The red and yellow Studio 100 logo, a reflection of the children's entertainment empire founded by Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst.
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Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst: 5 Million Reasons for Studio 100's Success in Youth Entertainment

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Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst

Hans Bourlon, co-creator of Studio 100, poses with confidence, symbolizing entrepreneurial success in youth entertainment.
Hans Bourlon: Studio 100's entrepreneurial vision
Gert Verhulst, in evening suit, smiling with microphone in hand, embodies the joyful spirit of Studio 100.
Studio 100's Gert Verhulst: The Charisma Behind Entertainment

Launched in 1996 by Hans Bourlon, Gert Verhulst and Danny Verbiest, Studio 100 has rapidly evolved into a major player in children's and teenage entertainment. Iconic series such as "Samson & Gert", "K3" and "Mega Mindy" are among its most famous productions. This Belgian company has also diversified through the acquisition of popular German franchises such as "Maya the Bee".

Key Studio 100 divisions:

  • Television productions : Their programs are broadcast on channels such as VRT, VTM and Nickelodeon, as well as on their own network, Studio100.tv.

  • Theme Parks Studio 100 owns several theme parks, including Plopsaland, Plopsaqua and facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

  • Media and entertainment : The company produces an average of 2 to 3 films a year, all of them box-office hits.

Bright orange logo for Nickelodeon, the broadcast platform for Studio 100's hit series.

Studio 100's influence extends far beyond Europe's borders, reaching the American market with programs such as "House of Anubis", broadcast in primetime to almost one hundred million homes in the USA.

Financial highlights :

  • Album sales Over 5 million albums sold in the Benelux countries.

  • Strategic transitions In 2020, Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst will reduce their stake in Studio 100 from 33 % to 25 %.

Investors such as Vic Swerts and Frank Donck have reinforced Studio 100's financial stability by investing respectively in 85 and 40 million euros for shares in the company.

Challenges and criticisms :

Studio 100 has endured such trials as the 2020 pandemic, which brought operations to a halt and generated significant losses. The company has also been at the center of tax investigations, now closed, and regularly faces criticism for its commercial approach to children's entertainment. However, the company's executives maintain an open dialogue on the role and influence of their children's entertainment offerings. entertainmentWe are ready to change course if necessary for the well-being of young viewers.

The music group K3, a popular Studio 100 franchise, evokes the cultural impact of Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst.

Following an assertive strategic and financial evolution, Studio 100 continues to thrive while remaining true to its mission of family entertainment, forging its reputation as an entertainment giant in Belgium and beyond and with a fortune of more than 280 million euros.

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