Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Heineken ordered to pay about €111 million to Greek rival
An Amsterdam court ordered Heineken to pay about €111 million to Greek beer maker Macedonian Thrace Brewery, known as MTB.
The case concerns the conduct of Heineken’s Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery, on the Greek beer market.
A Greek competition authority found that the subsidiary abused its dominant position between 1998 and 2014.
The court said MTB missed out on profits and set the damages at €43.3 million, plus €67.9 million in interest.
The dispute matters because the court held Heineken responsible for its subsidiary’s conduct, which included seeking exclusive deals that kept rival beers out of shops and bars.
Heineken plans to appeal, arguing that the award, especially the interest, does not reflect actual market conditions.
An Amsterdam court ordered Heineken to pay €111.2 million to Greek brewer Macedonian Thrace Brewery.
The court held Heineken responsible for practices by its Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery.
The award comprises €43.3 million in damages and €67.9 million in interest.
Heineken said it would appeal, arguing that the award does not reflect actual market conditions.
The case concerns Athenian Brewery’s conduct in Greece between 1998 and 2014.
- Who
- Heineken must pay Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB), a Greek beer producer.
- What
- An Amsterdam court awarded MTB €111.2 million in damages and interest. Heineken plans to appeal.
- When
- The ruling was reported on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands; the dispute concerns conduct in the Greek beer market.
- Why
- The court held Heineken responsible for misconduct by its Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery, which abused its dominant position.
Heineken
Amsterdam court and Macedonian Thrace Brewery
Award
Heineken
Heineken says the awarded compensation, particularly the interest, does not reflect actual market conditions.
Amsterdam court and Macedonian Thrace Brewery
The court found MTB had lost profits for years and awarded €111.2 million.
Appeal
Heineken
Heineken says it will appeal the ruling.
Amsterdam court and Macedonian Thrace Brewery
The court ruled that Heineken is responsible for its subsidiary’s misconduct.
Athenian Brewery engaged in the conduct at issue, according to the articles.
The Greek competition authority found that Athenian Brewery had abused its dominant position, according to NOS.
An Amsterdam court determined that Heineken was responsible for the abuse of market dominance.
An Amsterdam court awarded MTB €111.2 million, and Heineken said it would appeal.
- Total award
- €111.2 million
- Damages
- €43.3 million
- Interest
- €67.9 million
- Recipient
- Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB)
- Defendant
- Heineken
- Court
- Amsterdam court
3 sources
What people are saying
We do not believe that the awarded damages adequately reflect these considerations.