The Hain Celestial Group Completes the Acquisition of Avalon

12/01/07 The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Avalon Natural Products, Inc., including its Avalon Organics and Alba Botanica natural and organic personal care brands, from North Castle Partners, a private equity firm. Avalon is a leader in the natural products category in the areas of skin care, hair care, bath and body and sun care with its Avalon Organic Botanicals and Alba Botanica brands.

"Over the past two years, personal care has become a rapidly growing contributor to our business in terms of sales and profit contribution," said Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hain Celestial Group. "The Avalon Organics and Alba Botanica brands provide us with a strong, well-rounded personal care portfolio that helps solidify our leadership position in the natural and organic personal care category. In addition, we are pleased to be joined by Gil Pritchard and his team, whose experience and relationships will deepen our focus on this growth category," concluded Irwin Simon.

Hain Celestial has built a substantial presence in personal care with its JASON, Zia Natural Skincare and Queen Helene brands to complement its leading position in natural and organic foods.