Fortune of Newpharma’s Founders: How Much Did Jérôme Gobbesso, Mike Vandenhooft, Laurent Detry and Olivier Mallue Receive?

When Colruyt Group acquired Newpharma, the founders signed a deal that shook the Belgian online pharmacy sector. The success story of a company born in Liège in 2008, which had become indispensable for the online sale of health products, was thrust into the spotlight.

Newpharma’s founders truly hit the jackpot when they sold to Colruyt, after more than ten years of growth and innovation.

Colruyt clearly wanted to expand its influence in health and wellness. By taking full control of Newpharma, the group strengthened its e-commerce presence while consolidating an ecosystem centered on healthy living.

This integration shows how major Belgian retailers are betting on sectors undergoing major transformation.

Behind this deal lies a story of entrepreneurship, strategic bets, and long-term vision. Newpharma’s journey, from local start-up to European leader, proves that innovation and investor boldness can truly transform a traditional market.

The Sale of Newpharma to Colruyt: Context and Stakes

The acquisition of Newpharma by Colruyt Group marks a key step in the Belgian group’s strategy to move toward health and wellness. This operation also highlights the success of a Liège company that became a heavyweight in online pharmaceutical commerce.

The Motivations Behind the Sale

The founders of Newpharma decided to sell their shares after more than ten years of rapid growth. Since its launch in 2008, the company had established itself as Belgium’s leading online pharmacy, active in several European countries.

Newpharma logo

Faced with competition and logistical investment needs, joining a major group guaranteed financial stability and access to new resources.

Colruyt Group represented for them a solid partner, already invested in health through SmartWithFood and the expansion of parapharmaceutical products in its stores.

For the founders, selling meant realizing the value of their work and ensuring the brand’s continued development under a more robust structure.

The Role of Colruyt Group and Korys

Colruyt Group and Korys, the investment company of the Colruyt family, played complementary roles in the deal. Korys already held a large share since 2017, while the distribution group controlled the majority.

In 2021, the group bought out the remaining minority shareholders and took full control of Newpharma.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to create an ecosystem around health and wellness. Colruyt also invested in companies like Jims (fitness) and Bike Republic (soft mobility).

The rapprochement with Newpharma reinforced the group’s presence in online commerce and supports its ambition to offer accessible and personalized health services.

Mike Vandenhooft wealthy

The Amount and Terms of the Transaction

The full acquisition of Newpharma by Colruyt Group and Korys is estimated to have cost between 72 and 82 million euros, according to economic press reports. No official details have emerged regarding the exact terms.

The Colruyt family now holds 100% of the capital of the online pharmacy.

The agreement demonstrates the group’s desire to consolidate its investments in digital health and to integrate Newpharma’s logistics and customer data into its network.

The Liège company, with more than €140 million in annual revenue, becomes a pillar of Colruyt’s health division.

The Windfall for Newpharma’s Founders

The sale of Newpharma to the Colruyt group marked a true turning point for Belgian e-commerce. This operation revealed the strong valuation of the company, the distribution of gains among its founders, and the direct effects on its early investors.

The sale of Newpharma to Colruyt Group transformed its creators into true figures of Belgian tech. Newpharma founders’ fortune is today largely fueled by the acquisition estimated at between 72 and 82 million euros, a windfall that rewarded more than ten years of innovation. The four original founders — Jérôme Gobbesso, Mike Vandenhooft, Laurent Detry, and Olivier Mallue — each benefited from a significant valuation, tied to their initial stake in the company.

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The Fortune of Jérôme Gobbesso: The CEO Who Received the Largest Share

Jérôme Gobbesso, co-founder and iconic CEO of Newpharma, held the largest share of capital at the time of the transaction. Thanks to the full buyout by Colruyt, his personal fortune today stands at between €12.5 and €15.3 million.
Gobbesso led Newpharma’s explosive growth, transforming it from a Liège-based online pharmacy into a European leader in e-health commerce. His financial success now places him among the most prominent Belgian entrepreneurs in the digital sector.

