).........................................     41,189        41,189
  Capital in excess of par value.......................................      8,695         8,695
  Retained earnings....................................................    541,797       541,797
  Cumulative translation adjustment....................................        (19)          (19)
  Less--treasury stock--at cost (1,261,990 shares).....................     30,171        30,171
                                                                          --------     ----------
     Total shareholders' equity........................................    561,491       561,491
                                                                          --------     ----------
Total capitalization...................................................   $746,405     $ 796,405
                                                                          ========     =========
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-5
<PAGE>   6
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     Earnings for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 increased 14% over the
same period in fiscal 1994 with net income of $54.2 million or $1.36 per share
compared to $47.7 million or $1.20 per share for the same period in fiscal 1994.
Earnings for fiscal 1994 increased 5% over fiscal 1993 with income of $71.9
million or $1.81 per share compared to $68.4 million or $1.73 per share for
fiscal 1993.
 
     The increased earnings for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 were
principally due to improved earnings by the Company's vegetable and pickle and
specialty products operations. After a sharp drop in first quarter earnings,
fiscal 1994 earnings finished strong, principally due to improved vegetable
earnings and the contribution of a business acquired in the latter part of the
year. The fiscal 1994 earnings were impacted by the adoption of new accounting
principles and the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. On May 31, 1993, the
Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No.
106 (FAS 106), "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than
Pensions" and FAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The implementation of
FAS 106 resulted in a non-cash charge of $1.0 million, net of taxes, or $.03 per
share. The Company elected to recognize the cumulative effect of the adoption of
FAS 109 which resulted in increasing fiscal 1994 earnings by $2.2 million or
$.06 per share. Further discussion of FAS 106 and FAS 109 are contained
respectively in the "Employee Benefit Plans" and "Income Taxes" notes to the
consolidated financial statements. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 1994
included a charge of $1.5 million or $.04 per share as a result of the increase
in the corporate tax rate to 35% retroactive to January 1, 1993.
 
     Both fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1992 earnings were impacted principally by
lower profits in the Company's vegetable operations, the result of industry-wide
excess inventories and competitive conditions. Fiscal 1992 results included a
special charge to earnings of $9.1 million ($5.7 million after taxes) or $.14
per share related to the termination of the Company's refrigerated truckload
transportation business.
 
     Net sales for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 were $1.9 billion
compared to $1.8 billion for the same period in fiscal 1994, a 10% increase.
Both Dairy Products and Specialty Food Products recorded sales increases in
fiscal 1995. Net sales for fiscal 1994 were $2.4 billion compared to $2.3
billion for fiscal 1993, a 7% increase. Both Dairy Products and Specialty Food
Products recorded sales increases in fiscal 1994. The increased sales of Dairy
Products were the result of higher selling prices, reflecting increased raw milk
costs, and the sales contribution of a business acquired in fiscal 1994. The
sales contribution of a business acquired during the latter half of fiscal 1994
and the full year's sales contribution of a business acquired in fiscal 1993
contributed to the increased Specialty Food Products sales. Overall Dairy
Products and Specialty Food Products unit sales volumes for fiscal year 1994
remained strong, slightly exceeding fiscal 1993 levels.
 
CASH FLOWS
 
     The crop-related seasonal aspects of the Company's vegetable and pickle
operations resulted in a significant use of cash in the first 39 weeks of fiscal
year 1995. Cash flows for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 were more
favorable than during the same period in fiscal 1994. Net cash flow for fiscal
1994 was $30.6 million unfavorable, primarily the result of outlays for
acquisitions net of the short-term borrowings used to fund such acquisitions.
During fiscal 1993, cash flow provided from operations resulted in a net
positive cash flow of $7.6 million for the year. Particulars of the Company's
cash flow activities for full fiscal years 1992 through 1994 are as follows:
 
     Operating Activities--Cash provided from operations for fiscal 1994 was
$122.0 million compared to $122.7 million and $124.5 million, for fiscal years
1993 and 1992, respectively. The cash provided in 1994 was principally the
result of increased earnings and greater non-cash charges to income less a net
increase in working capital items.
 
     Investing Activities--Net cash used in the Company's investing activities
in fiscal 1994 was $242.7 million compared to $76.5 million and $80.5 million
for fiscal years 1993 and 1992, respectively. Capital expenditures and business
acquisitions are the Company's principal investing activities. During fiscal
1994,
 
                                       S-6
<PAGE>   7
 
$171.5 million was used to acquire businesses, an important aspect of the
Company's growth. These acquisitions are discussed in the "Business
Acquisitions" note to the consolidated financial statements. Capital
expenditures for 1994 were $81.0 million compared with $74.8 million and $77.9
million in fiscal years 1993 and 1992, respectively. Three businesses, which the
Company concluded were not consistent with its long range goals, were sold
during the three years ended May 29, 1994, providing cash of $12.8 million.
 
     Financing Activities--Net cash provided by financing activities during
fiscal 1994 was $90.1 million. During fiscal years 1993 and 1992, net cash used
in financing activities was $38.7 million and $54.1 million, respectively. The
principal reason for the increase in cash provided in fiscal 1994 was the use of
short-term bank borrowings for acquisitions. No short-term borrowings were
outstanding at the end of fiscal years 1993 and 1992. Cash dividends paid, which
have increased in each of the last three years, were $25.0 million during fiscal
1994 compared to $23.4 million and $22.2 million during fiscal years 1993 and
1992, respectively. During fiscal years 1993 and 1992, the Company used $41.6
million to purchase treasury stock. No treasury stock purchases were made during
fiscal 1994.
 
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     The Company is a diversified food processor and distributor engaged in two
business segments, Dairy Products and Specialty Food Products. The Company is a
major processor of fluid milk and related products, specialty dairy products and
ice cream serving various regional markets, with some products distributed
nationwide and to Mexico. Dairy Products is the Company's largest segment,
accounting for 60% of total fiscal 1994 sales. Included within the Specialty
Food Products segment are frozen and canned vegetables, pickles and related
products, powdered non-dairy products and other specialty food items. Products
within this segment are sold both in regional markets and nationally, with
certain products sold internationally. Segment operating earnings represent
total sales less operating expenses of the segment with the following items not
deducted: general corporate expenses, interest expense and federal and state
income taxes. Both business segments are large users of certain agricultural
related commodities, the prices for which can vary greatly. Wet 1993 spring
planting conditions and summer flooding in some Midwest growing areas resulted
in reduced supplies of certain commodities during fiscal 1994. The 1994 crop
yields were substantially greater than the 1993 crop resulting in more typical
supply levels for commodities and overall availability of raw milk supplies were
adequate. The competitive conditions and relatively low profit margins in the
food industry necessitate timely adjustment of the Company's product pricing to
reflect changes in commodity pricing as well as changes in other production and
distribution related costs.
 
     Dairy Products--Sales for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 increased
2.7% over the same period in fiscal 1994 as increased unit sales volumes offset
lower raw milk costs in fiscal 1995. Dairy Products sales for fiscal 1994
increased 2.2% over sales of fiscal 1993 principally the result of higher
selling prices reflecting increased raw milk costs and the sales contribution of
a business acquired in fiscal 1994. Sales for fiscal 1993 (a 52 week period)
were greater than fiscal 1992 (a 53 week period) on slightly higher selling
prices with approximately the same unit sales volume as fiscal 1992.
 
     During the first 39 weeks of fiscal 1995, raw milk costs declined from
fiscal 1994 levels. Raw milk costs, which exceeded fiscal year 1993 levels
during the first quarter of fiscal 1994, fell in the second quarter and then
increased significantly during the last half of fiscal 1994, remaining higher
than the fiscal 1993 levels. During the first half of fiscal 1993, raw milk
costs rose, slightly declining during the latter part of the year as costs were
moderately higher than fiscal 1992 cost levels.
 
     Dairy Products' operating earnings for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995
were slightly below results for the same period in fiscal 1994 principally due
to competitive pressures on margins and costs associated with entry into new
markets and introduction of a new product line. Dairy Products' fiscal 1994
operating earnings declined 5.5% from fiscal 1993 earnings, principally the
result of higher raw milk costs and competitive conditions encountered in
certain markets. Fiscal 1993 operating earnings declined slightly from fiscal
1992 earnings, principally the result of competitive conditions encountered in
certain markets.
 
