Automotive

  • The Demot and Houben Families: How they transformed Democo into a 65 million euro empire

    The Demot and Houben families were the founding pillars of Democo, a major construction group based in Hasselt. Since its creation in 1977 by Cyriel Demot, Frans Houben, and Mario Longhi, the company has prospered under the leadership of Philip Demot, reaching sales of 250 to 300 million euros. Discover how these families built a fortune of 65 million euros by transforming Democo into a diversified and influential company in the construction industry.

  • 70 Million: Raf Vanthoor's meteoric rise - From Cuisine to Circuits

    Discover the exceptional career of the Raf Vanthoor family, masters in the art of turning opportunity into gold. From innovation in cookware with Berghoff Worldwide to a passion for high-performance automobiles, this Belgian dynasty has built an empire valued at over 70 million euros. Immerse yourself in the story of a family that excels as much in entrepreneurship as it does on the international racing circuit.

  • 67 Million: The Vanthoor Empire - From Kitchen to Racetrack

    Discover the meteoric rise of the Vanthoor family, from kitchen utensils to motor racing. With an estimated fortune of over 67 million euros, this Belgian dynasty combines entrepreneurial innovation with a passion for speed, making its mark on the world of business and international motorsport.

  • Dominique Moorkens: The 190-million-euro Baron of the Alcopa Automobile Empire

    Dominique Moorkens, knighted Baron in 2009, chairs the board of Alcopa, a family-owned automotive empire valued at over 190 million euros. Under his visionary leadership, Alcopa has transcended its status as a Belgian importer to become a major player in Europe and South Africa. With 35 dealerships in Belgium and Luxembourg, and a strong presence in Switzerland, Moorkens orchestrated a strategic expansion, diversifying Alcopa's activities from cars to two-wheelers. Its prudent management, marked by low indebtedness and the integration of external experts such as François Hinfray, illustrates Moorkens' ability to combine family tradition and managerial innovation, forging a model of success in the automotive industry."

  • Axel Moorkens: The 198-million-euro automotive empire in the midst of diversification

    SEO title :
    "Axel Moorkens: The 198-Million-Euro Automotive Empire Diversifies "
    Short extract:
    "Axel Moorkens, heir to a Belgian industrial dynasty, steers Alcopa to new heights with family assets estimated at over 198 million euros. Starting out as an Asian automobile importer, the group has successfully diversified its activities, notably with Sapim, the world leader in bicycle spokes, present in seven countries. The recent acquisition of 10% from the Whitestone holding company bears witness to Axel Moorkens' expansion ambitions. As Chairman of Alcopa and owner of 17% of the group, he embodies the new generation of Belgian industrialists, combining family heritage and strategic vision to conquer international markets, from automotive to high-tech components.

  • Pascal Feryn: 54 Years of Excellence in Garage Doors, a Family Empire of 28 Million Euros

    Founded in 1969 in Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Feryn has established itself as a leader in garage door installation. Under the current management of Pascal Feryn, the family business has built an empire worth 28 million euros thanks to its commitment to quality, customer service and innovation. Despite the challenges, Feryn continues to thrive, embodying over five decades of excellence in the industry."

  • Jo Vandebergh: Belgian Auto Auction Pioneer and 2025 Sustainable Development Visionary

    Meet Jo Vandebergh, a visionary Belgian entrepreneur who revolutionized the car auction market with NV Nationale Autoveiling and redefined urban development in Leuven through the Tweewaters project. His latest venture, Bringme, embodies his commitment to sustainability and innovation, with intelligent solutions to the challenges of home delivery, aligned with the goal of making Leuven carbon neutral by 2030.

  • Maes Family: Rise of a 1-Billion-Euro Belgian Oil Giant - A Family Epic

    Discover the fascinating story of Famille Maes, started by Jef Maes in the 60s and now a leading distributor of petroleum products in Belgium with sales of 1 billion euros. A family saga crowned by the acquisition by Dutch group De Haan in 2023, bearing witness to constant growth and innovation in the sector.