Hamburg Distilling Company (HDC) was founded by Martin Spieker and Kaspar Hagedorn in 2017. Based on a legendary Hamburg sailor, HDC’s Knut Hansen Dry Gin quickly became one of Germany’s best-selling gin brands. In 2020 HDC launched Ron Piet Rum, a barrel-aged premium rum. The two labels are acclaimed for their unique taste and striking design.
Schwarze und Schlichte, one of the oldest family-run business in Germany, has been selling spirits for more than three and a half centuries. The strategic acquisition of HDC strengthens Schwarze und Schlichte’s position in the premium spirits market – and underlines the company’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of young high-quality brands.
Both founders will remain in an advisory role in order to ensure a smooth transition, and all HDC employees will be seamlessly integrated into Schwarze und Schlichte’s structure.
Relinquishing leadership wasn’t a decision we took lightly. However, the decision to pass the brands into other hands at this point is precisely the right one for the consistent continuation of this dynamic success story!” – Martin Spieker, Co-founder, Hamburg Distilling Company
“Many thanks to Carlsquare for guiding us through the divestiture process. Their unrivalled network and deal-making expertise ensured the transaction was concluded quickly and on mutually satisfactory terms. It was a pleasure working with Mark Miller and his team! ” – Kaspar Hagedorn, Co-founder, Hamburg Distilling Company
Carlsquare acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of the Hamburg Distilling Company.
