Vincent De Gryse: The 34 Million Euro Border Empire, from KV Kortrijk to Stop & Shop

Vincent De Gryse

Vincent De Gryse has become the majority shareholder of KV Kortrijk somewhat reluctantly after the death of his brother, Jean-Marie De Gryse, in 2012. Unlike Vincent, Jean-Marie was the family's biggest soccer fan. Initially, Vincent planned to sell the inherited shares immediately, but eventually decided to strengthen his position within the club. He solidified his control by appointing Link Haerhout as Director. She is also involved in the Stop & Shopspecializing in the sale of tobacco and alcohol and strategically located near the Franco-Belgian border. Vincent de Gryse a fortune of over €34,267,280.

Holding Vincent De Gryse in the club proved short-lived. In 2015, the club was sold to Vincent Tanan eccentric Malaysian businessman. Tan, already owner of the Cardiff City in Wales and FK Sarajevo in Bosnia, became the owner of 81 %s from KV Kortrijk. During this process, Philippe Huysentruytmanager of Zulte Waregemalso showed interest in the club, but to no avail.

The transaction with Tan was finally around 3 million eurosaccording to Kortrijk mayor Vincent Van Quickenborne. He pointed out that the gradual increase in the club's value had put off many local investors.

Golden Spurs StadiumThe home of KV Kortrijk has seen evolution and changes in ownership. The De Gryse family played an important role in the survival and growth of the team, known as De Kerels. With the acquisition by Vincent Tan, KV Kortrijk continues its course in the Belgian Pro LeagueWe hope to reconcile tradition and modernity under this new international leadership.

The stores Stop & Shop from Vincent De GryseThese stores, which focus on tobacco and alcohol distribution, mainly target French and British consumers because of the significant price difference between Belgium and these countries. These stores are strategically located near the border, notably in Rekkem, Adinkerke, and on the Zwarte Berg.

This period marked a significant turning point for KV Kortrijk, both in terms of direction and future prospects under the new ownership. Vincent and the de Gryse family have an impressive net worth of over 30 million euros thanks to their stores.