Heineken planning to take over Belgian brewer Bosteels

Dutch beer giant Heineken is in the race to acquire Belgian specialty brewery Bosteels, Belgian business newspaper De Tijt reports based on multiple sources. Bosteels is known for specialty beer brands like Kwak, Deus and Carmelite. Specialty beers are on the rise in many markets, putting the market shares of traditional large breweries under pressure. According to the newspaper, Heineken wants to expand the range of specialty beers for the international market with the acquisition. Belgian brewer Duvel Moortgat, known for La Chouffe, De Koninck and Vedett, is also looking to acquire Bosteels, according to the paper. Heineken was not available for comment on Tuesday morning.