One of Belgium's most famous breweries, Bosteels, has been acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) in a reported €200 million deal.
The brewery, which has been in the hands of the Bosteel family for over 200 years and seven generations, has won many accolades and is known for its 8.4% tripel karmeliet, pauwel kwak and 11.5% champagne-style beer Deus.
Bosteels will move into AB InBev's craft and speciality beer division with the family to remain involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Analyst Wim Hoste of KBC Securities in Brussels described the acquisition as "coming as a bit of a surprise" and there was also reported interest from Heineken International and Belgium's Duvel Moorgtat, according to TheStreet.com.
A spokesperson for AB InBev said it will continue to export the Bosteel beers to European and American markets.
Elsewhere in the craft beer world, Brooklyn Brewery has partnered with Carlsberg UK to handle the distribution of its beers in the United Kingdom, ending a 15-year relationship with UK distributor James Clay. The brewery, which was founded in 1988, has seen value growth of 54% over the past year in the UK according to Nielsen.
The breweries beers, such as Brooklyn Lager, Summer Ale and Sorachi Ace, will be distributed through Carlsberg's newly-launched brand and sales division, House of Beers, reports Thedrinksbusiness.com.