     Specialty Food Products--This business segment is a large user of raw
vegetables, corn syrups, vegetable oils, sugar and casein. In fiscal 1995,
vegetables and raw cucumbers were in plentiful supply, resulting in costs
 
                                       S-7
<PAGE>   8
 
below fiscal 1994 levels. Weather-related crop shortages and harvest delays in
the Midwest growing region resulted in higher fiscal 1994 costs in the Company's
vegetable and pickle businesses. Prices for vegetables and raw cucumbers were
relatively stable during fiscal 1993 and 1992. Prices for corn syrups and
vegetable oils declined during the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 from 1994
prices which had increased during fiscal 1994 as a result of the weather-related
Midwest harvest conditions. Sugar prices have been relatively stable over the
last three fiscal years. Prices for casein were relatively stable during fiscal
years 1994 and 1993, but increased in fiscal 1995 as a result of drought
conditions in New Zealand and the declining value of the U.S. dollar.
 
     Overall sales of Specialty Food Products for the 39 weeks ended February
26, 1995 increased 23% over the same period in fiscal 1994 principally due to
the inclusion of earnings of a vegetable operation acquired in the latter half
of fiscal 1994, increased selling prices and increased sales in the Company's
pickle and specialty products operations. Sales of Specialty Food Products for
fiscal 1994 increased 16% over fiscal 1993 sales, principally the result of the
sales of a business acquired during the latter part of fiscal 1994 and the full
year's sales contribution of a fiscal 1993 business acquisition. All of the
Company's Specialty Food Products operations recorded sales increases in fiscal
1994. Sales of Specialty Food Products for fiscal 1993 (a 52 week year)
increased 2% over sales of fiscal 1992 (a 53 week year), principally the result
of the sales of a fiscal 1993 acquired business.
 
     Specialty Food Products' operating earnings for the 39 weeks ended February
26, 1995 improved significantly over the previous fiscal year's earnings due to
earnings of a vegetable operation acquired in the latter half of fiscal 1994 and
improved earnings in the Company's pickle and specialty products operations.
Operating earnings for fiscal year 1994 increased 19%, principally due to
improved vegetable earnings and the contribution of a vegetable business
acquired during the latter part of the year. Pricing for certain vegetable
products, which had declined during fiscal 1993 and 1992, increased in fiscal
1994 as a result of weather-related crop shortages and harvesting delays. Pickle
margins declined in fiscal 1994, the result of increased weather-related costs
and competitive market conditions.
 
CORPORATE AND OTHER
 
     Corporate and Other sales and expenses include sales and expenses of the
Company's transportation subsidiary and canned meats under government bid
contracts, along with general corporate expenses, interest expense and interest
income. Corporate and Other sales for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995
increased 36% over the sales for the same period in fiscal 1994 principally the
result of increased canned meat sales. Sales for fiscal 1994 declined 21.3%,
principally the result of decreased fiscal 1994 government bid canned meat
sales. Corporate and Other expenses increased in fiscal 1994, principally the
result of interest expense associated with the increased short-term borrowings
and less investment income. Fiscal 1992 expenses included a special $9.1 million
pretax charge related to the decision to terminate the Company's refrigerated
truckload business.
 
     Interest expense for the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995 increased 49%
over interest expense of the same period in fiscal 1994 principally the result
of interest on borrowings associated with fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995 business
acquisitions and higher prevailing interest rates during the 39 weeks ended
February 26, 1995. Interest expense for fiscal 1994 increased 3.9%, the result
of increased short-term borrowing requirements and increased interest rates
during the latter part of the fiscal year, offsetting reductions in long-term
obligations. Interest expense for fiscal 1993 decreased 4%, the result of lower
long-term obligations outstanding, reduced short-term borrowings and lower
prevailing interest rates during the year. The decreased fiscal 1994 interest
income was the result of lower available funds for short-term investments.
 
     Income Taxes--The Company's effective income tax rate for the 39 weeks
ended February 26, 1995 was 41.3% compared to 40.7% for the same period in
fiscal 1994. The difference in the effective tax rates principally was the
result of a difference between book and tax basis on certain non-operating
transactions. The Company's effective income tax rate for fiscal 1994 was 40.2%,
reflecting the higher corporate tax rate and retroactive requirement of the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 offset by the impact of the adoption of FAS
109. The effective income tax rates for fiscal years 1993 and 1992 were 40.4%
and 41.2%, respectively. Explanations of the impact of FAS 109 and the
differences from statutory rates are explained in the "Income Taxes" note to the
consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       S-8
<PAGE>   9
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is engaged in the processing, purchase and distribution of
dairy and specialty food products.
 
     The Company's principal products are Dairy Products (fluid milk, specialty
dairy products and ice cream) and Specialty Food Products (frozen and canned
vegetables; pickles, relishes and specialty items; powdered products; and
sauces, puddings and dips). A significant portion of the Company's products are
sold under private labels. The Company also operates a trucking business hauling
less-than-truckload freight, concentrating primarily on refrigerated and frozen
cartage.
 
     The predecessor to Dean Foods Company was incorporated in Illinois in 1925.
Acquisitions have been an important factor in the Company's strategy. The
Company does not have specific acquisition criteria, but generally focuses on
food companies having a well-established reputation for quality products and
service.
 
     During the 39 weeks ended February 26, 1995, the Company completed one
acquisition of a fluid milk processing operation. Prior thereto, the Company
completed 14 acquisitions in the five year period ending in fiscal 1994. During
fiscal 1994, the Company acquired Longlife Dairy Products of Jacksonville,
Florida, an ultra-high temperature (UHT) processor of specialty dairy products,
the Birds Eye frozen vegetable business and the Bennett's premium sauce line.
During fiscal year 1993, the Company acquired W. B. Roddenbery Co., Inc. of
Cairo, Georgia, a processor of pickles, peanut butter, boiled peanuts and
syrups, and acquired an East Coast replacement sour cream product line. In
fiscal year 1992, the Company acquired Meadow Brook Dairy Company, a dairy
processor with plants in Pennsylvania and New York; and Frio Foods, Inc., a
Texas frozen vegetable processor. In fiscal year 1991, the Company acquired a
fluid milk and ice cream business located in Utah and Nevada operating as Cream
o'Weber; Ready Food Products, Inc., a UHT processor of specialty dairy products;
and Pilgrim Farms, Inc., an Indiana pickle processor. The Company, in fiscal
year 1990, acquired Chas. F. Cates & Sons, Inc., a North Carolina pickle
processor; Bellingham Frozen Foods, Inc., a Washington frozen vegetable
processor; Mayfield Dairy Farms, Inc., a fluid milk and ice cream processor
located in Tennessee; and the business and assets of Western Food Products,
Inc., a pickle processor in LaJunta, Colorado. The results of operations of
these acquisitions, from their respective dates of acquisition, have been
included in the Company's results of operations.
 
DAIRY PRODUCTS
 
     FLUID MILK AND SPECIALTY DAIRY PRODUCTS
 
     The Company processes raw milk and other raw materials into fluid milk and
specialty dairy products. Included in the fluid products category is
homogenized, low-fat and skim milk plus buttermilk, chocolate milk and juice
products. Specialty dairy products include cottage cheese, yogurt, portion
control cream cheese and sour cream, all cultured fresh dairy products, and an
assortment of UHT processed and aseptic packaged products. The specialty dairy
UHT products include whipping creams, half and half, aerosol toppings, coffee
creamers, flavored milks and lactose-reduced milks.
 
     Fluid milk and fresh cultured specialty products are sold to grocery store
chains, convenience stores, smaller retail grocery outlets, warehouse club
stores, grocery warehouses and institutional customers in the Midwest and
mid-Southern states, in parts of the Southwestern, Southeastern and Rocky
Mountain states, parts of Pennsylvania and New York, and the Caribbean and
Mexico.
 
