De Koninck, the iconic Antwerp brewery, has been bought by Duvel Moortgat, best known for its strong golden ale, Duvel -- Devil in Flemish. De Koninck -- the name means the King -- has been struggling with a declining market share and has been looking for a business partner. There were rumours a few weeks ago that Heineken was interested in taking over De Koninck and the agreement with Duvel Moortgat of Breendonck will be met with a sigh of relief by beer lovers.
De Koninck is considered to brew the finest interpretation of pale ale in Belgium, a beer served in Antwerp in a legendary glass known as a Bolleke or little goblet. The arrangement with Duvel Moortgat is similar to the one reached between Palm, Belgium's biggest ale brewer, and Rodenbach, the producer of sour red beer. There were concerns at the time that the Rodenbach plant would close but Palm has invested large sums in the brewery at Roeselare, new brands have been introduced and pubs bought.