The week in business: 12 May
Colruyt products sold on Alibaba, Umicore increases production in China and an overview of the rest of the week's company news
Supermarkets – Colruyt
Energy – Umicore
The Brussels-based materials and non-ferrous metals group is investing €300 million to increase the capacity of its NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) batteries production units in China and South Korea. The six-fold increase should go some way to meeting demand for manufacturers of electric vehicles.
Cinema – Kinepolis
The Ghent-based cinema chain has reached an agreement with France’s UGC group to sell it the property that houses the UGC cinema on Guldenvlieslaan in Brussels for €13 million. Kinepolis had bought the property in 2014 and was subsequently investigated by competition authorities.
Beverages – Konings
The beverages producing and bottling company, based in Zonhoven, Limburg, has acquired a Bacardi rum production unit in Beaucaire, France. Other drinks produced on the site include Eristoff Vodka and Benedictine liquor.
Dredging – Deme
In recent weeks, the Antwerp-based dredging group has signed €125 million in dredging, coastal protection and land reclamation contracts in West Africa.
Brewing – Alken-Maes
The subsidiary of the Dutch Heineken group, based in Kontich, Antwerp province, is investing up to €75 million over the next three years to increase capacity of its breweries in Opwijk and Asse, both in Flemish Brabant. The locations produce the Affligem and Mort Subite brands respectively.
Data – Econocom
The quoted Belgo-French data services supplier has acquired Bis, the Mechelen-based multimedia solutions and digital applications group from America’s Mood Media Corporation for €18 million.
Photo: The Umicore building in Suzhou, China
