Hain Celestial to Sell International Business to Private Equity Firm for $323M

Close-up of a diverse business handshake. — cCredit: Getty Images / Jacob Wackerhausen

Hain Celestial has announced plans to sell its international business to global private equity firm AURELIUS for an estimated $323 million in cash.

The company says net proceeds are expected to range between $305 million and $310 million, and upon closing of the transaction, the proceeds would be used to reduce the company’s debt. The sale will include the majority of Hain’s international business operations and is inclusive of brands such as Ella's Kitchen baby and kids foods, Joya and Natumi plant-based beverages, Hartley’s jelly, as well as Linda McCartney Foods, Cully & Sully, Yorkshire Provender and New Covent Garden soups, among others.

“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,” says Hain Celestial President and CEO Alison Lewis. “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.”

Hain Celestial’s North American brand portfolio will include Celestial Seasonings teas, The Greek Gods yogurt and Earth's Best Organic across its flagship categories of tea, yogurt, and baby and kids foods. The portfolio also includes Spectrum Organic cooking oils, MaraNatha nut butters and Imagine broths.

“I want to recognize the incredible people behind our International brands and business,” Lewis says. “Their dedication, expertise and commitment over many years is greatly appreciated. They have built remarkable brands, which we are confident will thrive under the new ownership.”

Hain Celestial remains in discussions with its lenders regarding an amendment to its credit agreement to extend the maturity date beyond Dec. 22, 2026. The transaction with AURELIUS is conditioned upon the company securing this amendment and may be terminated by AURELIUS if the amendment is not obtained within 30 days of signing. While there can be no assurance that an amendment will be obtained, Hain Celestial’s Board of Directors believes that extending the maturity date and completing the transaction would be in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

Hain Celestial says it has developed cost reduction plans and is moving with urgency to deliver these actions. The company expects to generate approximately $16 million of annualized savings on a run rate basis as compared to fiscal 2026. The board and management team remain focused on swiftly executing these actions, while continuing to evaluate and advance all available paths under the strategic review to maximize value for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The agreement with AURELIUS has been unanimously approved by Hain Celestial’s Board of Directors. The transaction is subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and an amendment to the company’s credit agreement as described above. Subject to satisfaction of those conditions, the transaction is expected to close in Hain Celestial’s fiscal second quarter ending Dec. 31, 2026.