Gillion family: Builders of Brussels and a fortune of €78M

Gillion family

Since 1918, René Gillion's company has left an indelible mark on the Brussels landscape, specializing in the manufacture of constructions in reinforced concrete. Remarkable early works includet the NIR building at Place Flagey, Forest town hall and the Résidence Palace, built between Rue de la Loi and Rue Belliard. Then, after the death of his father in the 1930s, Fernand Gillion took over the reins of the family business, driving forward a bold vision after his return from Africa in 1959, ahe pivotal period of Congo's independence and the Gillion family has succeeded in creating a fortune of over 78 million euros.

Construction of the King David Gallery:

• Meticulous purchase of plots for gallery development.
• The gallery, known as Golden Fleeceremains central to the Gillion family's finances.

Fernand Gillion retained direct control of the company until shortly before his death in 2005, making his living mainly from real estate rather than construction. Despite the economically difficult times of the 1980s, Ets. Gen. F. Gillion & Fils remained an independent family business.

Generational transition :

• Fernand Gillion's three sons, Jean-René, Roland and Michel, now in their 70s, have inherited the torch.
• Responsibilities are shared between Philippe Gillion, Amaury de Mérode and Rodrigue, all from the second generation.

In 2006, the Gillion family demonstrated their philanthropy by selling their art-nouveau 'Gillion-Crowet' collection to the Brussels region in payment of inheritance tax, which equalsut to 21.7 million euros.

Renewal of the King David Gallery:

• In 2004, the family sold 50 %s to ING and started a 20 million renovation project.
• The historic Toison d'Or gallery is being modernized, and although the sales area remains unchanged, the number of shops has been reduced.
• Fnac becomes the main attraction.

Following the renovation, the gallery was put up for sale in 2011 at a cost of estimated at between 60 and 70 million euros. The following year, the British investment fund Puprim acquired the complex for 62 million euros, which enabled the The Gillion family has an estimated net worth of over €78,268,200.

Table of key developments :

Event	Date	Description
Company foundation	1918	René Gillion establishes the construction company.
Purchase for gallery construction	–	Fernand Gillion's plot purchasing strategy.
Disposal of art collection	2006	Artistic heritage transferred to Brussels against inheritance tax.
Gallery renovation	2007-2010	Modernization project worth 20 million euros.
Sale of the gallery	2011	Proposals received for 60 to 70 million euros.
Acquisition by Puprim	2012	Sale of the complex for 62 million euros.