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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 11, 1999
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Dean Foods Company
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-08262 36-0984820
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
3600 N. River Road Franklin Park, IL 60131
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (847) 678-1680
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5 - Other Events
DEAN FOODS APPOINTS BLANCHARD PRESIDENT OF DAIRY BUSINESS
Franklin Park, IL - January 1, 1999 - As part of its overall succession
planning, Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) President and Chief Operating Officer,
Richard E. Bailey, announced that Eric A. Blanchard has been named President of
its Dairy segment effective today.
Mr. Blanchard takes over Dean's dairy business, whose annual revenues will
exceed $3 billion next year, constituting approximately 75% of the Company's
sales. The Dairy segment has more than doubled in size the last several years
with the torrid pace of acquisitions in the rapidly consolidating dairy
industry. Previously, Mr. Blanchard was Secretary and General Counsel, leading
the Company's mergers and acquisitions efforts.
Mr. Blanchard succeeds Thomas A. Ravencroft, who will be responsible for
Planning and Mergers and Acquisitions, including integration of acquisitions
and realization of related synergies.
As part of other realignments within the Company, Gary Flickinger,
Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering, will assume direct
responsibility for all manufacturing operations in the Company's Dairy and
Specialty segments. Mr. Flickinger will lead the aggressive cost compression
activities the Company initiated two years ago and will be instrumental in
developing best practices throughout the Company.
Mr. Bailey commented, "We believe these changes will further strengthen
the Company's leadership in the dairy and specialty foods businesses. These
executives will play significant roles in Dean Foods' commitment to enhancing
shareholder value through profitable internal growth, continuous margin
improvement and acquisitions."
Dean Foods is the nation's leading dairy processor and distributor,
producing a full line of branded and private label products, including fluid
milk, ice cream and extended shelf life products which are sold under the Dean's
and other regional brand names. Dean dips and Marie's refrigerated salad
dressings are the leading brand names in their respective categories, while Dean
Foods is also the leader in private label pickles and non-dairy coffee creamers.
Certain statements in this press release are forward looking as defined by
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve
certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
materially from expectations as of the date of this press release. These risks
include, but are not limited to, the ability to integrate acquisitions, adverse
weather conditions resulting in poor harvest conditions, raw milk and resin
costs, interest rate fluctuations, competitive pricing pressures, marketing and
cost-management programs and shifts in market demand.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dean Foods Company
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(Registrant)
Date: January 11, 1999 William R. McManaman
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William R. McManaman
Vice President Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: January 11, 1999 William M. Luegers, Jr.
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William M. Luegers, Jr.
Controller