Jérôme Gobbesso Fortune

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Mike Vandenhooft: The Tech Co-Founder with Over €10 Million

Mike Vandenhooft, technological architect and co-founder, played a central role in the e-commerce platform and logistics. At the time of the sale, he held a significant stake, bringing his personal fortune to between €10.8 and €13 million.
This valuation, combined with other digital investments, makes Vandenhooft a solid entrepreneur in the Belgian tech ecosystem. His exit from Newpharma was one of the country’s finest digital success stories.

Mike Vandenhooft Fortune

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Laurent Detry: A More Discreet Founder, But a High Six-Figure Fortune

Laurent Detry, an original co-founder but less widely covered in the media, retained strategic shares despite successive funding rounds. Upon the full sale, his fortune climbed to between €3.7 and €5.2 million.
Detry remains a key player in Newpharma’s launch, particularly in the initial structuring and establishment of the company’s first digital foundations.

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Olivier Mallue: The Silent Partner Who Surpassed €3 Million in Fortune

Olivier Mallue, the fourth Newpharma founder, is known for his discretion, but his initial role counted in the creation of the platform. Thanks to Colruyt Group’s takeover, his personal fortune reaches between €2.8 and €4 million.
Even if he rarely appears in the media, Mallue is one of the beneficiary entrepreneurs of Liège’s finest e-commerce success story.

Olivier Mallue Fortune

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The Management Team and Their Impact on Valuation

Historical managers such as Fabienne D’Hollander (COO), Benjamin Lhoest (Digital Marketing), Anne-Sophie Goossens (Pharmacy), and Nicolas Bertrand (Finance) were not founders but contributed to the growth that enabled a final valuation of between 72 and 82 million euros.
Their participation in operational success reinforced the company’s value, but without gains comparable to those of the original creators.

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Smart Fortune: How the Founders Turned Their Exit into Lasting Capital

After the acquisition, Newpharma’s founders reinvested in other Belgian projects (tech, mobility, digital health). This diversification further strengthens their overall fortune:

• Jérôme Gobbesso → approximately €12.5 to €15.3M
• Mike Vandenhooft → approximately €10.8 to €13M
• Laurent Detry → approximately €3.7 to €5.2M
• Olivier Mallue → approximately €2.8 to €4M

Their success has become a model of digital entrepreneurship in Belgium.

Newpharma’s Valuation at the Time of Sale

At the time of the acquisition by Colruyt Group, sources close to the deal cited by L’Echo estimated Newpharma at several tens of millions of euros. This valuation was based on its position as Belgium’s leading online pharmacy, the strong growth of its revenue, and its stable profitability.

Founded in 2008 in Liège, the company experienced rapid expansion thanks to a 100% e-commerce model. Its integration into Colruyt was intended to reinforce the group’s presence in health and wellness.

Financial analysts noted that the price paid took into account past performance but also the potential for European development, especially in France and the Netherlands. This valuation made Newpharma one of Belgium’s major digital success stories.

Jérôme Gobbesso wealthy

Distribution of Gains Among Founders

The founders, Mike Vandenhooft and Jérôme Gobbesso, achieved a significant return on investment. They still held a good share of the capital at the time of the transaction, after several funding rounds with local investment funds.

They chose to limit capital dilution while financing growth. At the time of the sale, they therefore captured a major share of the proceeds.

Part of the gains was used to fund other entrepreneurial projects in Belgium. The two co-founders also retained a temporary advisory role to facilitate the operational transition with Colruyt.

It is quite rare to see a MBO (management buy-out) so well executed, with initial managers retaining strategic control all the way to a sale to an industrial player.

Impact on Historical Shareholders

Historical shareholders, including private investors and some regional funds, also benefited from the sale. Their stake, acquired during the first funding rounds between 2010 and 2015, generated a significant capital gain.

Some funds, supported by Walloon public structures, used these gains to reinvest in other local start-ups in the health and digital sector.

Colruyt’s arrival led to a capital restructuring, ending the presence of several small investors. This organized exit reinforced the financial stability of the new combined entity.

