| | | | |

Gillion family: Builders of Brussels and a fortune of €78M

Updated on

Gillion family

Since 1918, René Gillion's company has left an indelible mark on the Brussels landscape, specializing in the manufacture of constructions in reinforced concrete. Remarkable early works includet the NIR building at Place Flagey, Forest town hall and the Résidence Palace, built between Rue de la Loi and Rue Belliard. Then, after the death of his father in the 1930s, Fernand Gillion took over the reins of the family business, driving forward a bold vision after his return from Africa in 1959, ahe pivotal period of Congo's independence and the Gillion family has succeeded in creating a fortune of over 78 million euros.

Gillion family logo

Construction of the King David Gallery:

  • Meticulous purchase of plots for gallery development.
  • The gallery, known as Golden Fleeceremains central to the Gillion family's finances.

Fernand Gillion retained direct control of the company until shortly before his death in 2005, making his living mainly from real estate rather than construction. Despite the economically difficult times of the 1980s, Ets. Gen. F. Gillion & Fils remained an independent family business.

Toison d'or gallery building bought by the Gillion family and resold
Toison D'Or

Generational transition :

  • Fernand Gillion's three sons, Jean-René, Roland and Michel, now in their 70s, have inherited the torch.
  • Responsibilities are shared between Philippe Gillion, Amaury de Mérode and Rodrigue, all from the second generation.

In 2006, the Gillion family demonstrated their philanthropy by selling their art-nouveau 'Gillion-Crowet' collection to the Brussels region in payment of inheritance tax, which equalsut to 21.7 million euros.

Renewal of the King David Gallery:

  • In 2004, the family sold 50 %s to ING and started a 20 million renovation project.
  • The historic Toison d'Or gallery is being modernized, and although the sales area remains unchanged, the number of shops has been reduced.
  • Fnac becomes the main attraction.
Gillion Family construction project

Following the renovation, the gallery was put up for sale in 2011 at a cost of estimated at between 60 and 70 million euros. The following year, the British investment fund Puprim acquired the complex for 62 million euros, which enabled the The Gillion family has an estimated net worth of over €78,268,200.

Table of key developments :

EventDateDescription
Company foundation1918René Gillion establishes the construction company.
Purchase for gallery construction–Fernand Gillion's plot purchasing strategy.
Disposal of art collection2006Artistic heritage transferred to Brussels against inheritance tax.
Gallery renovation2007-2010Modernization project worth 20 million euros.
Sale of the gallery2011Proposals received for 60 to 70 million euros.
Acquisition by Puprim2012Sale of the complex for 62 million euros.

Similar Posts

  • Ignace Meuwissen: Master of Luxury Real Estate with Transactions of €65M

    Belgian-born Ignace Meuwissen quickly climbed the real estate ladder to become a household name in luxury real estate for Eastern Europe's elite. In 2008, together with Naomi El Haimer, he founded Property4East, a company that specialized in facilitating high-flying real estate transactions, attracting the attention of oligarchs and industrialists thanks to its flawless expertise and tailor-made service.

  • 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.