BUSINESS/INDUSTRY NEWS: Judge lets Dean Foods antitrust case go forward

Judge lets Dean Foods antitrust case go forward

MILWAUKEE — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Justice Department's antitrust case against Dean Foods can continue, although he criticized the government's legal work.

U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller denied Dean's motion to dismiss the case. But he said the government's charges were vague, and Dean Foods would need more information as the case went forward.

The government filed a suit in January seeking to undo Dean Foods' 2009 purchase of Foremost Farms USA's Consumer Products Division.

Department of Justice spokeswoman Gina Talamona said federal prosecutors are prepared to litigate the case. A Dean Foods spokeswoman said the purchase of Foremost's division promotes competition, and the company believes the government's case is unfounded.

SOURCE: Associated Press