Nestle Is Among Potential Suitors for Hain Celestial

Nestle SA is among companies exploring a purchase of Hain Celestial Group Inc., a U.S. maker of organic and vegetarian food, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Swiss giant seeks to expand into healthier fare.

The Vevey, Switzerland-based company has held preliminary talks about purchasing all or parts of Hain Celestial, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. Other companies, including U.S. food makers and buyout firms, are also interested in Hain Celestial, the people said. No decisions have been made and Hain Celestial may decide against a sale, the people said.