The week in business: 20 December
Katoen Natie to build largest beer terminal in the world, Collibra raises $50 million and an overview of the rest of the week in company news
Logistics – Katoen Natie
Data – Collibra
The data management spin-off of the Free University of Brussels (VUB) has raised $50 million from a US investment fund supported by the founders of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The company employs 200 people, including 100 in the US and 50 in Belgium.
Retail – Van Haren
The Dutch shoe retail chain, affiliated with Germany’s Deichmann company, has plans to open up to 70 outlets in Flanders over the next five years and to launch an on-line service. The first stores will open in Aalst and Tielt in early spring.
Metals – Umicore
The Brussels-based metals and materials group has inaugurated a €20 million muffler catalysts production unit in Thailand to meet growing demand in south-east Asia.
Floor coverings – US Floors
The US-based producer of floor coverings made of cork and other sustainable materials, founded and owned by Oudenaarde-based entrepreneur Piet Dossche, has been sold to the Shaw Industries, a flooring specialist based in Georgia and owned by Berkshire Hathaway, an investment company owned by business magnate Warren Buffett.
Gambling – Ardent
The Liège-based casino group has acquired Magic Dice, operator of 10 gambling halls in Limburg, for up to €5 million.
Diagnostics – Multiplicom
The European leader in breast cancer tests and diagnostics products, headquartered in Niel, Antwerp province, is to be acquired by the US-based Agilent company.
Photo courtesy Collibra
