Hain Acquires UK Vegetarian Food Maker

MELVILLE, N.Y.—Hain Celestial Group (NASDAQ:HAIN) acquired the assets of Haldane Foods Ltd., an England-based vegetarian food manufacturer, from Archer Daniels Midland (NASDAQ:ADM). Included in the acquisition are Haldane’s meat- and dairy-free businesses, as well as an extensive product line that includes the Realeat, Granose and White Wave brands. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Hain expects Haldane, which has annual sales of around $19.65 million, to add to the company’s earnings during its fiscal 2008 year.

Irwin D. Simon, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hain (www.hain-celestial.com), said his team sees parts of the Haldane acquisition as a complementary fit to Hain’s Linda McCartney® brand. “Additionally, as we continue to build our natural and organic portfolio in the region, the expertise that Haldane brings, particularly in Soya based products, will further enhance our growth plans,” he said. “We have a growing non-dairy beverage business in the United Kingdom through our Soy Dream® and Rice Dream® brands, where having an established manufacturing base in the region will further support our ambition in this sector of the market.”