Vranken-Pommery Monopole, the number two in the world for the production and distribution of Champagne, registered a stable turnover in 2008. Sales in Great-Brittain and the U.S. fell sharply in 2008, but rising sales in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland compensated this. The worldwide turnover in 2008 clocked in at 286.8 million euros, compared with 285.8 million euros in 2007. Vranken-Pommery Monopole said the turnover this year remains uncertain due to the uncertain economic times. The company was founded in 1976 by the Belgian entrepeneur Paul-François Vranken. Some famous brands of Vranken-Pommery are Heidsieck, Charles Lafitte and Pommery. The company accounts for nine percent of the total champagne market. Almost half (45%) of production is exported. It employs more than 600 people. Vranken-Pommery is also active in Portugal, where it owns the Rozès Porto group.