The Brau Union AG, part of the Heineken group, has acquired the remaining shares of the Vorarlberg-based Rauch family in the Brauerei Fohrenburg, increasing its ownership to 99.39 %, with the remaining 0.61 % in free float. Before 2019, Brau Union AG already held an 11 % stake in the brewery. In 2019, it purchased a further 74.40 % majority stake from the Rauch family (inside.beer, 20.11.2019), and has now completed the acquisition. CEO Jürgen Rauch stressed that the new ownership structure ensures the long-term success and security of the Bludenz site.
Hans Böhm, CEO of Brau Union AG, described Fohrenburg as a “jewel” in the company’s portfolio of regional breweries. Over recent years, the site has seen substantial investment, including a modern bottling line, upgraded packaging technology, a logistics hall, and fleet management improvements. According to brewery board member Wolfgang Sila, production has reached record levels with the highest utilisation in its history.
The acquisition comes alongside a EUR 6 million investment in a new bottling line and an additional EUR 1 million for redesigned 0.33 l bottles in 12-pack cases and a refreshed brand image.
Brewing manager Matthias Gangl confirmed that installation and fine-tuning of the filler, labeller, case packer, and conveyors are nearly complete, with official commissioning scheduled for next week. Marketing director Markus Flatz noted that the upgrades are a clear commitment to Bludenz amid rising production costs, changing consumption patterns, and increasing demand for alcohol-free beers.