     In addition to the strong Dean brand in the Midwest and mid-South, fluid
milk and fresh cultured specialty dairy products are sold in various areas under
well-established labels such as Bell, Bowman, Creamland, Cream o'Weber,
Fairmont, Fieldcrest, Gandy's, T. G. Lee, Mayfield, McArthur, Meadow Brook,
Price's, Reiter, St. Thomas Dairies and Verifine. A substantial portion of the
Company's fluid milk and specialty dairy products volume is sold under private
labels.
 
                                       S-9
<PAGE>   10
 
     Specialty UHT processed products produced and marketed by Ryan Milk
Company, Ready Food Products, Inc. and Longlife Dairy Products are distributed
nationwide under various branded and private labels.
 
     ICE CREAM
 
     The Company produces packaged and bulk ice cream products which are sold
through supermarkets, convenience stores, smaller retail grocery outlets,
restaurants and other foodservice users. The product line includes ice cream
(regular, light, reduced fat, lowfat and non-fat), fruit sherbets, frozen
yogurts, and novelties made with ice cream, sherbet and ices. These products are
sold under a variety of regional brands and numerous private labels in the
Midwest, Southwest, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee,
Wisconsin, the Caribbean and parts of the Rocky Mountain states under numerous
well-established brands. Such brands include Dean, Country Charm, Gandy's,
Creamland, Cream o'Weber, Bell, Price's, Fitzgerald, Mayfield, Fieldcrest,
McArthur/T. G. Lee, Reiter, Verifine, Carnival and Calypso. During the 39 weeks
ended February 26, 1995, the Company introduced in various markets a non-fat, no
sugar-added ice cream product under the Guilt Free label. Sales of ice cream
products are substantially greater during the summer months than during the rest
of the year.
 
     Additionally, the Company produces and supplies Baskin-Robbins ice cream
products in the Midwest and Southwest United States.
 
SPECIALTY FOOD PRODUCTS
 
     FROZEN AND CANNED VEGETABLES
 
     The Company processes and markets frozen and canned vegetables consisting
of corn, peas, green beans, carrots, beets, spinach, peas and carrots, green
lima beans and various mixed vegetable blends. Additional products in the frozen
vegetable line include asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower,
fordhook lima beans, celery and vegetable blends with pasta and with rice. The
packaging of processed frozen vegetables occurs year-round. The processing and
canning of fresh vegetables is seasonal in nature, with most of the canning
activity in the Midwest occurring during and shortly after harvesting periods.
The Company believes the geographic diversity of its plants and growing areas
provides the ability to balance production. As a result of the seasonal nature
of the vegetable business, inventory levels vary significantly during the year.
 
     Frozen vegetables account for approximately 60% of the total vegetable
sales. Products are marketed under several brand names including Birds Eye,
Veg-All, Freshlike, Larsen, Rancho Fiesta, and Shaw, as well as under customer
brand names or in-house brands. The Company's Birds Eye vegetable brand is
marketed in all markets throughout the United States. The Company's canned mixed
vegetable, Veg-All, is marketed in all major and secondary markets throughout
the United States, while Veg-All frozen and canned single vegetable items are
marketed in the Southeast and the South. The Freshlike frozen and canned
vegetable line is marketed primarily in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
and Texas. Other vegetable products are marketed under private labels or
in-house brands throughout the United States and exported to the Far East,
Mid-East, Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Retail or consumer sizes are
distributed for ultimate sales to consumers through chain and independent retail
stores and include Company brands and buyers' brands of all products.
Institutional customers, including hotels, restaurants, in-plant feeding
programs, and schools are serviced through foodservice distributors with
products packaged in larger containers.
 
     PICKLES, RELISHES AND SPECIALTY ITEMS
 
     The Company is one of the largest pickle processors and marketers in the
United States with sales nationwide. Pickles, relishes, pickled peppers and
other assorted specialty items are sold under several brand names, including
Roddenbery, Peter Piper, Heifetz, Pesta, Atkins, Whitfield, Aunt Jane's, Ma
Brown, Tree, Rainbo, Cates and Dailey. Products are also sold for private label
distribution to retail grocery store chains, wholesalers and the foodservice
industry and in bulk to other food processors. Late in fiscal 1993 the Company
acquired W. B. Roddenbery Co., Inc. located in Cairo, Georgia, a processor of
pickles, peanut butter, boiled peanuts and syrups. During fiscal 1992 the
Company's Dean Pickle and Specialty Products Company became
 
                                      S-10
<PAGE>   11
 
the exclusive U.S. marketer of green olives for a leading Spanish olive packer.
The Company markets a number of specialty sauces, including shrimp, seafood,
tartar, horseradish, chili and sweet and sour sauces, in the Eastern, Midwestern
and Southern United States to retail grocers.
 
     The processing of pickle products is seasonal, dependent to a large extent
upon the growing season of cucumbers in the summer months. Inventories are
therefore higher in the fall and winter months than in the spring and early
summer.
 
     POWDERED PRODUCTS
 
     Non-dairy coffee creamers are the Company's principal powdered products.
Powdered premium and low-fat products are sold primarily under private labels to
vending operators, office beverage service companies and institutional
foodservice distributors with national distribution which supply restaurants,
schools, health care institutions, hotels and vending and fast-food operations.
Non-dairy creamers are also sold for private label distribution to all classes
of the retail trade and sold in bulk to a number of other food companies for use
as an ingredient in their food products. Powdered products are also sold to
international customers in Australia, Canada, the Far East, Mexico, South
America, Europe and the Middle East. The Company's non-dairy coffee creamers are
an economical and convenient substitute for milk and cream. They require no
refrigeration and have long shelf lives.
 
     SAUCES, PUDDINGS AND DIPS
 
     The Company's aseptic products primarily include ready-to-serve natural
cheese sauces, puddings and other specialty sauces which are sterilized under a
process which allows storage for prolonged periods without refrigeration.
Aseptic products are sold nationwide, primarily under private labels to
distributors which supply restaurants, schools, hotels and other segments of the
foodservice industry.
 
     The Company manufactures vegetable-fat-based party dips, low-fat sour cream
and sour cream replacements at its Rockford, Illinois facility. These products
are sold nationally, but primarily east of the Rockies, under the Dean's, King
and private label brands in supermarkets and other retail outlets through
distributor or direct warehouse delivery.
 
     CORPORATE AND OTHER
 
     DFC Transportation Company, a trucking subsidiary of the Company, operates
nationwide with a fleet of approximately 74 tractors and 167 trailers, providing
less-than-truckload refrigerated and frozen cartage service. The majority of its
revenues are derived from refrigerated freight. Its customers include food and
industrial companies. A significant portion of its revenues are derived from the
brokerage of various types of freight. During the fourth quarter of 1992, the
Company decided to terminate operation of the refrigerated truckload
transportation portion of its trucking business and an appropriate charge to
earnings was provided for the costs associated with such termination.
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The following description of the particular terms of the Notes offered
hereby (referred to in the Prospectus as the "Debt Securities") supplements, and
to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, insofar as such description
relates to the Notes, the description of the general terms and provisions of the
Debt Securities set forth in the Prospectus, to which description reference is
hereby made. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture and
the Notes do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in
their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the Indenture, including the
definition therein of certain terms. Capitalized terms used herein and not
defined herein or in the Prospectus have the respective meanings set forth in
the Indenture.
 
     The Notes are limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will
mature on June 15, 2005. The Notes will bear interest from June 19, 1995 or from
the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or
provided for, at the rate shown on the front cover of this Prospectus
Supplement, payable
 
                                      S-11
<PAGE>   12
 
semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15,
1995, and at maturity, to the person in whose name each Note is registered at
the close of business on the June 1 and December 1 (each a "Record Date") next
preceding such June 15 and December 15, respectively. Principal and interest
will be payable, and the Notes will be transferable and exchangeable, at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose in New York, New
York; provided that the Global Security will be exchangeable only in the manner
and to the extent set forth under "Book-Entry Notes"; provided further that,
except in the case of the Global Security deposited in the Depositary's Same-Day
Funds Settlement System, payment of interest may be made at the option of the
Company by check mailed to the registered holders of the Notes. On the date
hereof, the agent for the payment, transfer and exchange of the Notes (the
"Paying Agent") is Bank of America Illinois, acting through its agent, Mellon
Securities Transfer Services, Inc., 120 Broadway, 33rd Floor, NY, NY 10271. The
Notes shall be issuable only in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and
any integral multiple thereof.
 
