The week in business: 7 November

Energy – Katoen Natie
The logistics group in the port of Antwerp, which has diversified into the generation of green energy, has acquired more than 5% of Elia, the country’s electricity grid operator.

Media – Bhaalu
The online TV streaming and recording service developed by the Antwerp-based Right Brain Interface company is to be suspended following a court decision. Several Flemish broadcasters, including VRT, VTM and SBS, had sued  the company on competition grounds.

Floor coverings – Desso
The Derdermonde-based carpet and synthetic turf manufacturer has been sold to the French Tarkett group. Desso was established in 1939 by the Desseaux family.

Holdings – GBL
The Brussels-based holding company, controlled by financier Albert Frere, is investing €75 million in the French Merieux Developpement pharmaceuticals investment fund.

Insurance – Fidea
The Antwerp-based insurance group has been sold to the Chinese Anbang Insurance company by its owner, the US-based JC Flowers investment group.    

Scrap – Galloo
Europe’s largest scrapyard, located in the port of Ghent area, has won the contract to dismantle six French Navy ships, including the Commandant Riviere and Duperre frigates. It is also in the process of scrapping the Royal Navy Fearless, which saw action in the Falklands conflict.

Supermarkets – Delhaize
The Brussels-based supermarket group has sold its 66 US Bottom Dollar Food stores, active in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas of the US, to Aldi for $15 million (€12 million). The move is part of the company’s restructuring, which also includes closing up to 14 outlets in Belgium.

Telecoms – Proximus
The Brussels-based telecommunications company has sold its British Telindus Limited affiliate to Telent Technology.