Books

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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: 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.