Dive Brief:
- Hain Celestial plans to sell its international business to global private equity firm Aurelius for an estimated $323 million. Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to range between $305 million and $310 million. The transaction is expected to close in Hain’s fiscal second quarter ending December 31.
- The sale, which includes Joya and Natumi plant-based beverages as well as Hartley's jelly and Linda McCartney Foods, is part of Hain’s efforts to simplify the company and pay down debt.
- Once the deal is completed, Hain will be left with a handful of brands, such as Celestial Seasonings teas, The Greek Gods yogurt and Earth's Best Organic baby food.
Dive Insight:
Once a serial acquirer, Hain has spent much of 2026 slimming down its previously sprawling business. In February, the New Jersey-based company announced it would divest its North American snacks business, including Garden Veggie Snacks, Terra chips and Garden of Eatin’, to Canadian snacks manufacturer Snackruptors for $115 million.
Now, Hain is selling its international business, which generated $151 million in sales during the fourth quarter ending June 30, or close to 60% of the company's overall sales during the period. Once the transaction closes, Hain will be left with a business that posted $112 million in sales during the fourth quarter.
Hain, which once had a disparate group of brands in nearly 40 different categories and a portfolio with little coherence, has prioritized slimming down its business to focus on core offerings and categories with the most growth opportunities. Previously the go-to natural and organic brand, Hain has seen its market-leading position evaporate as big food companies and private label brands launch similar products amid growing consumer interest in better-for-you options.
“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,” Alison Lewis, Hain’s CEO, said in a statement. “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.”
As Hain looks to curtail spending, the company also said it is taking steps to cut costs in a move expected to generate approximately $16 million in annualized savings compared to fiscal 2026.
