Square One Law advises Harry Hotspur Holdings as they acquire major shareholding in Lindisfarne Limited
Harry Hotspur Holdings, the parent company of the Alnwick Rum and Alnwick Brewery brands, has acquired a major shareholding in Lindisfarne Limited, whose products, manufactured exclusively on Holy Island, off the Northumberland coast, are now exported to Europe, the USA and other countries.
Keith Stephenson, Ian Robinson and Christopher Walwyn-James, directors of Harry Hotspur Holdings, will be working closely with members of the Hackett family, who have run Lindisfarne Ltd since 1962.
The Lindisfarne Winery attracts around 250,000 visitors from around the world every year and its 11-strong team produces 75,000 bottles of mead annually as well as a range of liqueurs, fruit wines and confectionery.
The business was established more than 50 years ago by the late J Michael Hackett, who moved to Holy Island with his wife Elizabeth before there was even a proper causeway linking it to the mainland. Future plans for the business include looking at the development of new products, the winery, craft shop and warehousing space.
“My late husband was a dynamic and charismatic man who had the foresight to use the link between mead, monks and the fantastic tourist location of Lindisfarne to create and build a company now recognised in many parts of the world,” Elizabeth Hackett said.
“We are delighted that this partnership will bring recognised Northumbrian products under the same umbrella and that our family involvement will continue.”
The Alnwick Brewery Company has established a strong reputation for its growing range of traditional Alnwick beers, including Amber, Brown Ale, IPA and Scotch Ale. It has plans to restore brewing to the historic town of Alnwick in a development that will also include dining facilities and a shop promoting the best of the region’s food and drink.
“We were delighted to be approached to become shareholders of Lindisfarne Ltd,” said director Walwyn-James. “We are looking forward to working with the Hackett family and the team that has created an iconic company with a fantastic range of products and a world-wide reputation. Our companies are an excellent fit.”
Square One Law acted for Harry Hotspur Holdings in the acquisition, corporate partner James Bryce said: “It was very rewarding to be part of the team that helped secure the future for this highly successful local company, in tandem with another strong regional brand. With the increasing prominence of locally produced and sourced products, it is an exciting time for the combined business.”
Keith Stephenson Chairman of HHH said: “We were very fortunate to have James and his team working with us. Their energy and ability to have their in-house experts, on areas such as contract, employment, property and option structures, available to provide us practical suggestions on commercial content of critical documents was well appreciated especially as a lot of this was needed late at night and with short notice.”