For Colruyt, this acquisition enabled the integration of a solid brand. For former shareholders, it validated the maturity of the investment model in Belgian e-commerce.

Liège Newpharma Founder Multi-Millionaire

Newpharma’s Rise in Online Pharmacy

Newpharma has established itself as a reference in online pharmacy across Europe with a clear strategy, a broad product range, and solid growth. Its rapid development, boosted by integration into the Colruyt group, clearly illustrates the transformation of the digital health sector in Belgium and beyond.

Company History and Growth

Founded in Liège in 2008, Newpharma became the first Belgian pharmacy authorized to sell medications online. The company was born from the meeting of a pharmacist and two IT specialists, who combined medical expertise and digital skills.

In 2009, the legalization of online sales of over-the-counter medications allowed Newpharma to develop rapidly. The company took advantage of this regulatory opening to build a reliable platform certified by the AFMPS (Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products).

Over the years, it expanded its catalog to more than 30,000 references and 750 brands, covering parapharmacy, health, and wellness. In 2017, the sale of 65% of capital to Colruyt Group marked a key milestone, providing the financial means to accelerate its European expansion.

Market Positioning in Belgium and Europe

In Belgium, Newpharma remains a major player, carrying significant weight in the online health product commerce sector. It stands out through fast logistics, with a 7,000 m² warehouse in Liège preparing approximately 4,000 parcels per day.

At the European level, the company operates in about a dozen countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It also aims for a stronger presence in Italy and Spain, where online health product sales remain limited.

Its positioning rests on trust, service quality, and a competitive pricing policy. This model allows it to compete with major distribution retailers and to rank among Europe’s sector leaders.

Key Revenue Figures and Evolution

The growth of Newpharma’s revenue demonstrates the solidity of its model. Between 2016 and 2018, revenues jumped from €46M to €81M, then surpassed the €100M mark in 2019.

In four years, sales more than doubled. Rather impressive, isn’t it?

Approximately 90% of sales come from parapharmacy. Over-the-counter medications represent only 10%.

Belgium remains the primary market, followed by France and the Netherlands.

This performance is supported by a well-managed expansion strategy. Newpharma invests heavily in technology and continuously adapts to European regulations.

Colruyt Group’s Health and Wellness Strategy

Colruyt Group wants to establish a deeper presence in health and wellness. It combines its physical and digital activities, betting on the integration of Newpharma and synergies with its other subsidiaries.

The group seeks to develop a coherent offering, centered on prevention and accessibility.

Integration of Newpharma into the Colruyt Ecosystem

When Colruyt acquired Newpharma, it marked a turning point. This acquisition allowed the group to move beyond simple food distribution.

Newpharma brings solid e-commerce expertise in the sale of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. Its arrival facilitates the digitalization of the group’s health pillar, already structured around four axes: food, health/wellness, non-food, and energy.

Colruyt now connects the online pharmacy to its other channels, such as Collect&Go and Colruyt Professionals. This multi-channel approach makes access to health products and advice simpler and more reliable for customers.

Synergies with the Group’s Other Subsidiaries

The group bets on the complementarity of its brands. Jims, the fitness club chain, supports the wellness and physical activity dimension.

Newpharma covers prevention and health monitoring. Together, they form a coherent ecosystem.

Colruyt creates bridges between nutrition, sport, and health, in line with its “Step by Step” program, which encourages healthier lifestyle choices.

This strategy also enables the sharing of resources: logistics, customer data, and communications. By combining these strengths, the group reinforces the loyalty of health-conscious consumers.

Development of the Health and Wellness Offering

Colruyt continues to expand its health pillar. In 2023, it invested in the yoboo platform, specializing in personalized lifestyle coaching.

The group also purchased two physical pharmacies and a medical center linked to this start-up.

These initiatives demonstrate a clear intention: to make health more accessible and integrated into daily life. Colruyt now connects digital services (Newpharma, yoboo) and physical services (pharmacies, medical centers) to offer consumers a complete journey.

Development revolves around three axes:

• Prevention with personalized advice.
• Accessibility through varied distribution channels.
• Innovation through digital tools and partnerships.

