Dec 11, 2006 9:52 AM, from staff and wire reports

The Hain Celestial Group Inc has acquired the assets of Haldane Foods Ltd and its meat-free and non-dairy beverage business based in Newport Pagnell, United Kingdom, from the Archer Daniels Midland Co. Haldane has a product line that includes Realeat frozen foods, as well as Granose and White Wave non-dairy beverages.

"We are excited by the prospect of adding Haldane Foods to our UK business and see their frozen meat-free business as a complementary fit with our Linda McCartney brand," said Irwin D Simon, president and chief executive officer of Hain Celestial. "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.”

Terms of this acquisition were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Hain Celestial's earnings during its fiscal year 2008.