Hain Celestial sells “international” assets to private-equity investor

Long-running speculation over the future of Hain Celestial’s business in Europe has finally come to a head with the disposal to a private-equity investor.

Nasdaq-listed Hain Celestial said in a statement today (14 September) it has agreed the sale of its “international” operations to Aurelius for $323m in cash.

The divestment follows a review of Hain Celestial’s portfolio instigated by president and CEO Alison Lewis last year, which already resulted in the sale of its North American snacks business in 2026 to Canada’s Snackruptors for $115m in cash.

That disposal included the brands Garden Veggie Snacks, Terra chips and Garden of Eatin’.

Ella’s Kitchen baby and kids foods, the Joya and Natumi plant-based beverage lines and Hartley’s jelly are joining Aurelius.

Linda McCartney Foods, Cully & Sully, Yorkshire Provender, and New Covent Garden soups are also changing hands.

In a separate filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Hain Celestial said the international business takes in operations in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

As well as Ella’s Kitchen, the UK businesses include Hain Frozen Foods, Daniels Chilled Foods and Farmhouse Fare.

Disposals in Austria feature Formatio Beratungs und Beteiligungs, Mona Oberwart Produktions and Mona Naturprodukte.

Natumi and Mona Sojaland make up the divestments in Germany, along with Lima, Natuurvoedingsbedrijf and Lima Manufacture D’Aliments Naturels in Belgium, the SEC filing shows.

Lewis said in the main statement: “Completing the transaction announced today would advance our strategy to simplify our portfolio and enable us to focus our resources on further reducing the company’s debt.

“The resulting North American business would feature leading brands in attractive categories with a more streamlined operating model and greater focus on core growth opportunities.”

After the deak, Hain Celestial will be left with Celestial Seasonings teas in North America, Greek Gods yogurt and the Earth’s Best organic brand in tea, yogurt, and baby and kids foods. Spectrum Organic cooking oils, MaraNatha nut butters and Imagine broths will also remain.

“The agreement reflects the board of directors’ continued work to advance the company’s strategic review, evaluate available alternatives and pursue paths designed to maximise value for all stakeholders,” the statement read.

Regulatory approvals will be required, while the deal with Aurelius is also conditional on Hain Celestial securing amendments to its obligations with creditors. Otherwise, the transaction is expected to close in the company’s fiscal second quarter ending on 31 December.

Hain Celestial said it is seeking to extend its debt profile “beyond” 22 December. Aurelius can cancel the agreement if a creditor agreement is not secured within 30 days of the transaction being signed off.

Meanwhile, the US company aims to realise annualised cost savings of around $16m on a “run rate basis as compared to fiscal 2026” for the remaining North American operations.

Hain Celestial also issued its full-year results today, with net debt standing at $500m, down from $650m in the previous year.

Sales for the 2026 financial year dropped 13% in reported terms to $1.35bn. They were down 3% on an organic basis, with a three-percentage-point decline in volume/mix, offset by a one-percentage-point increase in price.

Net losses narrowed to $305m from $531m in the corresponding 12 months.
Adjusted EBITDA dwindled to $89m, compared to $114m.

Hain Celestial also delivered a $3.36 loss per diluted share versus a $5.89 loss.

Lewis said in the results statement: “Assuming we successfully complete the transaction announced today to sell our international business and that we reach an agreement with our lenders to extend our December debt maturity, we would expect to become a more focused North American company with leading brands in attractive categories and a streamlined operating model.”

“Hain Celestial sells “international” assets to private-equity investor” was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.