Jan Van Geet: VGP founder's meteoric rise to a fortune of 640 million euros

Jan van Geet

Jan Van Geet, born in 1971 in Dendermonde, Belgium, began his professional career with the diaper manufacturer Ontex, owned by of the Van Malderen family, in Buggenhout. Shortly afterwards, he moved to the Czech Republic to set up a new factory for the Ontex company. This was the springboard for Van Geet to launch his own company. in real estate in 2000which is now known under the name VGP and reached an estimated fortune of over 640 million euros.

VGP, founded by Van Geet, is a company focusing on the real estate development mainly semi-industrial in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries. The company acquires land, constructs buildings on it, and manages the rental income generated. By selling 58 Czech logistics properties in 2014 worth €523 millionVGP has strengthened its presence, particularly in the German market.

VGP has noted a significant rise in profits for 2020, thanks in particular to a joint venture with Allianz Real Estate, which increased the value of its portfolio to 3.23 billion euros. At the same time, the company has invested in new land for future projects.

Bart Van Malderen, who joined VGP in 2002, holds currently 47 % of the groupagainst 12 % for Van Geet. VGP was listed in Brussels stock exchange in 2007Van Geet points out that, despite appearances, VGP is not a real estate investment company but a construction company that retains its buildings once completed, thus creating value for shareholders.

Partnership between families Van Malderen and Van Geet is rooted in shared farming origins in Buggenhout, with a history of mutual support. Van Geet, like his father, is passionate about the countryside and currently resides in the Czech Republic with his Czech wife and their two daughters.

In 2020, he launched the VGP Foundation, which aims to invest 2 % of VGP's annual profits in several areas of social and cultural interest.

Although VGP suffered an impairment loss 1.2 billion euros to because of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, The company and its founder remain key figures in the European real estate sector.

Key information about Jan Van Geet and VGP:

• Founder of VGP Jan Van Geet
• Date of birth : 1971
• Nationality Belgian
• Career start at Ontex (owned by the Van Malderen family)
• Type of real estate mainly developed Semi-industrial, mainly in Eastern Europe
• Initial public offering 2007 in Brussels
• Senior Partner Bart Van Malderen
• Van Geet's current head office Czech Republic
• Philanthropic activities : VGP Foundation
• Impact of the conflict in Ukraine 1.2 billion euros loss in market value

This information provides a detailed insight into the career of Jan Van Geet and his company, highlighting their influence in the European real estate sector and their contribution to the global economy. his personal fortune of over 600 million euros.