Family

  • Dr. Paul Janssen: The Visionary Entrepreneur Behind a 300 Million Euro Fortune and a Pharmaceutical Legacy

    Dr. Paul Janssen, founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, is one of the most influential figures in the Belgian pharmaceutical industry. With a legacy estimated at over 300 million euros, Janssen revolutionized medicine with innovative medicines, while remaining a central figure in the company after its takeover by Johnson & Johnson. In addition to his medical contributions, he left a significant cultural imprint, with a unique collection of pre-Columbian art. Discover how this visionary built a pharmaceutical empire while influencing Belgian art and economics.

  • 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.

  • Alexandre Van Damme: From Family Inheritance to a 10 Billion Euro Fortune

    Alexandre Van Damme, heir to a long Belgian brewing tradition, has transformed the small family brewery into a global giant, AB InBev. With an estimated fortune of over 10 billion euros, he is the second-richest Belgian. Renowned for his strategic vision and discreet leadership, Van Damme has diversified his investments into global companies such as Kraft Heinz and Douwe Egberts, while remaining a key figure in the beverage industry. Find out how Alexandre combined family tradition and innovation to become a key figure in the business world.

  • 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 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.

  • Putteman family: From Belchim to a 57 million euro fortune in the crop protection industry

    Founded in 1987 by Dirk Putteman, Belchim Crop Protection has become a major player in the distribution of crop protection products in Europe. Despite financial challenges and the loss of its founder, the company continues to prosper thanks to strategic partnerships and a strong international presence. The Putteman family, with an estimated fortune of over 57 million euros, embodies innovation and resilience in the agricultural sector. Discover how their heritage and strategy have shaped a world-renowned company.

  • Michel Dick: The Visionary Behind Westfro and a Fortune of 55 Million Euros

    Michel Dick, co-founder of Westfro in 1971 in Staden, transformed a frozen vegetable company into a major player in the sector. Alongside Georges De Geest and André Talpe, Dick built a successful company, overcoming family and industrial challenges. Today, Westfro, under the management of the second generation, embodies Michel Dick's legacy of innovation and perseverance, having built a fortune of over 55 million.

  • 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.

  • 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.