PLAINVILLE, N.Y. – The sale of Hain Pure Protein Corporation’s (a joint venture between Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P., with 51.3% equity ownership, and The Hain Celestial Group Inc., with 48.7% equity ownership) Kosher Valley brand to Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. has been completed.

Credited for being the first brand of certified kosher antibiotic-free (A.B..F), vegetarian fed and humanely raised all-natural branded chicken and turkey products in the U.S., Kosher Valley branded products are expected to be processed at the Empire plant in Mifflintown, Pa.

"Kosher Valley will allow Empire to make strides in growing our company," said Greg A. Rosenbaum, chief executive officer of Empire. "We're impressed with the work that Kosher Valley has done in developing their kosher A.B.F. product line and in building its distribution. The combined volume will improve operating efficiencies and allow us to offer a much wider choice of products to consumers."

Hain Celestial’s Irwin Simon and Rodney Cohen of Pegasus Capital Advisors are expected to join Empire's Board of Directors.

Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. is one of the most established kosher poultry producers in the U.S. Operating facilities in central Pennsylvania, Empire produces kosher chickens and Kosher turkeys for the North American market through a fully integrated process, including breeder farms, egg hatcheries, a feed mill, grow out houses and processing facilities.