The week in business: 3 July
Jetairfly adds flights to Rome, Alken-Maes drops sponsorship of Marktrock and an overview of the rest of the week's business news
Air – Jetairfly
Chemicals – Solvay
The Brussels-based chemical and plastics group is said to be in negotiations to acquire the Swiss Clariant fine chemicals producer for up to €8.9 billion. The deal would double Solvay’s size.
Adhesives – Soudal
The adhesives producer from Turnhout has taken over Latvian company Tenachem, which produces kits for sealing multi-layer glazing in the construction industry. Tenachem, which employs 73 people in Dobele, near the capital Riga, exports 95% of its production to customers in 40 countries.
Brewing – Alken-Maes
The brewery group has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Marktrock music festival in Leuven. Local brewer AB InBev has an agreement with the non-profit that groups the owners of the bars on Oude Markt. The city council decided to allow terraces on the square to open during the festival for the first time, leaving no room for the tap installations planned by Alken-Maes.
Office space – Regus
Regus Express Centers has opened then country’s largest flexible working area in the Leuven railway station (pictured). The centre, spread over four floors, offers private office space, a business lounge and meeting rooms, as well as an open office plan for 28 people.
Supermarkets – Peeters-Govers
Eight supermarkets operated by the Antwerp family Peeters-Govers have joined the franchise system of Albert Heijn, as the Dutch company puts the final touches to a merger with Delhaize. The stores join 31 others already bearing the AH name.
