HAMPSHIRE GROUP’S NEW BABY: Hampshire Group Ltd. said on Thursday that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of San Francisco-based Shane-Hunter Inc. from its founders. Shane-Hunter, which will continue to be based in San Francisco, is predominantly engaged in the sale of junior apparel to mass merchant retailers. Shane-Hunter’s principals, Wayne Malen and Michael Thaler, will continue with the business as its co-presidents. The firm’s design, sales, production and support teams will remain with the business and continue to run its day-to-day operations. Hampshire Group is a diversified apparel company and is one of the largest suppliers of women’s and men’s sweaters in North America and a leading supplier of women’s related separates.