Construction

  • Robert Hoornaert: From Civil Engineer to Construction Emperor with an Estate Worth Over 130 Million Euros

    Robert Hoornaert, a civil engineer by training, was able to transform a minority holding into a construction empire with assets estimated at over 130 million euros. At the helm of the Bruges-based Artes Group, Hoornaert has expanded the company through strategic acquisitions, strengthening its position in the Belgian building and construction sector. Find out how this visionary entrepreneur led the Artes Group to become one of the market leaders.

  • Jef Machiels: From Gravel Extraction to an Empire Worth Over 203 Million Euros

    Jef Machiels and his family have transformed their business from gravel extraction to a diversified empire in waste treatment, renewable energy, sustainable construction and real estate. With assets estimated at over 203 million euros, the Machiels family is distinguished by its commitment to sustainable development and its expansion into innovative sectors, with projects such as 'Closing the Circle' and the Maastricht real estate development redefining industry standards.

  • Mestdagh family: From retail to real estate with assets of over 769 million euros

    The Mestdagh family, with its roots in Belgian food retailing dating back to 1900, has evolved over time to become a major player in the real estate sector. After acquiring 16 Carrefour stores in 2010 and transforming its Champion network into Carrefour Market, the family reoriented its activities towards real estate in 2022, selling its supermarket network to Intermarché. Today, in partnership with the Mulliez family, their real estate assets are estimated at over 769 million euros, marking a strategic turning point in the history of this entrepreneurial family.

  • Emsens family: a Belgian dynasty with assets worth 2.6 billion euros

    The Emsens family, ranked among the 14 richest families in Belgium, controls an industrial empire with companies such as SCR-Sibelco, Aliaxis and Etex. These multinationals, specializing in sand mining, construction products and materials such as asbestos cement, reinforce the Emsens' influence on the global market. With assets of over 2.6 billion euros, the Emsens family is also extending its influence through strategic investments in companies such as Sofina and Solvay, consolidating their position as one of Belgium's leading industrial dynasties.

  • Emsens family: 1.1 billion euros and a deep industrial heritage in sand mining

    The Emsens family, pillars of the SCR-Sibelco group, have fashioned an industrial empire centered on the extraction of quartz sand used in glass production. With assets estimated at 1.1 billion euros, SCR-Sibelco is a little-known but key player in the global mining industry. Their influence extends across Europe, the United States and Mexico, while navigating contemporary challenges such as subsidiary restructuring and global market fluctuations. Discover how this Belgian dynasty continues to influence the economy while adapting to new realities.

  • The Holvoet Family: From Steel Transformation to a Fortune of 66 Million Euros

    The Holvoet family, with roots in Belgium and France, has built a fortune estimated at over 66 million euros thanks to its expertise in steel processing. With solid bases in Aalbeke and Kortrijk, the family business excels in steel processing and the production of steel structures. Find out how the Holvoets have leveraged new technologies and an innovation-driven customer strategy to become a major player in the metal industry.

  • The Demot and Houben Families: How they transformed Democo into a 65 million euro empire

    The Demot and Houben families were the founding pillars of Democo, a major construction group based in Hasselt. Since its creation in 1977 by Cyriel Demot, Frans Houben, and Mario Longhi, the company has prospered under the leadership of Philip Demot, reaching sales of 250 to 300 million euros. Discover how these families built a fortune of 65 million euros by transforming Democo into a diversified and influential company in the construction industry.

  • Philippe Vlerick: How a Belgian Visionary Built a 197 Million Euro Empire

    Philippe Vlerick, a leading figure in the Belgian financial world, has successfully navigated economic and industrial challenges to build a fortune estimated at 197 million euros. His journey, marked by strategic acquisitions, judicious investments and a commitment to innovation, illustrates how a visionary can build a lasting empire. Discover how Philippe Vlerick has turned challenges into opportunities and maintained a leading influence in the Belgian economy.

  • Dominique Moorkens: The 190-million-euro Baron of the Alcopa Automobile Empire

    Dominique Moorkens, knighted Baron in 2009, chairs the board of Alcopa, a family-owned automotive empire valued at over 190 million euros. Under his visionary leadership, Alcopa has transcended its status as a Belgian importer to become a major player in Europe and South Africa. With 35 dealerships in Belgium and Luxembourg, and a strong presence in Switzerland, Moorkens orchestrated a strategic expansion, diversifying Alcopa's activities from cars to two-wheelers. Its prudent management, marked by low indebtedness and the integration of external experts such as François Hinfray, illustrates Moorkens' ability to combine family tradition and managerial innovation, forging a model of success in the automotive industry."

  • Axel Moorkens: The 198-million-euro automotive empire in the midst of diversification

    SEO title :
    "Axel Moorkens: The 198-Million-Euro Automotive Empire Diversifies "
    Short extract:
    "Axel Moorkens, heir to a Belgian industrial dynasty, steers Alcopa to new heights with family assets estimated at over 198 million euros. Starting out as an Asian automobile importer, the group has successfully diversified its activities, notably with Sapim, the world leader in bicycle spokes, present in seven countries. The recent acquisition of 10% from the Whitestone holding company bears witness to Axel Moorkens' expansion ambitions. As Chairman of Alcopa and owner of 17% of the group, he embodies the new generation of Belgian industrialists, combining family heritage and strategic vision to conquer international markets, from automotive to high-tech components.