| | |

The André Emsens, Voortman, de Cartier de Marchienne and Van der Rest families: Pillars of Belgian industry

Updated on

The Emsens family

The Emsens family is a major player in the Belgian industrial sector thanks to its majority shareholding in the Etex groupa specialist in building materials, and SCR-Sibelcoa separate company in the mining sector. The company's industrial heritage dates back to Alphonse Emsenswhich obtained the Belgian license for a durable, insulating and economical construction technology. This innovation was the foundation of the family's prosperity, even if the carcinogenic properties of the asbestos used later proved tragic, leading to major legal consequences for Etex. The Emsens family is one of the richest in Wallonia, with over 2 billion euros.

Etex group - Emsens family

In 1997, Etex stopped manufacturing asbestos-containing products and diversified its activities. The strategic transformation continued with the acquisition of the gypsum operations of the French Lafarge group. This pivot was further consolidated by the purchase of a minority stake in Lafarge's gypsum operations in Latin America and Europe.

To maintain neutral management, no member of the Emsens family cannot hold any operational position within Etex. However, the family remains closely involved in the company's governance, with five representatives on the Board of Directors, including the ex-Chairman Jean-Louis de Cartier de Marchienne.

AliaxisAliaxis, a separate entity created from the spin-off of Etex in 2003, focuses on the manufacture of plastic materials for drainage and sanitary systems in the construction industry. With a significant economic footprint, Aliaxis recently orchestrated a hostile takeover bid for Uponor, a Finnish competitor, strengthening its position on the international market.

Aliaxis

Family representatives in all companies maintain a strict separation between ownership and management. This strategy of detachment ensures continuity in entrepreneurial leadership while retaining substantial influence in their companies' strategic decisions.

Photo of the Emsens family with a blue book
The Emsens family

Visit family business network extends far beyond the Brussels headquarters, reaching a global scale. With an upward trend in the value of their companies, the Emsens, with two hundred rich descendants, continue to shape the Belgian and international industrial sector, combining managerial prudence with a significant presence on the economic scene and with a strong sense of responsibility. fortune estimated at over 2.8 billion euros!

Similar Posts

  • 70 Million: Raf Vanthoor's meteoric rise - From Cuisine to Circuits

    Discover the exceptional career of the Raf Vanthoor family, masters in the art of turning opportunity into gold. From innovation in cookware with Berghoff Worldwide to a passion for high-performance automobiles, this Belgian dynasty has built an empire valued at over 70 million euros. Immerse yourself in the story of a family that excels as much in entrepreneurship as it does on the international racing circuit.

  • Frieda Schaltin: The Discreet Visionary Behind the ZNU Empire of 80 Bookstores

    Frieda Schaltin, co-director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), is the discreet architect of a flourishing publishing empire. Based in Aartselaar, this family business has established itself as a major player in Flemish publishing. Initially specializing in children's literature, ZNU has diversified into non-fiction for adults, covering tourism, hobbies and cooking. The strategic acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995 propelled ZNU to the forefront, with a network of 80 bookstores in Flanders and Brussels. Despite her legendary discretion, Frieda Schaltin, who owns 33% of the company, has extended ZNU's influence internationally with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age via the Azur platform.

  • The Janssen Family Dynasty: Secular Influence and a 3-Billion-Euro Fortune

    The Janssen family, one of Belgium's most influential dynasties, has positioned itself at the heart of the banking, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. With assets estimated at over 3 billion euros, their legacy is marked by strategic alliances, notably with the Solvay group and UCB, and by rigorous management of their assets. From Daniel Janssen to Charles-Antoine Janssen, each generation has strengthened the family's grip on the Belgian economy. Discover how this family has combined tradition, innovation and strategy to become one of Belgium's wealthiest.