As previously reported here and elsewhere, Duvel Moortgat has acquired the whole production rights from the receiver of the bankrupt Liefman's Brewery. In a press release which is short and to the point, the company said "On 24 June 2008, Duvel Moortgat nv reached an agreement with the receivers of Brouwerij Liefmans nv. On the basis of this agreement, Duvel Moortgat nv acquires a large portion of the assets of the bankrupt companies, including the complete machinery, all the brands and recipes.
Earlier, Duvel Moortgat nv had already made a binding offer on the real estate of Brouwerij Liefmans nv in Ouderaarde. The receivers have granted Duvel Moortgat nv a right of use until the completion of some procedural aspects of the sale of this site.
In the first phase, Duvel Moortgat nv will concentrate primarily on the brown ales and fruit beers of the brand Liefmans brewed in Ouderaarde. This way, Duvel Moortgat nv can complete its existing product portfolio with a fine, authentic and traditional beer brand, in a market segment in which it was not active until now.
When Duvel Moortgat nv acquires the site in Ouderaarde, the company will make the necessary investments to revalue the production site and give visitors a hearty welcome.
The price of the total transaction, including the real estate in Ouderaarde, amounts to 4.5 million Euro."
Good news I reckon and it certainly seems they are getting a bargain at that price. I have visited both breweries and have to say the welcome at Duvel was second to none. They are a good and friendly outfit. Here's hoping they make a good fist of it. I'm sure they will.
For some reason I don't understand, the brewery is quoted by Duvel as being in Ouderaarde. It is of course Oudenaarde!
Good news indeed, the best possible outcome really.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though Duvel will concentrate on the Liefmans "brand" (I hate using that word about beer), with nothing said about the rest of the portfolio (Straffe Hendrik, Vondel, Lucifer et c). I'm assuming that these come as part of the deal?
They have said in the first phase so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
ReplyDeleteGreat news. Lucky escape too - it would seem that InBev have been too busy worrying about some big overseas deal to bother with small fry like Liefmans...
ReplyDeleteGood news indeed, Liefmans Kriek is certainly my favourite of that beer style and their brown ale is pretty damned good as well.
ReplyDeleteI love the Leifmans Beers so certainly good news. Im not sure that Lucifer would survive under Moortgat, produce the original and the imitation?
ReplyDelete