Heinz Sells More Business Units

NEW YORK - May 3/06 - SNS -- H.J. Heinz Company sold two additional businesses as the company seeks to refocus on three core businesses: Ketchup and Sauces; Meals and Snacks; and Infant Food.

Heinz has completed the sale of its U.K. chilled prepared foods business to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. The sale includes one manufacturing site located in Luton, England. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In the Philippines, Heinz said that it has sold its 50% ownership in Heinz-UFC Philippines, Inc. to its partner, Nutri Asia, Inc. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Heinz products will continue to be sold in the Philippines through various distribution arrangements, focusing primarily on the sale of cooking and table sauces under the Heinz, Lea & Perrins and HP brand names.

Heinz also said that it has entered advanced and exclusive negotiations with The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. for the proposed sale of its U.K. Frozen meat-free business. The proposed sale would include a manufacturing facility in Fakenham, England. Heinz intends to consult with employees before the transaction is completed. It is expected that the potential sale will be completed in early June.

Heinz also announced that John Garnett, age 37, has been appointed Managing Director of the Heinz European Frozen Food Brands. John joins Heinz from HP Foods, where he spent the past year as Managing Director, delivering excellent growth rates. John has extensive leadership experience and has held various marketing and commercial positions at both Group Danone S.A. and Procter & Gamble.