The week in business

Beer – Duvel
Duvel-Moortgat is to acquire a majority stake in Boulevard Brewing, a Kansas City brewer with activities in 24 US states. The move, which doubles Duvel’s size in the US, is part of a strategy to build market share in areas experiencing strong growth in the artisanal beers market.

Biotech – Ablynx
Biotechnology firm Ablynx, headquartered in Ghent, has licensed one of its molecules to cure osteoporosis and bone metastasis to the Chinese Eddingspharm for €2 million and future royalties.

Distribution – JBC
The textiles and apparel retailer, based in Houthalen-Helchteren and owner of the Mayerline brand, is investing €6.5 million to build additional warehouse space and increase capacity.

Media – Flows
The Antwerp-based weekly shipping and port publication Flows has been launched by Alfaport and the Antwerp Port Authority to succeed De Lloyd, the country’s oldest newspaper, founded in 1858, which went bankrupt last June.

Supermarkets – Albert Heijn
Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn inaugurated its first outlet in Ghent last week, two years after its first venture in the Antwerp area. The company, which has plans for some 20 outlets in Flanders, will open a store in Sint-Truiden later this year.

Telecoms – Telenet
The Mechelen-based cable and telecommunications operator is in talks to merge with its Dutch counterpart Ziggo. Both companies are owned by the US-based Liberty Global cable operator.

Television – Fox
America’s Fox television network, controlled by media magnate Rupert Murdoch, is to make a bid to acquire broadcasting rights of the Belgian Pro League football championship and to create a local sports network. The next round of negotiations is slated for early 2014.

Transport – Noordzee Helikopters
Ostend-based Noordzee Helikopters, specialised in salvage, shipping and offshore operations support, is seeking investors. Among those interested are Ergon Capital, controlled by Belgian financier Albert Frère, and Axa Private Equity.