     The Notes will be unsecured general obligations of the Company, will be
senior obligations of the Company and are to be issued as a separate series of
Senior Debt Securities under an Indenture dated as of January 15, 1995 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company and Bank of America Illinois, as trustee (the
"Trustee"), which is described more fully in the Prospectus. The Notes are not
redeemable prior to their maturity and will not be entitled to any sinking fund.
The covenants contained in Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Indenture relating to
Limitations on Liens and Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and the
provisions of Article Ten of the Indenture relating to Defeasance and Covenant
Defeasance shall be applicable to the Notes. At February 26, 1995, the Company
had approximately $140 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness
(as defined in the Prospectus) outstanding and no subordinated indebtedness
outstanding.
 
BOOK-ENTRY NOTES
 
     The Notes will be represented by a Global Security, and will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of a nominee
of the Depositary.
 
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security representing
Book-Entry Notes will be limited to institutions that have accounts with the
Depositary or its nominee ("participants") or persons that may hold interests
through participants. In addition, ownership of beneficial interests by
participants in such a Global Security will only be evidenced by, and the
transfer of that ownership interest will only be effected through, records
maintained by the Depositary or its nominee for such Global Security. Ownership
of beneficial interests in such a Global Security by persons that hold through
participants will only be evidenced by, and the transfer of that ownership
interest within such participant will only be effected through, records
maintained by such participant. The laws of some jurisdictions require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial
interests in such a Global Security.
 
     The Company understands that upon the issuance of a Global Security
representing Book-Entry Notes, and the deposit of such Global Security with the
Depositary, the Depositary will immediately credit, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the
Book-Entry Notes represented by such Global Security to the accounts of
participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the
Underwriters.
 
     Payment of principal of and any premium and interest on Book-Entry Notes
represented by any Global Security registered in the name of or held by the
Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered Holder of the Global Security representing such
Book-Entry Notes. None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company
or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
Depositary's records or any participant's records relating to, or payments made
on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security representing
such Book-Entry Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the
Depositary's records or any participant's records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
 
                                      S-12
<PAGE>   13
 
     The Company understands that upon receipt of any payment of principal of or
any premium or interest in respect of a Global Security, the Depositary will
immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, accounts
of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective
beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on
the records of the Depositary. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial
interests in a Global Security held through such participants will be governed
by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name," and
will be the sole responsibility of such participants.
 
     No Global Security described above may be transferred except as a whole by
the Depositary for such Global Security to a nominee of the Depositary or by a
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary
or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee
of such successor.
 
     A Global Security representing Book-Entry Notes is exchangeable for Notes
registered in the name of a Holder other than the Depositary only if (i) the
Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary or the Depositary shall no longer be eligible to serve as Depositary
and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within ninety (90)
calendar days, (ii) an Event of Default with respect to the Notes has occurred
and is continuing or (iii) the Company in its sole discretion instructs the
Trustee that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable. Notes issued in
exchange for a Global Security shall be registered in the name or names of such
person or persons as the Company shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that
such instructions may be based upon directions from the Depositary which are
received by the Depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security.
 
     Except as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in such Global
Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Notes in
certificated form and will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose
under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing Book-Entry Notes shall
be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denominations and
tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.
Accordingly, each person owning interest in such Global Security must rely on
the procedures of the Depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on
the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest,
to exercise any rights of a Holder under the Indenture. The Company understands
that under existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests
any action of Holders or an owner of a beneficial interest in such Global
Security desires to give or take any action that a Holder is entitled to give or
take under the Indenture, the Depositary would authorize the participants
holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such
participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants
to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of
beneficial owners owning through them.
 
     The Company understands that the Depositary is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered under the
Exchange Act. The Depositary was created to hold securities of its participants
and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among
its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. The Depositary's participants include securities
brokers and dealers (including the Underwriters), banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or
their representatives) own the Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry
system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
participant, either directly or indirectly ("indirect participants"). Persons
who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by the Depositary
only through participants or indirect participants. The Depositary has confirmed
to the Company, each Underwriter and the Trustee that it intends to follow such
procedures.
 
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
 
     Settlement for the Notes will be made by the Underwriters in immediately
available or same-day funds.
 
                                      S-13
<PAGE>   14
 
     Secondary trading on long-term notes and debentures of corporate issuers is
generally settled in clearing-house or next-day funds. In contrast, the Notes
will trade in the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity,
and secondary market trading activity in the Notes will therefore be required by
the Depositary to settle in same-day funds. No assurance can be given as to the
effect, if any, of settlement in same-day funds on trading activity in the
Notes.
 
                                  UNDERWRITERS
 
     Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date hereof, the Underwriters named below have severally
agreed to purchase, and the Company has agreed to sell to them, severally, the
respective principal amounts of Notes set forth opposite their respective names
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
                                    NAME                                        OF NOTES
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
    <S>                                                                     <C>
    Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated....................................     $ 50,000,000
    J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. .........................................       50,000,000
                                                                              ------------  
      Total..............................................................     $100,000,000
                                                                              ============
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Notes are subject to the
approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other
conditions. The Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the Notes
if any are taken.
 
     The Underwriters propose initially to offer part of the Notes directly to
the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof and
part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of
 .40% of the principal amount of the Notes. The Underwriters may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of .25% of the principal amount
of the Notes to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the Notes,
the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by
the Underwriters.
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on a national
securities exchange, but has been advised by the Underwriters that they
presently intend to make a market in the Notes, as permitted by applicable laws
and regulations. The Underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market
in the Notes and any such market making may be discontinued at any time at the
sole discretion of the Underwriters. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as
to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, the Notes.
 
     Each Underwriter engages in transactions with and performs services for the
Company in the ordinary course of business. In addition, Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, is Agent under the Company's syndicated bank revolving
credit facilities and is an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. See "Use of
Proceeds."
 
                             VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
 
     Certain matters with respect to the validity of the Notes offered hereby
will be passed upon for the Company by Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago, Illinois, and
for the Underwriters by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois.
 
                                      S-14
<PAGE>   15
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                  $300,000,000
 
                               DEAN FOODS COMPANY
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                         ------------------------------
 
     Dean Foods Company (the "Company") intends to issue from time to time
senior debt securities (the "Senior Securities") and/or subordinated debt
securities (the "Subordinated Securities") each of which will be a direct,
unsecured obligation of the Company for aggregate proceeds not to exceed the
equivalent of $300,000,000 and offered to the public on terms determined by
market conditions at the time of sale (the Senior Securities and the
Subordinated Securities being herein referred to collectively as the "Debt
Securities"). The Debt Securities may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in any
other currency, including composite currencies such as the European Currency
Unit, as may be designated by the Company (the "Specified Currency"). Debt
Securities may be sold for U.S. dollars or any other currency, including
composite currencies and the principal of and any interest on Debt Securities
may be payable in U.S. dollars, or in any other currency, including composite
currencies, in each case, as the Company specifically designates.
 
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series with the same or
various maturities at or above par or with an original issue discount. The
specific designation, aggregate principal amount, authorized denominations,
purchase price, maturity, interest rate (or method of calculation) and time of
payment of any interest, any terms for redemption or repurchase, any listing on
a securities exchange or other specific terms of the Debt Securities in respect
of which this Prospectus is being delivered (the "Offered Securities") are set
forth in the accompanying supplement to the Prospectus (the "Prospectus
Supplement"), together with the terms of offering of the Offered Securities.
 
                         ------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
    ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
     CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                         ------------------------------
 
     The Debt Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated from
time to time, through dealers or through underwriters. Such agents or
underwriters may act alone or with other agents or underwriters. See "Plan of
Distribution." Any such agents, dealers or underwriters are set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement. If an agent of the Company or a dealer or underwriter is
involved in the offering of the Offered Securities, the agent's commission,
dealer's purchase price, underwriter's discount and net proceeds to the Company
will be set forth in, or may be calculated from, the Prospectus Supplement. Any
underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the offering may be deemed
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
     This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Debt Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
 
                         ------------------------------
 
                 The date of this Prospectus is April 13, 1995.
 
