=Dean Foods (DF) takeover speculations

NEW YORK -- Shares of Dean Foods (DF) were soaring 8.2% to $18.07 on heavy trading volume early Friday afternoon as Chinese beverage company Hangzhou Wahaha has pursued financing for a potential takeover of the company, the Financial Times reports, citing sources.

Hongsheng Beverage, which is a subsidiary of Wahaha, has approached banks in Hong Kong about financing help for a possible buyout, the FT added.

Dean Foods is a Dallas-based food and beverage company that specializes in dairy products.