Goldman Sachs Group's Michael Foods, Apollo Global Management LLC, Grupo Lala, Eye Dean Foods Co Unit-Reuters

Reuters reported that Dean Foods Co's Morningstar business has attracted takeover interest from Michael Foods and Mexican dairy company Grupo Lala, in a deal that could be valued in the $1 billion to $1.5 billion range. Private equity firms including Apollo Global Management LLC are also pursuing Morningstar, which makes creams, coffee creamers and other dairy products mostly under private label or store brands. The Dallas, Texas-based company, being advised by investment bank Evercore Partners Inc on the sale process, is expected to receive final bids for Morningstar. Dean Foods, Grupo Lala, Michael Foods and Apollo declined to comment. U.S.-based Michael Foods, is owned by GS Capital Partners, the private equity arm of Goldman Sachs Group.