Transaction Strengthens Hain Celestial

The Hain Celestial Group, Melville, NY, has acquired the MaraNatha and SunSpire brands, along with their nut butter manufacturing facility in Ashland, OR, from American Capital Strategies. The move opens the door to the natural candy category for Hain Celestial, while also strengthening its position in the growing nut butter category. MaraNatha produces natural and organic nut butters; SunSpire makes natural and organic chocolate products. The two brands generated sales of approximately $40 million in the U.S. and Canada last year.