On July 17, the European Commission authorized, under conditions, the acquisition of exclusive control of Heintz Beverages S.à.r.l. by Brasserie Nationale S.A.'s distribution subsidiary, Munhowen S.A. The Commission's investigation revealed that the transaction could pose significant competition issues as it would combine the two main wholesale beverage distributors serving hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Luxembourg.

The merger was found to potentially grant a substantial competitive advantage to the new entity over smaller wholesalers, limiting the options available for the Horeca sector and potentially harming local and international competing brands, particularly in the sale of Brasserie Nationale's mineral water brand, Lodyss.

However, the Commission concluded that the merger would not adversely affect competition in the wholesale beverage distribution markets for supermarkets, caterers, and corporate clients. To alleviate the Commission's concerns, the parties committed to divesting the majority of Heintz Beverages' Horeca activities, including all necessary assets and personnel, to an appropriate buyer.

The buyer will also have the opportunity to acquire the brand name, online store, and strategic exclusive import rights of Heintz Beverages. The Commission believes these structural commitments adequately address its competition concerns by allowing a new competitor to enter the wholesale beverage distribution market in the Horeca sector in Luxembourg, leading to the approval of the acquisition.

An independent trustee will oversee the implementation and compliance with these commitments, under the Commission's supervision, and the buyer of the divested activities must be approved by the Commission.

Background: On February 7, 2024, the Luxembourg competition authority referred the acquisition to the European Commission, citing significant competition threats due to the merger of the two leading wholesalers in the country. The authority argued that the acquisition could hinder access for foreign beverage producers to the Luxembourg market.

On March 15, 2024, the European Commission accepted the authority's referral and requested Brasserie Nationale to notify the transaction. Subsequently, on June 3, 2024, Brasserie Nationale and Munhowen filed an appeal against the Commission's decision to examine the acquisition. The Luxembourg authority intervened to support the Commission's position, leading to the European Court's ruling on July 2, 2025, confirming the Commission's decision to review the acquisition.