Immerse yourself in the world of Patrick Solvay, heir to a chemical and financial empire valued at 151 million euros. From major influence in the global chemical industry to ownership of a prestigious golf course, discover how this great-grandson of Alfred Solvay perpetuates and diversifies the legacy of one of Belgium's most influential families.
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.
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.
"Stefan Descheemaeker, CEO of Nomad Foods since 2015, has forged a remarkable career in the global food industry. With experience at Delhaize and AB InBev, the 57-year-old strategist has played a key role in major mergers and acquisitions.
Founded in 1969 in Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Feryn has established itself as a leader in garage door installation. Under the current management of Pascal Feryn, the family business has built an empire worth 28 million euros thanks to its commitment to quality, customer service and innovation. Despite the challenges, Feryn continues to thrive, embodying over five decades of excellence in the industry."
Jan Van Geet, a Belgian entrepreneur born in 1971, has turned his experience at Ontex into a real estate empire. Founder of VGP in 2000, he built a fortune of 640 million euros by specializing in semi-industrial real estate in Eastern Europe. Despite recent challenges, VGP remains a major player with a portfolio worth 3.23 billion euros. Van Geet, based in the Czech Republic, combines commercial success with philanthropic commitment through the VGP Foundation.
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.
Discover I-Care, the leader in predictive maintenance founded by Fabrice Brion and Arnaud Stiévenart. Based in Mons, this innovative company, valued at 490 million euros, is revolutionizing industry with its vibration sensors and artificial intelligence-based solutions, reducing machine downtime by 20% and maintenance costs by 35%.
At the heart of Antwerp's economic and social evolution, the Plouvier family, with assets valued at over 245 million euros, embodies the successful transition of a family heritage rich in history.
The De Somer family, head of Van Genechten and major shareholder in CartaMundi, has built an industrial empire valued at over 275 million euros, marking the history of packaging and gaming in Europe and beyond.
