Saputo Inc. announced this week that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Morningstar Foods, a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company. The acquisition includes the Tulare plant. Canada-based Saputo already has three plants in Tulare. Morningstar produces a variety of dairy and non-dairy extended shelf-life products, including creams and creamers, ice cream mixes, whipping cream, aerosol whipped toppings, iced coffee, half and half, value-added milks, as well as cultured products such as sour cream and cottage cheese. Saputo purchased the company for $1.45 billion. Morningstar has ten plants and some 2000 employees.The deal is set to close this month. Sources says they believe the Tulare operation will be unaffected.