Photo of the Emsens family with a blue book

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.

steel production by an employee of the Holvoet family

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.

logo of the democo company of the Demot and Houben families

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.

PHOTO BY Philippe Vlerick on black background

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.

Import of cars from Dominique Moorkens' company Alcopa

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."

Car auction by Axel Moorkens

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.

Building the Willemen family

Willemen family: the 750-million-euro construction empire undergoing a metamorphosis

The Willemen family, at the head of a construction empire estimated at 750 million euros in annual sales, is navigating through a crucial period of transformation. Founded by Johan Willemen, the Willemen Group has established itself as a construction giant in Belgium, with over 2,100 employees. Despite recent challenges, including a loss of 35 million euros in 2022, the company is demonstrating its resilience by refocusing on the Belgian market. With a family fortune in excess of 53 million euros, the Willemen are a perfect example of how a family business can adapt to the turbulence of the construction sector, while maintaining its leading position in key areas such as infrastructure and real estate.

Wibo family steelworks

Wibo family: 87-million-euro industrial empire forged in steel

The Wibo family, at the head of the Vlassenroot Group, has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 87 million euros in large-scale steel processing. Founded in 1926 as a simple forge, the company has evolved under the management of Jean-Charles Wibo into a European leader in steel machine production. With plants in Belgium, Germany and Poland, Vlassenroot excels in the manufacture of heavy hydraulic cranes and steel structures for iconic projects such as Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge. Beyond Vlassenroot, Jean-Charles Wibo is diversifying into building materials distribution and industrial laundry services, consolidating the Wibo family's industrial heritage.

frames built by Johan Verstrepen

Johan Verstrepen: From Cycling to 1.6 Billion Euro Industrial Empire

Johan Verstrepen, born in Herentals in 1967, embodies success in both sport and business. Initially a successful professional cyclist, he went on to establish himself as a visionary entrepreneur. Under his leadership, Aliplast, now Corialis, grew from a value of 10 million to 1.6 billion euros. Nicknamed "the king of takeovers", Verstrepen navigated through multiple changes of ownership, retaining a significant stake and guiding the company to spectacular growth. With a personal fortune estimated at over 300 million euros, he is a prime example of the successful transition from top-level athlete to leading industrialist.

laboratory managed by Serge Goblet

Serge Goblet: The Visionary Empire of 159 Million Euros, from Commerce to Revolutionary Biotechnology

Serge Goblet, a Belgian investor with an estimated fortune of 159 million euros, has built a diversified empire combining commerce, real estate and biotechnology. His flagship investment, Celyad Oncology SA, develops innovative CAR-T cancer therapies. Goblet illustrates the successful alliance between entrepreneurial spirit and medical innovation, contributing to therapeutic advances while consolidating a portfolio of international assets in various sectors.