Belgian beer merger: Huyghe (Delirium) acquires Het Anker (Gouden Carolus)

Brouwerij Huyghe, famous for its Delirium beers, has acquired brewery Het Anker from Mechelen. The latter is most famous as brewer of Gouden Carolus, and hopes the acquisition will offer new opportunities in both Belgium and abroad.

International potential

Charles Leclef is the fifth generation of his family in brewery Het Anker, but he was unable to find someone in the family to become the sixth generation. Rather, he has now sold the brewery to Huyghe, hoping that both companies may benefit from each other’s strengths. A press release speaks of “strategic acquisition [that] brings together two breweries with rich histories and complementary strengths, offering new growth opportunities in both Belgian and international markets”.

Indeed, Huyghe has a well-equipped international distribution network that realises more than 80 % of the brewery’s turnover from exports to more than 100 countries. On the other hand, the addition of Het Anker, with its speciality beers and whisky, will create an attractive and more diverse offering that could attract a wider, younger audience to Huyghe.

Both companies stress they did not engage in the deal out of financial need, as they are both operating at a profit. Huyghe achieved 45 million euros in sales, while Het Anker is almost half the size. The latter also operates hospitality concepts such as Batteliek in an old church and a hotel within its medieval brewery complex.