Hain Celestial Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Sell International Business
Hain Celestial plans to sell most of its International business to AURELIUS, using over $300 million in proceeds mainly to reduce debt.
Rhea-AI Summary
Hain Celestial (HAIN) agreed to sell the majority of its International business to private equity firm AURELIUS for an estimated $323 million in cash. Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be between $305 million and $310 million, which the company plans to use to reduce debt. The sale, part of an ongoing strategic review, includes brands such as Ella's Kitchen, Joya, Natumi, Hartley’s, Linda McCartney Foods, Cully & Sully, Yorkshire Provender and New Covent Garden.
Following the sale, Hain expects to operate as a more focused North American company anchored by brands including Celestial Seasonings, The Greek Gods and Earth's Best Organic, along with Spectrum, MaraNatha and Imagine. Hain has detailed cost reduction plans targeting approximately $16 million of annualized savings versus fiscal 2026. The deal, unanimously approved by the Board, is subject to regulatory approvals and a required amendment to extend its credit agreement, and is expected to close in fiscal Q2 2027 ending December 31, 2026.
Positive
- Sale to AURELIUS expected to generate $305–$310 million net cash proceeds
- Proceeds planned for debt reduction, potentially improving leverage and balance sheet
- Planned cost actions targeting about $16 million annualized savings vs fiscal 2026
- Board unanimously approved the AURELIUS transaction, indicating internal alignment
- Post-sale portfolio centered on North American brands in tea, yogurt and baby foods
Negative
- Transaction contingent on credit agreement amendment that may not be obtained
- AURELIUS can terminate deal if amendment not secured within 30 days of signing
- Credit facility maturity currently falls on December 22, 2026, adding refinancing risk
- Loss of most International operations reduces geographic diversification
- Closing also depends on regulatory approvals, adding execution uncertainty
News Explained
Hain’s agreed sale remains conditional: AURELIUS may terminate if Hain does not secure the required credit-agreement amendment within 30 days of signing, and the debt-reduction cash would arrive only upon closing.
Details
Market Reaction – HAIN
Following this news, HAIN has gained 19.44%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +8.5% during the session. Argus tracked a trough of -13.5% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner has triggered 14 alerts so far, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $0.74. Trading volume is very high at 3.3x the average, suggesting strong buying interest.
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Key Figures
- Cash consideration
- $323 million
- Sale of Hain’s International business
- Net proceeds
- $305 million-$310 million
- Expected proceeds from the transaction
- Annualized savings
- $16 million
- Run-rate savings compared with fiscal 2026
- Debt maturity
- Beyond December 22, 2026
- Maturity extension sought through a credit-agreement amendment
- Amendment termination window
- 30 days
- AURELIUS may terminate if the credit amendment is not obtained
- Expected closing
- Fiscal second quarter ending December 31, 2026
- Subject to closing conditions
Historical Context
-
Reported debt reduction alongside weak sales, losses, and lower adjusted EBITDA
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
private equity financial
credit agreement financial
run rate financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Sale would simplify Hain’s portfolio and create a focused North American business; Net proceeds from the transaction would be used to reduce debt
HOBOKEN, N.J., Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its ongoing strategic review, Hain Celestial announced today it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its International business to global private equity firm AURELIUS for an estimated
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.
Alison Lewis, Hain Celestial’s President and CEO, said, “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.”
The Company’s resulting portfolio of brands in North America will include Celestial Seasonings® teas, The Greek Gods® yogurt and Earth's Best® Organic across its flagship categories of tea, yogurt and baby & kids foods. The portfolio also includes Spectrum® Organic cooking oils, MaraNatha® nut butters and Imagine® broths.
Lewis continued, “I want to recognize the incredible people behind our International brands and business. 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 December 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, the Board believes that extending the maturity date and completing the transaction would be in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders.
The Company continues to focus on simplifying the organization and executing a plan to align its cost structure with the scale of the future North American business. Hain has developed detailed cost reduction plans and is moving with urgency to deliver these actions. The Company expects to implement cost reduction actions generating approximately
The agreement with AURELIUS has been unanimously approved by the Company’s Board. 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 December 31, 2026.
Goldman Sachs is serving as the Company's financial advisor on the transaction, and DLA Piper’s London team is serving as legal counsel.
The Company will discuss the proposed transaction during its Q4 2026 earnings conference call later today.
About The Hain Celestial Group
Hain Celestial is a leading global health and wellness company whose purpose is to inspire healthier living for people, communities and the planet through better-for-you brands. For more than 30 years, Hain Celestial has intentionally focused on delivering nutrition and well-being that positively impacts today and tomorrow. Headquartered in Hoboken, N.J., Hain Celestial's products across beverages, yogurt, baby/kids and meal preparation are marketed and sold around the world. Our leading brands include Celestial Seasonings® teas, The Greek Gods® yogurt, Earth's Best® Organic and Ella's Kitchen® baby and kids foods, Joya® and Natumi® plant-based beverages, Hartley’s® jelly, as well as Cully & Sully®, Yorkshire Provender®, New Covent Garden® soups, among others. For more information, visit www.hain.com and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, our results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "may," "should," "plan," "intend," "potential," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, our beliefs or expectations relating to our future performance, results of operations and financial condition, including statements about the Company’s plan to sell its International business; the expected timetable for completing the transaction; cost-cutting initiatives; the outcome of the Company’s discussions with its lenders; the Company’s ability to create stakeholder value; and the outcome of the Company’s strategic review.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include our ability to satisfy the conditions to the closing of the contemplated transaction, which may include conditions outside of our control; the upcoming maturity of the credit agreement in December 2026 and our ability to secure an extension of the maturity date with our lenders, including that any such amendment requires the consent of all lenders and that the failure to obtain it within the required period would permit the purchaser to terminate the agreement; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Annual Report on Form 10-K expected to be filed today and our other filings from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in assumptions or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.
Media Contact:
Justin Godley
Justin.Godley@hain.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/585b1980-35bb-4dc4-aac1-be9029044b19
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Which businesses and brands are included in Hain Celestial’s International sale to AURELIUS?
The sale covers the majority of Hain’s International business operations. It includes 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.
What will Hain Celestial’s North American portfolio look like after the transaction?
The resulting North American business will include Celestial Seasonings teas, The Greek Gods yogurt and Earth's Best Organic baby and kids foods in its flagship categories. It will also include Spectrum Organic cooking oils, MaraNatha nut butters and Imagine broths.
What conditions must be met for the AURELIUS transaction to close?
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and an amendment to Hain’s credit agreement to extend its maturity date beyond December 22, 2026. AURELIUS may terminate the agreement if this amendment is not obtained within 30 days of signing. Subject to these and other closing conditions, the deal is expected to close in Hain’s fiscal second quarter ending December 31, 2026.
How does Hain Celestial plan to reduce costs alongside the International business sale?
Hain is executing a plan to align its cost structure with the scale of the future North American business. The company has developed detailed cost reduction plans and expects to implement actions that would generate approximately $16 million of annualized savings on a run rate basis compared with fiscal 2026.
What is Hain Celestial discussing with its lenders in connection with this transaction?
Hain remains in discussions with its lenders regarding an amendment to its credit agreement to extend the maturity date beyond December 22, 2026. The company’s Board believes that extending this maturity date and completing the AURELIUS transaction would be in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.