photo of Darie Boutboul and his fortune

Darie Boutboul's Fortune: A Journey Towards 66 Million Euros

Discover how Darie Boutboul, a pioneer of the French equestrian world and the first female amateur jockey, built a fortune of 66 million euros through her sporting exploits, television appearances and literary commitments. Immerse yourself in the remarkable rise of this emblematic figure of French sport and entertainment.

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.