Jack H. Brown, chairman, president and CEO of Stater Bros. Holdings Inc., has announced that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Stater Bros. Markets, has completed the sale of Santee Dairies to Dean Foods.

"The future growth of Santee Dairies products was limited because most potential customers are competing supermarket chains that already operate their own dairies," Brown said. "At Stater Bros., we try to do the 'Right Thing ... for the Right Reason.' The right thing is to sell Santee Dairies to Dean Foods to ensure the continued growth of Santee. The right reason is to protect the future of the Santee 'Family' of employees."

Dean Foods sells products under more than 50 familiar local and regional brands, manufactures products in more than 100 facilities in 40 states and employs more than 26,000 people.

"This sale was clearly the best decision for the future growth of Santee Dairies,” Brown said.  “Stater Bros. Markets will continue to purchase Santee's fine dairy products, including Stater Bros. Milk, ValuTime Milk, Knudsen Milk and Arnold Palmer tea products."