Dani Klein

Dani Klein: 10 Million Albums Sold and an Emblematic Career in Belgian Music

Dani Klein, born Danielle Schoovaerts, made Belgian music history as lead singer of the group Vaya Con Dios. With international hits such as 'Just a Friend of Mine' and 'What's a Woman', Dani has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. After a career punctuated by multiple tours and platinum albums, Dani Klein continues to fascinate with her unique voice. With assets estimated at over 7 million euros, she remains an emblematic figure on the Belgian and international music scene.

Fabri family catchou plantation with a black man cutting

The Fabri Dynasty: A Major and Controversial Influence with a Fortune of 350 Million Euros

The Fabri family, rooted in the banking and plantation sectors, is an influential and controversial Belgian dynasty. Founded by financiers such as Charles Fabri, it has weathered financial and political scandals while building an empire estimated at over 300 million euros. Under the leadership of Hubert Fabri, the family has navigated between economic success and legal wrangling, not least thanks to strategic alliances with the likes of Vincent Bolloré. Find out how the Fabri family has maintained its influence and wealth despite the challenges.

Photo by Jan Baert with coloured background

Jan Baert: The Media Visionary Behind a 374 Million Euro Fortune

Jan Baert, with an estimated fortune of 374 million euros, is a key figure in the Belgian media landscape. In association with Het Belang van Limburg and Gazet van Antwerpen, he has transformed Concentra into a major media player, notably through the formation of Mediahuis. Discover how the Baert family navigated the challenges of the market to build a solid and prosperous media empire, positioning themselves among the 80 richest families in Belgium.

photo of the Le Hodey family from their IPM advert

Le Hodey family: Belgium's 104-million-euro media empire in full metamorphosis

The Le Hodey family, a pillar of the Belgian media landscape with a fortune estimated at over 104 million euros, skilfully navigates a changing industry. At the helm of IPM Group, owner of prestigious titles such as La Libre Belgique and La Dernière Heure, François le Hodey continues the family legacy while diversifying activities. Faced with declining newspaper sales, the family has orchestrated bold strategic moves, including the acquisition of LN24 and the lucrative sale of betFIRST for 120 million euros. This family saga, blending politics, media and innovation, illustrates the resilience and adaptability of a Belgian dynasty in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.

madame reading a book by Frieda Schaltin

Jan Vande Velden: The Strategic Architect behind the 50 Million Euro ZNU Empire

Jan Vande Velden, Managing Director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), played a crucial role in transforming this publishing house into a flourishing literary empire. Under his visionary leadership, Lier-based ZNU, with capital of 50.8 million euros, has undergone remarkable expansion. The strategic acquisition of 37% from Standaard Boekhandel in 1994, followed by the acquisition of majority control, propelled ZNU to the forefront of the Flemish publishing market. Vande Velden, initially a close collaborator of Father Schaltin, skilfully navigated the publishing landscape, extending ZNU's influence into Wallonia with the acquisition of the Club chain. His leadership enabled ZNU to establish itself as a key player in Belgian publishing, publishing under the Deltas name in Flanders.

madame reading a book by Frieda Schaltin

Hilde Schaltin's Colossal Legacy: ZNU and its 140 Standaard Boekhandel bookshops

Hilde Schaltin, an iconic figure at Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), left a lasting legacy in the world of Flemish publishing. Before her death in 2016, she controlled 33% of this discreet but influential family business. Under the leadership of the Schaltin sisters, ZNU transformed itself from a publishing house specializing in children's literature into a diversified publishing empire. The strategic acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995, now numbering 140 bookshops, marked a major turning point. ZNU extended its influence internationally with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age via the Azur platform. Hilde Schaltin's legacy lives on in this company, which combines family tradition and editorial innovation.

children reading on the stairs by Frieda Schaltin and Hilde Schaltin

Frieda Schaltin: The Discreet Visionary Behind the ZNU Empire of 80 Bookstores

Frieda Schaltin, co-director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), is the discreet architect of a flourishing publishing empire. Based in Aartselaar, this family business has established itself as a major player in Flemish publishing. Initially specializing in children's literature, ZNU has diversified into non-fiction for adults, covering tourism, hobbies and cooking. The strategic acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995 propelled ZNU to the forefront, with a network of 80 bookstores in Flanders and Brussels. Despite her legendary discretion, Frieda Schaltin, who owns 33% of the company, has extended ZNU's influence internationally with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age via the Azur platform.

Yvonne Schaltin looking for a book

Yvonne Schaltin: The Discreet Literary Empire of 83 Million Euros at ZNU

Yvonne Schaltin, co-director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), heads a discreet publishing empire valued at 83 million euros. This family business, based in Aartselaar, has established itself as a major player in Flemish publishing. Initially specializing in children's books, ZNU has diversified into non-fiction for adults. The acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995 marked a turning point, extending its influence to 80 stores in Flanders and Brussels. Despite their legendary discretion, the Schaltin family developed ZNU internationally, with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age with the Azur platform.

Jonathan Vandenbroeck in photo

Milow (Jonathan Vandenbroeck): The meteoric rise of an independent artist with a 14 million euro fortune

Jonathan Vandenbroeck, known as Milow, epitomizes the success of an independent artist in the modern music industry. Born in 1981, this Belgian singer-songwriter has built an impressive career by creating his own label, Homerun Records. From his debut album 'The Bigger Picture' to his hit cover of "Ayo Technology", Milow has won over an international audience with his acoustic pop/rock style.