Shoosmiths has advised international private equity investor AURELIUS on its agreement to acquire Hain International from The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

Published: 23 September 2026

AURELIUS is a global alternative investment firm with a long-established track record of acquiring and developing businesses across a range of sectors and geographies. Hain International is a food and drink business operating across the UK and Europe, with a portfolio of well-known brands spanning categories including ambient grocery, beverages and healthy snacking.

Shoosmiths acted as legal adviser to AURELIUS co-counselling alongside Freshfields, supporting the transaction as part of a wider international adviser team. The Shoosmiths team was led by Alison Chivers as lead deal partner, working closely with Elizabeth Ward, private equity relationship partner for AURELIUS, with further support from Melissa Gray, Senior Associate and Heather Stewart, Associate. The team also benefited from the support of Nathan Turley, Senior Associate, who recently worked alongside AURELIUS as co-counsel on another significant transaction for the investor.

Elizabeth Ward, partner at Shoosmiths and private equity relationship partner for AURELIUS, said: "We were delighted to support AURELIUS on this acquisition and to work alongside Freshfields and the wider adviser team, following our recent co-counselling role on another successful AURELIUS transaction. We are proud to continue supporting the team on its complex, cross-border transactions.”

In addition to Freshfields and Shoosmiths as legal advisers, AURELIUS was advised by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), Alvarez & Marsal (Financial), BDO (Tax), Food Strategy Associates (Commercial) and Haver & Mailänder (Antitrust).