                         ------------------------------
<PAGE>   16
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH AN OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS FOR SUCH OFFERING MAY
OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE
OF THE DEBT SECURITIES AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN
THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY
TIME.
 
     No dealer, salesman or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement, and, if given or
made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or by any underwriter, agent or dealer. This
Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement shall not constitute an offer to sell
or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus and
any Prospectus Supplement nor any sale made thereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that the information therein is correct as
of any time subsequent to the date thereof.
                           -------------------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy material and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy material
and other information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at its regional offices, at 500
West Madison, 14th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and Seven World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy material and
other information concerning the Company also may be inspected at the offices of
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Debt Securities. This Prospectus
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement
and the exhibits thereto as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For information with respect to the Company and the Debt Securities,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto.
The Registration Statement may be inspected without charge by anyone at the
office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to
the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents heretofore filed by the Company under the Exchange
Act with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference:
 
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May
              29, 1994.
 
          (2) The Company's Report on Form 8-K dated June 20, 1994.
 
          (3) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the thirteen week
              period ended August 28, 1994, the twenty-six week period ended
              November 27, 1994, and the thirty-nine week period ended February
              26, 1995.
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of Debt Securities
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   17
 
contemplated hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus has been delivered, upon the written or oral request of such
person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been
or may be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference other than exhibits to
such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to the Corporate
Secretary, Dean Foods Company, 3600 North River Road, Franklin Park, Illinois
60131, telephone number (708) 678-1680.
 
     Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used in this Prospectus the term
"Company" refers to Dean Foods Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The
Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in May. Unless the context
indicates otherwise, references herein to years are for years ending on that
date.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   18
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Dean Foods Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in the processing,
purchasing and distribution of dairy and specialty food products. The Company's
principal products are Dairy Products (fluid milk, specialty dairy products and
ice cream) and Specialty Food Products (canned and frozen vegetables; pickles,
relishes and specialty items; powdered products; and sauces, puddings and dips).
A significant portion of the Company's products are sold under private labels.
The Company also operates a trucking business hauling less-than-truckload
freight, concentrating primarily on refrigerated and frozen cartage.
 
     Acquisitions have been an important factor in the Company's strategy. The
Company generally focuses on food companies having a well-established reputation
for quality products and service.
 
     The predecessor to the Company was incorporated in Illinois in 1925. The
principal office of the Company is located at 3600 North River Road, Franklin
Park, Illinois 60131, and its telephone number is (708) 678-1680.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering of the Debt
Securities for general corporate purposes, which may include repaying existing
indebtedness or financing acquisitions. Further details relating to the use of
the net proceeds will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
     The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS                       FISCAL YEARS
      ENDED           ------------------------------------------------
FEBRUARY 26, 1995     1994       1993       1992       1991       1990
- -----------------     ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
      5.2x            6.2x       6.1x       5.3x       5.9x       5.8x
</TABLE>
 
     For the purpose of computing the above ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings consist of income before taxes, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense, net, including amortization of discount and
financing costs and one-third of the operating rental expenses which management
believes is representative of the interest component of rent expense.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement (the "Offered Securities") and the extent,
if any, to which such general provisions may not apply thereto will be described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offered Securities.
 
     The Senior Securities are to be issued in one or more series (each such
series a "Series") under an Indenture dated as of January 15, 1995, (the "Senior
Indenture") between the Company and Bank of America Illinois, as Trustee (the
"Senior Trustee"), and the Subordinated Securities are to be issued in one or
more Series under an Indenture dated as of January 15, 1995 (the "Subordinated
Indenture") between the Company and a trustee to be named prior to an offering
of Subordinated Securities, as Trustee (the "Subordinated Trustee"). The forms
of the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture (being sometimes referred
to herein collectively as the "Indentures" and individually as an "Indenture")
are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. The following summaries of
certain provisions of the Debt Securities and the Indentures do not purport to
be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entireties by
reference to, all of the provisions of the Indentures, including the definitions
therein of certain terms. Whenever particular provisions or defined terms in the
Indentures are referred to herein, such provisions or defined terms are
incorporated by reference herein. Section references used herein are references
to sections in
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   19
 
both Indentures unless otherwise indicated. The Indentures are substantially
identical, except for certain covenants of the Company and provisions relating
to subordination.
 
     The Debt Securities will be obligations of the Company exclusively. Because
the Company conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries,
the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the Debt Securities and
its other indebtedness will be dependent on the earnings and cash flow of its
subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends and to advance
funds to the Company. In addition, the Company's rights and the rights of its
creditors and securities holders, including the holders of the Debt Securities,
to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary's
liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to prior claims of such
subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that the Company may itself be a
creditor with recognized claims against any such subsidiary. Except with respect
to the covenants "Limitations on Liens" and "Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions" contained in the Senior Indenture described below, neither the
Senior Indenture nor the Subordinated Indenture restricts or limits the ability
of any subsidiary of the Company to incur, create, assume or guarantee
indebtedness. At November 27, 1994, the Company's subsidiaries had approximately
$25 million of outstanding indebtedness, approximately $19 million of which was
guaranteed by the Company and would have constituted Senior Indebtedness.
 
     As of November 27, 1994, the Company had approximately $142 million
aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding and no
subordinated indebtedness outstanding.
 
     The Prospectus Supplement will contain any additional or revised
information with respect to the senior and subordinated debt outstanding as of
the date of the Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Indentures do not limit the amount of Debt Securities which can be
issued thereunder and provide that debt securities of any Series may be issued
thereunder up to the aggregate principal amount which may be authorized from
time to time by the Company. Debt Securities may be denominated and payable in
foreign currencies or units based on or relating to foreign currencies,
including European Currency Units ("ECUs"). Special United States federal income
tax considerations applicable to any Debt Securities so denominated will be
described in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. The Indentures do not limit the
amount of other indebtedness or securities, other than in the case of the Senior
Indenture certain secured indebtedness as described below, which may be issued
by the Company. All Senior Securities will be unsecured and will rank pari passu
with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. All
Subordinated Securities will be unsecured and will be subordinated in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of Senior Indebtedness (which term includes
the Senior Securities) of the Company described below under "Subordination." The
Trustee will authenticate and deliver Debt Securities executed and delivered to
it by the Company as set forth in the applicable Indenture.
 
     Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following and other
possible terms of each Series of the Offered Securities in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered: (i) the title of the Offered Securities and
classification as Senior Securities or Subordinated Securities; (ii) any limit
upon the aggregate principal amount of the Offered Securities; (iii) the
currency or currency units based on or relating to currencies in which such
Offered Securities are denominated and/or in which principal (and premium, if
any) and/or any interest will or may be payable; (iv) if other than 100% of the
principal amount, the percentage of their principal amount at which the Offered
Securities will be offered; (v) the date or dates on which the principal of the
Offered Securities will be payable (or method of determination thereof); (vi)
the rate or rates (or method of determination thereof) at which the Offered
Securities will bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such
interest will accrue and on which such interest will be payable, and the record
dates for the determination of the holders to whom interest is payable; (vii) if
other than as set forth herein, the place or places where the principal of and
interest, if any, on the Offered Securities will be payable; (viii) the price or
prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions
upon which Offered Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the
option of the Company; (ix) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem,
repurchase or repay Offered Securities, whether pursuant to any sinking fund
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   20
 
or analogous provisions or pursuant to other provisions set forth therein or at
the option of a Holder thereof; (x) whether the Offered Securities will be
represented in whole or in part by one or more global notes registered in the
name of a depository or its nominee; (xi) whether the Offered Securities will be
issuable in registered form or bearer form and, if Offered Securities in bearer
form are issuable, restrictions applicable to the exchange of one form for
another and to the offer, sale and delivery of Offered Securities in bearer
form; (xii) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay additional
amounts on Offered Securities held by a person which is not a U.S. person (as
defined in the Prospectus Supplement) in respect of any tax, assessment or
governmental charge withheld or deducted, and if so, whether the Company will
have the option to redeem such Debt Securities rather than pay such additional
amounts; and (xiii) any other terms or conditions not inconsistent with the
provisions of the Indenture upon which the Offered Securities will be offered.
(Section 2.3) "Principal" when used herein includes, when appropriate, the
premium, if any, on the Debt Securities.
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any
Offered Securities, principal and interest, if any, will be payable, and the
Debt Securities will be transferable and exchangeable, at the office or offices
or agency maintained by the Company for such purposes, provided that payment of
interest on the Debt Securities will be paid at such place of payment by check
mailed to the persons entitled thereto at the addresses of such persons
appearing on the Security Register. Interest on the Debt Securities will be
payable on any interest payment date to the persons in whose name the Debt
Securities are registered at the close of business on the record date with
respect to such interest payment date. (Section 2.7)
 
