De Raedt-Verheyden family: Colossal 1.7-billion-euro empire in biotechnology
De Raedt-Verheyden family
Gino De Raedt and Frederica Verheyden, often referred to as the De Raedt-Verheyden couple, have acquired significant fame in the field of biotechnology and investment. Their story began in 1978 with the creation of Klinisch Laboratorium Dendermonde, which evolved into the Medisch Labo Medina after the 1999 acquisition of this Aalter-based laboratory. Under the leadership of Verheyden and De Raedt, the group expanded rapidly. Gino De Raedt and Frederica Verheyden built a cash empire of over 1.7 billion euros.
Expansion and acquisitions
Since the initial acquisition, the De Raedt-Verheyden couple have consolidated their position by acquiring several laboratories. These include a laboratory in Torhout in 2000, MedianLab in Aalst in 2004, Medisch en Veterinair Laboratorium in Oostakker in 2005, and Laboratorium ZOV in Brakel in 2006. These strategic moves have enabled the Group to become one of the leading players in its sector, generating sales of of over 40 million euros in 2013.
Collection and automation
The Medina Group has an extensive collection service with more than sixty vehicles, enabling it to transport samples such as blood samples to laboratories. Every day, some 20,000 analyses are carried out. Investing in automation and cutting-edge technologies remains essential to maintain their competitiveness.
Straco's role
Straco, the investment company owned by the couple, is at the heart of their operations. In 2020, CMA-Medina, Straco's medical division, posted sales of 200 million euros. and an impressive operating margin of 100 million euros. In addition to medical services, Straco diversified its portfolio by investing in real estate and through strategic partnerships with other companies.
International expansion
The couple have also made significant moves internationally. In 2015, they acquired British company Cedo, Europe's leading manufacturer of plastic bags for domestic use. This acquisition is part of their strategy to diversify and strengthen their global presence.
Dividends and investments
In 2018, Famille De Raedt-Verheyden collected substantial dividends194 million from their medical laboratories. That same year saw the acquisition of Forum Jobs, a temporary employment agency previously owned by Christian Dumolin of Koramic. These important steps testify to their proactive and ambitious approach to investment management.
The merger with Biogroup
The merger of CMA-Medina with the French company Biogroup in 2020 marked a significant turning point. Straco became a minority shareholder in the new Franco-Belgian entity, positioning the new structure as a leading European player. De Raedt-Verheyden's motivation for the merger was the need for consolidation in the sector, and the opportunity to pool significant resources and capital.
Financial gains and reinvestments
In 2022, the sale of their CMA-Medina medical laboratories to Biogroup generated a profit of 670 million euros. Already in 2020, 250 million euros in dividends had been transferred to De Raedt-Verheyden prior to the sale. This huge gain is to be reinvested in sectors such as real estate and private equity, consolidating their status as one of Belgium's largest fortunes.
Ann De Raedt and generational transition
The De Raedt-Verheyden couple have only one daughter, Ann De Raedt, to whom they have already transferred a large part of their estate. This transition reflects their desire to perpetuate and diversify their investments across generations, while maintaining prudent and visionary management.
Conclusion
The successes of Gino De Raedt and Frederica Verheyden are not limited to their fortune. Their track record shows a unique combination of innovation, financial strategy and targeted acquisitions. Through their management and vision, they have directly influenced key sectors in Belgium and abroad, illustrating their ability to successfully navigate diverse markets. The De Raedt-Verheyden family has assets estimated at over €1,793,379,390.
| Entity | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medisch Labo Medina | Super Gazelle 2011, multiple acquisitions, merger with Biogroup |
| Straco | Couple's investment vehicle, diversification into real estate and private equity |
| Cedo | European leader in plastic bags, acquired in 2015 |
| Forum Jobs | Acquired in 2018 by Straco |
| Dividends | 194 million euros in 2018, 250 million euros in 2020 |
| Ann De Raedt | Only daughter, heir to the family fortune |
| Biogroup | French company, merger with CMA-Medina in 2020 |
| Sales profit | 670 million after sale to Biogroup |