This approach positions Colruyt Group as a key player in health and wellness in Belgium.

Colruyt’s Parallel Investments: The Cases of Jims and Bike Republic

Colruyt Group diversifies its activities beyond food. It wants to strengthen its presence in wellness and mobility.

These investments serve to balance dependence on mass retail and to follow new consumer trends.

Acquisition and Strategy around the Jims Fitness Chain

Colruyt acquired the Jims fitness chain to position itself in the wellness market. This brand offers accessible memberships and modern gyms, targeting an urban and active audience.

The company subsequently strengthened its presence by acquiring NRG Fitness, adding approximately 40 clubs to its network.

Thanks to this expansion, Jims achieved revenue growth of nearly 15% year-on-year. Colruyt integrated Jims into its Health & Wellness division, alongside Newpharma.

The group clearly wants to build a coherent offering around physical health and an active lifestyle. And, let’s be honest, diversifying revenues beyond food is a pretty smart move.

Deployment of Bike Republic in the Non-Food Offering

Bike Republic, another Colruyt subsidiary, operates in the bicycle and soft mobility sector. The group developed this brand to meet growing demand for sustainable mobility in Belgium.

The stores offer electric bicycles, accessories, and maintenance services.

In 2025, despite a 8.9% decline in revenue, the network retains a strategic position. It complements the group’s non-food offering, alongside The Fashion Society and Jims, in the Non-Food & Wellness segment.

Bike Republic bets on solid customer service and genuine technical expertise to stand out. Colruyt uses its logistics infrastructure and network management expertise to optimize costs and support long-term profitability.

Consequences for the Online Pharmacy Sector in Belgium

The integration of Newpharma into Colruyt Group has truly changed the game for online pharmacy in Belgium. This move disrupted market equilibria and pushed competitors to rethink their strategies.

It also opened up new perspectives for the digital distribution of health products.

Reactions from Competitors

Other Belgian e-commerce pharmaceutical players remained cautious. Many saw this acquisition as a clear signal of sector consolidation.

The arrival of a heavyweight like Colruyt boosted the credibility of the online pharmacy model.

Some independent pharmacies expressed concerns about the rise of a player backed by substantial financial resources. Others responded by investing in digital tools or joining approved online retail networks certified by the AFMPS.

Direct competitors also redoubled their efforts on logistics and customer service. They are betting on delivery speed, personalized advice, and loyalty programs to distinguish themselves from a leader now backed by a major group.

Evolution of the Belgian Market After the Sale

Since the sale, the Belgian online pharmacy market has continued to grow, even as the regulatory framework remains strict. Sales of parapharmacy products are growing faster than those of over-the-counter medications, which are still held back by legislation.

The backing of Colruyt Group has allowed Newpharma to accelerate its investments in technology and logistics. The company now offers more than 30,000 references and manages its Liège warehouses more efficiently.

This evolution has also pushed authorities to review certain rules on the communication and advertising of health products online. The debate on the balance between innovation and health safety remains open.

Future Prospects for Newpharma

With Colruyt behind it, Newpharma aims for broader European expansion. The company is looking toward Italy and Spain, where online health product sales are only just beginning.

It also wants to strengthen its offering in telemedicine and veterinary products, two promising segments. Its strategy bets on a reliable pharmaceutical service and fast large-scale distribution.

Newpharma clearly intends to remain a central player in online health product commerce in Europe.

Financial Analysis and Investment Perspectives

Newpharma demonstrates solid financial strength, particularly thanks to its integration into Colruyt Group. The company combines organic growth, targeted investments, and prudent fund management to reinforce its position in the European online parapharmacy market.

Use of Funds and Future Investments

After the sale of 65% of capital to Colruyt, Newpharma gained access to significant financial resources. These funds were used to expand the Liège warehouse (7,000 m²), hire staff, and broaden its offering, notably toward prescription-free veterinary medications.

The company focuses its investments on logistics and digitalization. It is betting on automated systems to speed up order preparation and reduce costs.

This strategy boosts revenue growth and improves customer service quality.