     Debt Securities may be issued in fully registered form in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. (Section 2.7) Debt
Securities may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of Debt
Securities of the same Series and date of maturity in such authorized
denominations as may be requested upon surrender of the Debt Securities at an
agency of the Company maintained for such purpose and upon fulfillment of all
other requirements of such agent. (Section 2.8) No service charge will be made
for any transfer or exchange of the Debt Securities, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable in connection therewith. (Section 2.8) Debt Securities in bearer form
and the coupons, if any, appertaining thereto will be transferable by delivery.
(Section 2.8)
 
     Debt Securities will bear interest at a fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate
Security") or a floating rate (a "Floating Rate Security"). Debt Securities
bearing no interest or interest at a rate which, at the time of issuance, is
below the prevailing market rate, will be sold at a discount below their stated
principal amount. Special United States federal income tax considerations
applicable to any such discounted Debt Securities or to certain Debt Securities
issued at par which are treated as having been issued at a discount for United
States federal income tax purposes will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Debt Securities may be issued, from time to time, with the principal amount
payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any
interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currency
exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of
such Debt Securities may receive a principal amount on any principal payment
date, or a payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater
than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such
dates, depending upon the value on such dates of the applicable currency,
commodity, equity index or other factor. Information as to the methods for
determining the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the
currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount
payable on such date is linked and certain additional tax considerations will be
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The Indenture requires the annual filing by the Company with the Trustee of
a certificate as to compliance with all conditions and covenants contained in
the Indenture. (Section 3.4)
 
     The Company will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any
other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in
connection with any obligation of the Company to purchase Offered Securities at
the option of the holders thereof. Any such obligation applicable to a Series of
Debt Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   21
 
     Unless otherwise described in a Prospectus Supplement relating to any
Offered Securities, there are no covenants or provisions contained in either
Indenture which may afford the holders of Offered Securities protection in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company, except to the
limited extent described under "Limitations on Liens" and "Limitation on Sale
and Lease-Back Transactions" in the Senior Indenture and "Consolidation, Merger,
Sale or Conveyance" in the Indentures as described below. Such covenants or
provisions are not subject to waiver by the Company's Board of Directors without
the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of
Senior Securities of each Series or Subordinated Securities of each Series, as
applicable, as described under "Modification of Indenture" below.
 
REGISTERED GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
     The registered Debt Securities of a Series may be issued in the form of one
or more fully registered global Debt Securities (a "Registered Global Security")
that will be deposited with a depositary (the "Depositary"), or with a nominee
for a Depositary identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
Series. In such cases, one or more Registered Global Securities will be issued
in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding registered Debt Securities of the
Series to be represented by such Registered Global Security or Securities.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities in
definitive registered form, a Registered Global Security may not be transferred
except as a whole by the Depositary for such Registered Global Security to a
nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary
or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee
to a successor of such Depositary or a nominee of such successor.
 
     The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any
portion of a Series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Registered Global
Security will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Series.
The Company anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all
depositary arrangements.
 
     Upon the issuance of a Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such
Registered Global Security will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities
represented by such Registered Global Security to the accounts of persons that
have accounts with such Depositary ("participants"). The accounts to be credited
shall be designated by any underwriters or agents participating in the
distribution of such Debt Securities or by the Company if such Debt Securities
are offered and sold directly by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests
in a Registered Global Security will be limited to participants or persons that
may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in
such Registered Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that
ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary
for such Registered Global Security (with respect to interests of participants)
or by participants or persons that hold through participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require
that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities
in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a Registered Global Security.
 
     So long as the Depositary for a Registered Global Security, or its nominee,
is the registered owner of such Registered Global Security, such Depositary or
such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of
the Debt Securities represented by such Registered Global Security for all
purposes under the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in a Registered Global Security will not be entitled to have the Debt
Securities represented by such Registered Global Security registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such Debt
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Indenture.
 
     Principal and interest payments on Debt Securities represented by a
Registered Global Security registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee
will be made to such Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the
registered owner of such Registered Global Security. None of the Company, the
Trustee or any paying agent for such Debt Securities will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests in such Registered Global Security or
for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   22
 
     The Company expects that the Depositary for any Debt Securities represented
by a Registered Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal or
interest, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal
amount of such Registered Global Security as shown on the records of such
Depositary. The Company also expects that payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interest in such Registered Global Security held through such
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers
registered in "street names," and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
 
     If the Depositary for any Debt Securities represented by a Registered
Global Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary and
a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within ninety days or an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Debt
Securities, the Company will issue such Debt Securities in definitive form in
exchange for such Registered Global Security. In addition, the Company may at
any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have the Debt Securities of
a Series represented by one or more Registered Global Securities and, in such
event, will issue Debt Securities of such Series in definitive form in exchange
for the Registered Global Securities or Securities representing such Debt
Securities. (Section 2.8)
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
 
Limitations on Liens
 
     The Senior Indenture provides that, so long as any of the Senior Securities
of a Series remain outstanding, unless the terms of any Series of Senior
Securities provide otherwise, the Company will not and will not permit any
Consolidated Subsidiary to issue, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for money
borrowed ("Indebtedness") secured by a mortgage, pledge, security interest or
other lien (a "Lien") upon or with respect to any Principal Property or on the
capital stock of any Consolidated Subsidiary that owns a Principal Property
unless (a) the Company makes effective provision pursuant to which the Senior
Securities shall be secured by such Lien equally and ratably with any and all
other obligations and Indebtedness thereby secured, or (b) the aggregate amount
of all such Indebtedness secured by such a Lien on the Company and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries then outstanding, together with all Attributable Debt
in respect of sale and lease-back transactions existing at such time (with the
exception of transactions which are not subject to the limitation described in
"Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions" below), would not exceed 15% of
the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.
 
     Such limitation will not apply to, and there shall be excluded in computing
such Indebtedness for purposes of this restriction, certain permitted Liens
including (a) Liens existing as of the date of the issuance of Senior Securities
of any Series, (b) Liens on property or assets of, or any shares of stock or
securing Indebtedness of, any corporation existing at the time such corporation
becomes a Consolidated Subsidiary, (c) Liens on property or assets or shares of
stock or securing Indebtedness existing at the time of acquisition (including
acquisition through merger or consolidation) and certain Liens to secure
Indebtedness incurred prior to, at the time of or within 180 days after the
later of the completion of the acquisition of, or the completion of the
construction of and commencement of operation of, any such property, for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or construction cost
thereof, (d) Liens to secure certain development, operation, construction,
alteration, repair or improvement costs, (e) Liens in favor of, or which secure
Indebtedness owing to, the Company or a Consolidated Subsidiary, (f) Liens in
connection with government contracts, including the assignment of moneys due or
to come due thereon, (g) certain Liens in connection with legal proceedings to
the extent such proceedings are being contested in good faith, (h) certain Liens
arising in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with the
borrowing of money such as mechanics', materialmans', carriers' or other similar
Liens, (i) Liens on property securing obligations issued by a domestic
governmental issuer to finance the cost of acquisition or construction of such
property, and (j) extensions, substitutions, replacements or renewals of the
foregoing if the principal amount of the indebtedness secured thereby is not
increased and is not secured by any additional assets. (Section 3.5 of the
Senior Indenture)
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   23
 
Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
 
     The Senior Indenture provides that, so long as any of the Senior Securities
of a Series remain outstanding, unless the terms of any Series of Senior
Securities provide otherwise, neither the Company nor any Consolidated
Subsidiary may enter into any arrangement with any person (other than the
Company) providing for the leasing by the Company or a Consolidated Subsidiary
of any Principal Property (except for temporary leases for a term of not more
than three years), which Principal Property has been or is to be sold or
transferred more than 120 days after such Principal Property has been owned by
the Company or such Consolidated Subsidiary and completion of construction and
commencement of full operation thereof, by the Company or a Consolidated
Subsidiary to such person (herein referred as a "Sale and Lease-Back
Transaction"). (Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Senior Indenture)
 
     Such limitation will not apply to any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction if
(a) the net proceeds to the Company or such Consolidated Subsidiary from the
sale or transfer equal or exceed the fair value (as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company) of the Principal Property so leased, (b) the Company
or such Consolidated Subsidiary could incur Indebtedness secured by a Lien on
the Principal Property to be leased pursuant to "Limitation on Liens" above in
an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction without equally and ratably securing the Senior
Securities or (c) the Company, within 120 days after the effective date of any
such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, applies an amount equal to the fair value
(as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) of the Principal
Property so leased to (x) the retirement of Funded Debt (including Debt
Securities) of the Company or (y) the acquisition of additional real property.
(Section 3.6 of the Senior Indenture)
 
Certain Definitions
 
     The term "Attributable Debt," in respect of the Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions described above, is defined to mean as of any particular time, the
present value, discounted at the Composite Rate, of the obligation of a lessee
for rental payments during the remaining term of any lease (including any period
for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be
extended). Sale and Lease-Back Transactions with respect to facilities financed
with certain tax exempt securities are excepted from the definition. (Section
1.1 of the Senior Indenture)
 
     The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" is defined to mean the
aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly
deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities
(excluding any thereof constituting Funded Debt by reason of being extendible or
renewable), and (b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized
debt discount and expense and other like intangibles, all as set forth on the
books and records of the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries and computed
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Section 1.1 of the
Senior Indenture)
 
     The term "Consolidated Subsidiary" is defined to mean a subsidiary of the
Company the accounts of which are consolidated with those of the Company in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Section 1.1 of the
Senior Indenture)
 
     The term "Funded Debt" is defined to mean all indebtedness for the
repayment of money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by a bond, debenture, note
or similar instrument or agreement, having a final maturity of more than 12
months after the date of its creation or having a final maturity of less than 12
months after the date of its creation but by its terms being renewable or
extendible beyond 12 months after such date at the option of the borrower
(excluding obligations under any capital leases). For the purpose of determining
"Funded Debt," there shall be excluded any particular indebtedness if, on or
prior to the final maturity thereof, there shall have been deposited with the
proper depositary in trust the necessary funds for the payment, redemption or
satisfaction of such indebtedness. (Section 1.1 of the Senior Indenture)
 
     The term "Principal Property" is defined to mean, as of any date, any
building, structure or other facility together with the land upon which it is
erected and fixtures comprising a part thereof, used primarily for
manufacturing, processing or production (other than any pollution control
facility), in each case located in the United States, and owned or leased or to
be owned or leased by the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary,
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   24
 
and in each case the net book value of which as of such date exceeds 2% of the
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company as shown on the consolidated
balance sheet contained in the latest filing of the Company with the Commission,
other than any such land, building, structure or other facility or portion
thereof which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company, is not
of material importance to the total business conducted by the Company and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise.
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Subordination. The Subordinated Securities will be subordinate and junior
in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Subordinated Indenture, to
all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company. If the Company should
default in the payment of any principal of or premium or interest on any Senior
Indebtedness when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a
date fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, then,
upon written notice of such default to the Company by the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness or any trustee therefor and subject to certain rights of the
Company to dispute such default and subject to proper notification of the
Trustee, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall
have ceased to exist, no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property,
securities, by set-off or otherwise) will be made or agreed to be made for
principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated
Securities, or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other
acquisition of the Subordinated Securities other than those made in capital
stock of the Company (or cash in lieu of fractional shares thereof). (Sections
14.1, 14.4 and 14.5 of the Subordinated Indenture)
 
     The term "Senior Indebtedness" is defined to mean indebtedness or
obligations (other than the Subordinated Debt Securities) of, or guaranteed or
assumed by, the Company for borrowed money which is evidenced by (i) bonds,
debentures, notes, or other similar instruments, or (ii) capital leases, whether
outstanding at the date of the Subordinated Indenture or subsequently incurred,
unless the terms of such indebtedness provide that such indebtedness is not
senior in right of payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities, and amendments,
renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any such indebtedness or
obligations. (Section 1.1 of the Subordinated Indenture)
 
     If (i) without the consent of the Company a court shall enter an order for
relief with respect to the Company under the United States federal bankruptcy
laws or a judgment, order or decree adjudging the Company a bankrupt or
insolvent, or enter an order for relief for reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under the United
States federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws or (ii) the Company shall
institute proceedings for the entry of an order for relief with respect to the
Company under the United States federal bankruptcy laws or for an adjudication
of insolvency, or shall consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings against it, or shall file a petition seeking, or seek or consent to
reorganization, arrangement, composition or similar relief under any applicable
law, or shall consent to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of a
receiver, custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar
official in respect of the Company or of substantially all of its property, or
the Company shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, then
all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest thereon accruing after the
commencement of any such proceedings) will first be paid in full before any
payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, is made
on account of the principal of, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated
Securities. In such event, any payment or distribution on account of the
principal of, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities, whether in
cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the Company or any
other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the
payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in the
subordination provisions with respect to the Subordinated Securities, to the
payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding and to any securities issued
in respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), which
would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable
in respect of the Subordinated Securities will be paid or delivered directly to
the holders of Senior Indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then
existing among such holders until all Senior Indebtedness (including any
interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any such proceedings) has
been paid in full. If any payment or distribution on account of the principal
of, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities of any character,
whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the
Company or any other
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   25
 
corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment
of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in the subordination
provisions with respect to the Subordinated Securities, to the payment of all
Senior Indebtedness then outstanding and to any securities issued in respect
thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), shall be
received by a holder of any Subordinated Securities in contravention of any of
the terms of the Subordinated Indenture and before all the Senior Indebtedness
shall have been paid in full, such payment or distribution of securities will be
received in trust for the benefit of, and will be paid over or delivered and
transferred to, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness then outstanding in
accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application
to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent
necessary to pay all such Senior Indebtedness in full. In the event of any such
proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to Senior
Indebtedness, the holders of Subordinated Securities, together with the holders
of any obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the Subordinated
Securities, will be entitled to be repaid from the remaining assets of the
Company the amounts at that time due and owing on account of unpaid principal of
or any interest on the Subordinated Securities and such other obligations before
any payment or other distribution, whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall
be made on account of any capital stock or obligations of the Company ranking
junior to the Subordinated Securities and such other obligations. (Section 14.1
of the Subordinated Indenture)
 
     By reason of such subordination, in the event of the insolvency of the
Company, holders of Senior Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, than holders
of the Subordinated Securities. In addition, other creditors of the Company who
are not holders of Subordinated Securities or holders of Senior Indebtedness may
recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness and may recover more,
ratably, than holders of Subordinated Securities. Such subordination will not
prevent the occurrence of an Event of Default or limit the right of acceleration
in respect of the Subordinated Securities.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     An Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of any Series is
defined in each Indenture as: (i) default in the payment of any installment of
interest upon any of the Debt Securities of such Series as and when the same
shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30
days; (ii) default in the payment of all or any part of the principal of any of
the Debt Securities of such Series as and when the same shall become due and
payable either at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or otherwise;
(iii) default in the performance, or breach, of any other covenant or warranty
of the Company contained in the Debt Securities of such Series or set forth in
the Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty included in the Indenture
solely for the benefit of a Series of Debt Securities other than that Series)
and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after due
notice by the applicable Trustee or by the holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that Series; or (iv) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company. (Section 5.1)
Additional Events of Default may be added for the benefit of holders of certain
Series of Debt Securities which, if added, will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. The Indentures provide that the
Trustee shall notify the holders of Debt Securities of each Series of any
continuing default known to the Trustee which has occurred with respect to that
Series within 90 days after the occurrence thereof. The Indentures provide that
notwithstanding the foregoing, except in the case of default in the payment of
the principal of or interest on any of the Debt Securities of such Series the
Trustee may withhold such notice if the Trustee in good faith determines that
the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of Debt
Securities of such Series. (Section 6.5)
 
