Danish investment firm Den Sociale Kapitalfond has acquired a 60% stake in the local, family-owned ice cream producer, Hansens Is, for an undisclosed sum.
The fund has recognized “longstanding potential in the Danish ice cream producer,” indicating its confidence in the brand.
Following the transaction, Anders Eibye Hansen and his brother Rasmus Eibye, fourth-generation owners, will retain a 40% stake in Hansens Is, a brand with origins dating back to 1922.
In a statement, the investor emphasized that this deal will “reinforce” its position as Denmark’s “leading organic ice cream brand.”
Den Sociale Kapitalfond’s managing partner, Lars Jannick Johansen, noted, “We have entered this partnership wholeheartedly because we see significant promise in Hansens – in the people, the heritage, and the products.”
He further explained, “Hansens has always taken responsibility, and now it will grow on two fronts: financially and socially.”
Anders Eibye Hansen remarked that the company “spent a long time finding the right partner to help take Hansens Is to the next level.”
He emphasized that with Den Sociale Kapitalfond’s backing, “we can professionalize and scale our business and ESG efforts while remaining focused on delivering exceptional ice experience to even more people.”
In their announcement of the deal, both Den Sociale Kapitalfond and Hansens Is stated, “employees will be offered co-ownership going forward.”
A new board will also be appointed, with former Toms executive Annemette Thomsen stepping into the role of chair. Additionally, Kim Rahbek Hansen, the founder and former CEO of Sticks & Sushi, will join the board.
Moving forward, Hansens Is plans to expand its presence in the Danish market while also exploring initial steps toward exporting to neighboring countries, as pointed out by the fund.
