Lucas Bols beverages. (In a later divestiture, these brands became part of Campari Group). Through the 1980s, Bols continued to expand its range of non-alcoholic beverages with particular emphasis on the Italian and Swiss markets. Already a leading producer of alcoholic beverages in its home country, Bols became the dominant producer of genever with its 1986 acquisition of Rotterdam based . In addition, this allowed Bols to vertically integrate itself, as Henkes had a network of retail liquor stores in the Netherlands. In 1988, Bols acquired "Strothmann Brennereien GmbH & Co AG.", instantly giving it the largest market share in the Korn
Eric Bols Regiment and acted as the colonel in charge of training for the Anglo-Canadian 21st Army Group. Bols was also involved in planning for Operation Overlord as well as helping to train the soldiers who would participate in the invasion of Normandy. When the invasion began on 6 June 1944 Bols did not participate directly, being retained at the War Office as a staff officer, but, in early July, he was given command of the 185th Infantry Brigade, part of the 3rd Infantry Division under Major General Lashmer "Bolo" Whistler. He led the brigade during the final stages of the Battle