Hain Food Group/Celestial Seasonings Merger Complete

The Hain Food Group and Celestial Seasonings, Inc. announced Tuesday that shareholders of both companies have approved their merger. Beginning today, the combined company will be named The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and will continue to trade under the stock symbol HAIN. (See earlier article).

Irwin Simon, chairman, president and CEO of The Hain Celestial Group, said, "I am excited by the opportunities that the merger creates for the shareholders, customers and employees of both companies. Celestial brings a powerful brand, mass market expertise and valuable employees to Hain. We look forward to exploring new possibilities for distribution of the Hain and Celestial brands through specialty natural foods, retail mass, food service and international channels."

As a result of the completion of the merger, Mo Siegel, former chairman of Celestial
Seasonings, has become vice-chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of The Hain Celestial Group. Steve Hughes, former president and CEO of Celestial Seasonings, has left to pursue other interests. Walt Freese, formerly general manager, Celestial Seasonings brand of Celestial Seasonings, Inc., has been named senior vice-president/general manager, Celestial Seasonings.

The Hain Celestial Group, headquartered in Uniondale, NY, is a natural, specialty and snack food company. Brands include Celestial Seasonings teas, Hain Pure Foods, Westbrae, Westsoy, Arrowhead Mills, Health Valley, Breadshop's, Casbah, Garden of Eatin, Terra Chips, DeBoles, Earth's Best, and Nile Spice. Specialty product lines include Hollywood cooking oils, Estee sugar-free products, Weight Watchers dry and refrigerated products, Kineret kosher foods, Boston Better Snacks, and Alba Foods.

Edited by Pam Ahlberg