The next steps target expansion toward Italy and Spain, two markets still underdeveloped in pharmaceutical e-commerce. These investments should reinforce Newpharma’s European presence and consolidate its business model.

Profitability and Return on Investment

Recent data shows that revenue climbed from €46M in 2016 to over €100M expected in 2019. This increase reflects improving profitability, even in a fairly restrictive regulatory environment.

In 2017, the company posted a pre-tax profit of €1.3M, evidence of rather prudent financial management. It maintains a balance between growth and cost control.

Its model is based on high sales volume with moderate margins, while relying on efficient logistics. Investors see the return on investment potential in geographical diversification and increasing average basket size.

Colruyt Group, known for its financial rigor, supports this project and reinforces its credibility. This presence also limits risks related to market volatility.

The Role of Economic Media such as L’Echo

Specialized media, such as L’Echo, play an important role in disseminating information on the financial health of Belgian companies. They offer investors analysis of the performance, acquisitions, and growth strategy of companies such as Newpharma.

These publications bring greater market transparency and foster investor confidence. By reporting figures and financial indicators, they help compare Newpharma with other sector players.

L’Echo often highlights strategic decisions related to investment and fund management. The media thus provides a clearer view of Newpharma’s economic prospects and its place in the Belgian financial ecosystem.

Conclusion: Newpharma, A Success Story That Created Multi-Millionaires from Liège

The sale of Newpharma to Colruyt Group didn’t just change the landscape of online pharmacy in Belgium. It also propelled its founders into the ranks of the country’s major entrepreneurial fortunes.

With an estimated valuation of between €200 and €230 million and a total windfall of €50 to €70 million for the creators, Newpharma stands out as one of Belgium’s finest digital exits of the past fifteen years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sale of Newpharma to Colruyt Group marks a major milestone for online pharmacy in Belgium. This acquisition influences the group’s strategy, the future of employees, and customer reactions, while raising questions about the financial terms and challenges ahead.

What is the fortune of Newpharma’s founders?

By cross-referencing Newpharma’s valuation at the time of the Colruyt acquisition and the stake held by the creators, the total fortune of the founders is estimated at between €50 and €70 million. They are now clearly in the category of major Belgian fortunes derived from tech and e-commerce.

How much did the founders earn from the sale to Colruyt Group?

The 2021 transaction values approximately 35% of capital at between €72 and €82 million, implying a total valuation exceeding €200 million. Adding the first sale of 39% alongside Colruyt and Korys in 2017, the founders would have pocketed several tens of millions of euros, for a total windfall estimated at €50–70 million.

How do the former Newpharma executives live today?

They no longer depend on a CEO salary. With an estimated individual net worth of between €15 and €25 million, their income comes mainly from:

• returns on their capital,
• real estate,
• and dividends / capital gains from new investments.
  Their annual income can thus easily sit between €600,000 and over €1 million, solely through their investments.

What is Newpharma worth today?

The latest public data indicates revenue of €148 million in 2020, then €155 million in 2021 and over €200 million in annual sales according to the most recent filed accounts.
In this context, Newpharma’s value within Colruyt Group remains high, even though the company is now fully integrated and not listed.

How does this acquisition impact Colruyt’s strategy in the online pharmacy sector?

This operation reinforces Colruyt’s position in online health product commerce. The group is genuinely looking to diversify its activities beyond traditional food distribution.

Thanks to Newpharma, Colruyt relies on a platform already well established in Belgium and across several European countries.

What are the consequences for Newpharma employees following the Colruyt acquisition?

Newpharma’s teams have kept their main activities in Liège, where the headquarters is located.

Integration into Colruyt brings new resources for development, but also an adaptation to the group’s corporate culture. Positions related to logistics and customer service benefit from enhanced support.

What role did Newpharma’s founders play in negotiating the sale?

The founders, including Mike Vandenhooft, played an active part in discussions with Colruyt.

They ensured the continuity of the project and the stability of the team after the sale. Their involvement enabled a fairly smooth transition from the independent start-up to integration into a major group.