The 3 Janssen heirs of the UCB management family
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The Janssen Family Dynasty: Secular Influence and a 3-Billion-Euro Fortune

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Janssen family

The Janssen family has held a significant influence in Belgian banking and industry since the founding of the Kingdom of Belgium. A central figure in this dynasty is Baron Emmanuel Janssen, born in 1879, whose marriage to Jeanne Solvay, granddaughter of Ernest Solvay, marked a decisive turning point for the family. This family bond enabled Emmanuel to establish himself firmly within the company. of the Solvay chemical groupplaying a crucial role in the management of Mutuelle Solvay, a bank formerly affiliated to the group. The Janssen Family has a net worth of over 3 billion euros and is one of the richest families in Belgium.

solvay company and family logo solvay and janssen

Key industries:

  • Banking and finance : Initially, the family exerted a strong influence in the banking sector, notably with significant stakes in Générale de Banque, later integrated into Fortis. This business suffered setbacks, particularly with the fall of Fortis.
  • Chemicals and pharmaceuticals The family's major shareholdings in the Financière de Tubize and Obourg holding companies give them control of a significant part of the UCB pharmaceutical company, marking their third industrial pillar after Solvay.
Janssen family coat of arms
Janssen family coat of arms

Influential personalities:

  • Daniel Janssen Born in 1936, this key member of the Janssen family became president of the VBO (Verbond van Belgische Ondernemingen), further consolidating the Janssen family's industrial influence. Married to daughter of Baron Charles BrachtDaniel embodies the family tradition of uniting fortunes through marriage.
  • Charles-Antoine Janssen Son of Daniel, he succeeded his father at the helm of Financière de Tubize in 2011. Married to Valentine Goblet d'Alviella, he continues to manage the family legacy alongside his father-in-law, Richard Goblet d'Alviella, who is linked to another major holding company, Sofina.
UCB logo managed by the janssen and solvay families

Alliances and legacies:

  • Strategic alliances through marriage have not only strengthened the Janssen family's position in the industrial world, but have also created links with other influential families. like the Boël and the Goblet d'Alviella family.
  • Family infrastructure :
    • Richard and Charles-Antoine Janssen These two contemporary figures manage large share portfolios and ensure the prosperity of the various family branches, guaranteeing the continuity of their influence.
marriage of baron Nicolas Janssen to Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz
The marriage of baron Nicolas Janssen to Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz

Milestones:

  • The tragic death of Baron Charles Bracht during a kidnapping in 1978 shook the family.
  • At the same time, the marriage of Baron Nicolas Janssen to Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz, sister of Queen Mathilde, solemnly anchored the Janssen family in contemporary Belgian nobility.
Janssen pharmaceutical industry

These dynamics and events illustrate how the Janssen family The Janssen dynasty succeeded in rising to the top of the social ladder and creating a close-knit, wealthy family.

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