photo of the Le Hodey family from their IPM advert

Le Hodey family: Belgium's 104-million-euro media empire in full metamorphosis

The Le Hodey family, a pillar of the Belgian media landscape with a fortune estimated at over 104 million euros, skilfully navigates a changing industry. At the helm of IPM Group, owner of prestigious titles such as La Libre Belgique and La Dernière Heure, François le Hodey continues the family legacy while diversifying activities. Faced with declining newspaper sales, the family has orchestrated bold strategic moves, including the acquisition of LN24 and the lucrative sale of betFIRST for 120 million euros. This family saga, blending politics, media and innovation, illustrates the resilience and adaptability of a Belgian dynasty in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.

photo of Marouane Fellaini in soccer gear

Marouane Fellaini: From Field to 75 Million Euro Financial Empire

Marouane Fellaini, born in Etterbeek in 1987, has charted a remarkable course from professional soccer to entrepreneurship. An iconic midfielder for clubs such as Everton and Manchester United, he has also shone with the Belgian national team. Beyond the pitch, Fellaini has demonstrated a flair for business, wisely investing in real estate, various businesses and even a luxury boutique in Brussels. His sporting career, crowned by trophies such as the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, has continued harmoniously in the business world. With assets estimated at over 75 million euros, Fellaini is the epitome of a successful athlete turned savvy entrepreneur.

Vincent De Gryse's stores

Vincent De Gryse: The 34 Million Euro Border Empire, from KV Kortrijk to Stop & Shop

Vincent De Gryse, unexpected heir to KV Kortrijk, has turned a sporting legacy into a business opportunity. He became majority owner of the club after the death of his brother, eventually selling it for 3 million euros to Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan in 2015. At the same time, De Gryse built up a commercial empire with his Stop & Shop stores, strategically located near the Franco-Belgian border. Specializing in the sale of tobacco and alcohol, these stores target an international clientele attracted by low prices. This dual strategy has enabled De Gryse to accumulate a fortune estimated at over 34 million euros, illustrating his flair for cross-border business opportunities.

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.