Brewery Huyghe Acquires Family Brewery Het Anker

Brewery Huyghe, known for its iconic Delirium and a leading Belgian brewery with four generations of family tradition based in Melle, proudly announces the acquisition of Het Anker, a historic family brewery and distillery based in Mechelen. Charles Leclef, the 5th generation owner of Het Anker, initiated a global acquisition procedure due to a lack of family succession. This strategic acquisition brings together two breweries with rich histories and complementary strengths, offering new growth opportunities in both Belgian and international markets.

Two heritage brands with one vision for the future

Brewery Huyghe’s versatile portfolio focuses on premium beers and includes 14 brands and 41 beer styles, with Delirium and Averbode being the most successful examples. Since 2000, these two brands have won more than 150 awards. In 2023, Brewery Huyghe achieved a turnover of over €45 million, 83% of which came from exports to more than 100 countries. In addition to commercial growth, Brewery Huyghe aims to become Belgium’s most sustainable brewery, with over €35 million invested in sustainability initiatives since 2012. The brewery’s commitment to full CO2 neutrality by 2035 underscores its long-term vision.

With its strong international base and focus on sustainability, Brewery Huyghe offers Het Anker a solid platform to further realize its growth ambitions. Founded in the 15th century, Het Anker holds a strong position in the Belgian beer market, rooted in the traditions of the medieval city of Mechelen. Its range includes 17 beers—including the globally renowned Gouden Carolus, as well as La Cambre and Maneblusser—and a series of refined whiskies that lead the Belgian whisky segment and are exported to more than 30 countries. In 2023, Het Anker achieved a turnover of €20 million through a combination of beer and whisky production, innovative niche products like fruit syrups produced under the unique Batteliek concept in the former Battel church, and its hospitality concept. The latter includes brewery tours, events, and its own hotel, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and exceptional quality of the brewery.

This strategic acquisition brings together two brands with deep-rooted traditions and complementary strengths, offering enormous growth potential. Brewery Huyghe, with its well-established global distribution network, provides a strong springboard for Het Anker to strengthen its solid local presence in domestic markets and expand into international markets. At the same time, an attractive and diversified product offering emerges that appeals to a broad audience, from young and innovative beer enthusiasts to traditional beer lovers. Brewery Huyghe also aims to implement its advanced sustainability practices within Het Anker’s operational processes, strengthening both brands and making them future-proof for the next generations.

A successful trajectory under BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity

BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity joined as a minority shareholder of Het Anker in 2016 to support the brewery’s expansion plans and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth. In the following years, Het Anker significantly increased its market share both nationally and internationally, expanding its portfolio with Belgian quality whiskies, non-alcoholic aperitifs, and niche beers.

“BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity invested in Het Anker in 2016 to finance the expansion plans of this historic Mechelen brewery. Together with the Leclef family, we have achieved a remarkable trajectory of sustainable growth. We are therefore strongly convinced that under the new owner, the unique values of Het Anker will continue to mature,” says Raf Moons, Head of BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity.

Reactions to the acquisition

Charles Leclef, owner and managing director of Het Anker, adds: “I confidently leave Het Anker in the capable hands of Alain and his team. I am convinced that these strong shoulders, with sincere intentions, will further strengthen and develop the entire project with its unique character, supported by our dedicated employees.”

Alain De Laet, owner and managing director of Brewery Huyghe, concludes: “I am very proud to continue Charles’ life work. Brewery Huyghe and Het Anker share the same essential values: quality and respect for family traditions. Brewery Huyghe will do everything possible to sustainably grow Het Anker’s beers worldwide through our extensive export network and sustainability strategy, while respecting the unique character of each brand.”