Grolsch Has Acquired Gulpener. Two Centuries of Independent Dutch Brewing Have Ended.

Grolsch has agreed to acquire the remaining 85% of Gulpener, ending more than 200 years of independent brewing by the Rutten family in Gulpen, Limburg. Grolsch, which is owned by Japanese beer company Asahi, had held a 15% stake in Gulpener and is now taking full ownership. Financial terms were not disclosed. The announcement was made jointly by Grolsch and Gulpener on 2 July 2026 and confirmed on the Asahi Europe & International newsroom under the heading “Grolsch and Gulpener Take Next Step Together.”