The "Breweries Alken-Maes NV" officially emerged in 1988 as a result of the merger of the breweries Cristal Alken and Maes.
Both breweries were growing systematically and Cristal brewed the first Belgian lager in 1928. Maes Pils follows in 1946. Afterwards Grimbergen, Ciney and other beers joined the portfolio, until the merger in 1988. Having been part of Danone and Scottish & Newcastle, Alken-Maes joins in 2008 the HEINEKEN Company.
As part of HEINEKEN group Alken-Maes makes rid of a difficult period, and takes its position as an innovative challenger on the Belgian beer market proven by the successful (re) launches of Maes, Desperados and Grimbergen.