The week in business: 2 September
Octa+ acquires Blue Corner, Bosteels brewery up for sale and an overview of the rest of the week's industry news
Transport – Octa+
Banking – Van Breda
The Antwerp-based financial institution (pictured), which caters to businesses and entrepreneurs, has been designated to take over the insurances portfolio of the bankrupt Optima Bank. The deal involves some 6,600 contracts worth €140 million.
Brewing – Bosteels
The brewery, known for its Kwak and Karmeliet beers, is up for sale. Located in Buggenhout, East Flanders, the company is estimated at €200 million. The Duvel-Moortgat group had expressed an interest but has pulled out of negotiations, leaving the Dutch Heineken as frontrunner.
Air – Brussels Airlines
The Zaventem-based carrier is seeking to replace its nine ageing Avro RJ100 aircraft and some of its older Airbus A330 with new planes. The company is expected to issue a tender as soon as the negotiations with Lufthansa over its future relationship with the German airline is clarified.
Air – Brussels Airport
Flights between the US and Brussels Airport are to be significantly reduced over the winter as a result of a drop in traffic due to the terrorist attacks in Belgium and France. The number of flights will drop to 43 a week compared to 63 previously. American Airlines’ service to Philadelphia is cancelled as well as Delta’s flight to Atlanta.
Retail – Euro Shoe
The shoe retailer, based in Beringen, Limburg, with 345 outlets operating under the names Shoe Discount, Avance and Bristol in the Benelux, plans to open up to 30 additional outlets in the Netherlands.
Aluminium – Aleris
The US-owned aluminium producer has been acquired by China’s Zhongwang company. Little change is expected for the unit in Duffel, Antwerp province, and its 1,000 workers.
