photo by Dr. Paul Janssen

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.

woman of color analyzing the Medina laboratory of Famille De Raedt-Verheyden

De Raedt-Verheyden family: Colossal 1.7-billion-euro empire in biotechnology

Gino De Raedt and Frederica Verheyden have built a financial empire estimated at over 1.7 billion euros, from a simple medical laboratory in 1978 to major players in European biotechnology. Their journey, marked by strategic acquisitions and a spectacular merger with Biogroup, illustrates an exceptional entrepreneurial vision. With record dividends and diversified investments in real estate and private equity, the De Raedt-Verheyden couple have become one of Belgium's largest fortunes, while preparing for the future with their daughter Ann. Their story embodies the perfect blend of scientific innovation and financial genius.

Rest home designed by Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick

Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick: The 41-Million-Euro Titanic Empire in Senior Care

Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick, founders of Senior Assist in 2006, have built an empire in the elderly care sector, valued at over 41 million euros. Their company manages 32 residential care centers and 147 assisted living facilities in Belgium, accommodating nearly 2,800 residents and employing 1,800 people. Despite international expansion and service diversification, Senior Assist encountered financial difficulties in 2017, leading to the sale of certain assets. The company, structured with a plurality of shareholders and present in Luxembourg, illustrates the challenges and opportunities of the senior care sector, which is constantly evolving to meet the needs of an aging population.

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.

baby with Ontex diaper produced by Famille van Malderen

The Van Malderen Dynasty: From Ontex to a €950 million Industrial Empire

The Van Malderen family has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 950 million euros, from a modest production facility for medical products in Buggenhout. From Paul Van Malderen's creation of Ontex to Bart's international expansion of Drylock, via investments in real estate and winegrowing, the Van Malderens have boldly diversified their activities.