     The Indentures provide that if an Event of Default with respect to any
Series of Debt Securities shall have occurred and be continuing, either the
Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of
Debt Securities of that Series then outstanding may declare the principal amount
of all Debt Securities of that Series to be due and payable immediately, but
upon certain conditions such declaration may be annulled. (Section 5.1) Any past
defaults and the consequences thereof (except a default in the payment of
principal of or interest on Debt Securities of that Series) may be waived by the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of that Series
then outstanding. (Section 5.9) The Senior Indenture
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   26
 
also permits the Company to omit compliance with certain covenants in such
Indenture with respect to Senior Securities of any Series upon waiver by the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the Senior Securities of such
Series then outstanding. (Section 3.7)
 
     Subject to the provisions of each Indenture relating to the duties of each
Trustee, in case an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Debt
Securities shall occur and be continuing, neither Trustee shall be under any
obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by either
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of that Series,
unless such holders shall have offered to such Trustee reasonable security or
indemnity. (Section 6.1 and 6.2) The holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities of each Series affected and then
outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under the
applicable Indenture or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee
with respect to the Debt Securities of that Series; provided that the Trustee
may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or such
Indenture and subject to certain other limitations. (Section 5.8)
 
     No holder of any Debt Security of any Series will have any right by virtue
or by availing of any provision of the applicable Indenture to institute any
proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or under or
with respect to such Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such holder
shall have previously given the applicable Trustee written notice of an Event of
Default with respect to Debt Securities of that Series and unless also the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of that Series shall have made written request, and offered
reasonable indemnity, to the applicable Trustee to institute such proceeding as
trustee and the applicable Trustee shall have failed to institute such
proceeding within 60 days after its receipt of such request, and the applicable
Trustee shall not have received from the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that Series a direction
inconsistent with such request. (Section 5.5) However, the right of a holder of
any Debt Security to receive payment of the principal of and any interest on
such Debt Security on or after the due dates expressed in such Debt Security, or
to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such
dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder.
(Section 5.6)
 
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
 
     Each Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate with, or sell,
convey or lease all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or
into, any other corporation, if (i) either the Company is the continuing
corporation, or the successor corporation is a domestic corporation and
expressly assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest
on all the Debt Securities outstanding under the Indenture according to their
tenor and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the
covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be performed or observed by the
Company and (ii) immediately after such merger or consolidation, or such sale,
conveyance or lease, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and
be continuing. (Section 9.1)
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURES
 
     Each Indenture with respect to any Series (except for certain specified
surviving obligations including, among other things, the Company's obligation to
pay the principal of and interest on the Debt Securities of such Series) will be
discharged and cancelled upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, including
the payment of all principal of and interest on all the Debt Securities of such
Series or the deposit with the applicable Trustee of cash or appropriate
Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient for such payment or
redemption in accordance with the Indenture and the terms of the Debt Securities
of such Series. (Section 10.1)
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
 
     Each Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
applicable Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of each Series at
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   27
 
the time outstanding under such Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures
adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of, such Indenture or any supplemental indenture with respect to the
Debt Securities of such Series or modifying in any manner the rights of the
holders of the Debt Securities of such Series; provided that no such
supplemental indenture may (i) extend the stated maturity of the principal of
any Debt Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or any premium
thereon, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of any interest
thereon, or reduce any amount payable on redemption thereof or change the
currency in which the principal thereof (including any amount with respect to
original issue discount) or interest thereon is payable or reduce the amount of
original issue discount security payable upon acceleration or provable in
bankruptcy or alter certain provisions of the Indenture relating to Debt
Securities not denominated in U.S. dollars, or impair or affect the right of any
holder of Debt Securities to institute suit for payment thereof or, if the Debt
Securities provide therefor, any right of repayment at the option of the holders
of the Debt Securities, without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security
so affected, (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities of such
Series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any such
supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all Debt
Securities of such Series so affected or (iii) with respect to the Subordinated
Indenture, modify the provisions relating to the subordination of the
Subordinated Securities in a manner materially adverse to the Holders of the
Subordinated Securities. (Section 8.2) Additionally, in certain prescribed
instances, the Company and the Trustee may execute supplemental indentures
without the consent of the holders of Debt Securities. (Section 8.1)
 
     The Subordinated Indenture may not be amended to alter the subordination of
any outstanding Subordinated Securities without the consent of each holder of
Senior Indebtedness then outstanding that would be materially adversely affected
thereby. (Section 8.6 of the Subordinated Indenture)
 
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
     Each Indenture provides, if such provision is made applicable to the Debt
Securities of any Series, that the Company may elect either (a) to terminate
(and be deemed to have satisfied) all its obligations with respect to such Debt
Securities (except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of
such Debt Securities, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt
Securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Debt Securities,
to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to punctually pay or cause to be
paid the principal of, and interest on, all Debt Securities of such Series when
due) ("defeasance") or (b) with respect to the Senior Securities, to be released
from its obligations with respect to such Senior Securities under Section 3.5
and 3.6 of the Indenture (being the restrictions described above under
"Limitations on Liens" and "Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions")
("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust for such
purpose, of money and/or Government Obligations which through the payment of
principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an
amount sufficient (in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent
public accountants) to pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the
outstanding Debt Securities of such Series, and any mandatory sinking fund or
analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor. Such a trust
may be established only if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the Indenture) with regard to
certain matters, including an opinion to the effect that the Holders of such
Debt Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such deposit and discharge and will be subject to
federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance or covenant
defeasance, as the case may be, had not occurred. The Prospectus Supplement may
further describe these or other provisions, if any, permitting defeasance or
covenant defeasance with respect to the Debt Securities of any Series. (Section
10.1)
 
APPLICABLE LAW
 
     The Debt Securities and the Indentures will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 11.8)
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   28
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Senior Trustee may provide various commercial banking services to the
Company from time to time.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Company may sell Offered Securities (i) through agents, (ii) through
underwriters, (iii) through dealers or (iv) directly to purchasers (through a
specific bidding or auction process or otherwise).
 
     Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited by agents designated by
the Company from time to time. Any such agent involved in the offer or sale of
the Offered Securities will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company
to such agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best
efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to
be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the Debt
Securities so offered and sold. Agents may be entitled under agreements which
may be entered into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be
customers of, engaged in transactions with or perform services for the Company
in the ordinary course of business.
 
     If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of Offered
Securities, the Company will execute an underwriting agreement with such
underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached,
and the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as
any other underwriters, and the terms of the transactions, including
compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any, will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of
Offered Securities. The underwriters may be entitled, under the relevant
underwriting agreement, to indemnification by the Company against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and such
underwriters or their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions
with, or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.
 
     If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Offered Securities, the Company will
sell such Debt Securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then
resell such Debt Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by
such dealer at the time of resale. Dealers may be entitled, under agreements
which may be entered into with the Company, to indemnification by the Company
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and
such dealers or their affiliates may be customers of, extend credit to or engage
in transactions with, or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course
of business. The name of any dealer and the terms of the transactions will be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
     Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited directly by the Company
and sales thereof may be made by the Company directly to institutional investors
or others. The terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or
auction process, if utilized, will be described in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto.
 
     The place and time of delivery for the Debt Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the issuance of the Debt Securities offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Kirkland & Ellis, special counsel to the Company.
Certain legal matters in connection with the Debt Securities offered hereby will
be passed upon for the underwriters, if any, by Sidley & Austin, Chicago,
Illinois.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 29, 1994, have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   29
 
                                     [Logo]


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission