children reading on the stairs by Frieda Schaltin and Hilde Schaltin

Frieda Schaltin: The Discreet Visionary Behind the ZNU Empire of 80 Bookstores

Frieda Schaltin, co-director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), is the discreet architect of a flourishing publishing empire. Based in Aartselaar, this family business has established itself as a major player in Flemish publishing. Initially specializing in children's literature, ZNU has diversified into non-fiction for adults, covering tourism, hobbies and cooking. The strategic acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995 propelled ZNU to the forefront, with a network of 80 bookstores in Flanders and Brussels. Despite her legendary discretion, Frieda Schaltin, who owns 33% of the company, has extended ZNU's influence internationally with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age via the Azur platform.

Yvonne Schaltin looking for a book

Yvonne Schaltin: The Discreet Literary Empire of 83 Million Euros at ZNU

Yvonne Schaltin, co-director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), heads a discreet publishing empire valued at 83 million euros. This family business, based in Aartselaar, has established itself as a major player in Flemish publishing. Initially specializing in children's books, ZNU has diversified into non-fiction for adults. The acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995 marked a turning point, extending its influence to 80 stores in Flanders and Brussels. Despite their legendary discretion, the Schaltin family developed ZNU internationally, with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age with the Azur platform.

solvay researcher working for Patrick Solvay

151 Million : Patrick Solvay's Colossal Legacy - From Chemicals to Golf

Immerse yourself in the world of Patrick Solvay, heir to a chemical and financial empire valued at 151 million euros. From major influence in the global chemical industry to ownership of a prestigious golf course, discover how this great-grandson of Alfred Solvay perpetuates and diversifies the legacy of one of Belgium's most influential families.

Bathroom by Jan Ollevier

Jan Ollevier: The Titanic Empire of 437 Million Euros in Furniture Distribution

Jan Ollevier, a visionary entrepreneur in the retail sector, has built an empire valued at over 437 million euros. At the head of the Beliving holding company, he manages flagship brands such as Exterioo and Juntoo, leaders in garden and interior furniture. His aggressive expansion strategy includes the purchase of Vendis Capital shares and a massive 80 million euro investment in a 150,000 m² logistics hub in Ghent. Ollevier relies on diversification, digitalization and logistics optimization to consolidate its leading position. With brands such as X²O Badkamers and a strong presence in Belgium and the Netherlands, Jan Ollevier is redefining the landscape of furniture distribution, combining ambitious growth with constant innovation.

Wibo family steelworks

Wibo family: 87-million-euro industrial empire forged in steel

The Wibo family, at the head of the Vlassenroot Group, has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 87 million euros in large-scale steel processing. Founded in 1926 as a simple forge, the company has evolved under the management of Jean-Charles Wibo into a European leader in steel machine production. With plants in Belgium, Germany and Poland, Vlassenroot excels in the manufacture of heavy hydraulic cranes and steel structures for iconic projects such as Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge. Beyond Vlassenroot, Jean-Charles Wibo is diversifying into building materials distribution and industrial laundry services, consolidating the Wibo family's industrial heritage.

photo of Marouane Fellaini in soccer gear

Marouane Fellaini: From Field to 75 Million Euro Financial Empire

Marouane Fellaini, born in Etterbeek in 1987, has charted a remarkable course from professional soccer to entrepreneurship. An iconic midfielder for clubs such as Everton and Manchester United, he has also shone with the Belgian national team. Beyond the pitch, Fellaini has demonstrated a flair for business, wisely investing in real estate, various businesses and even a luxury boutique in Brussels. His sporting career, crowned by trophies such as the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, has continued harmoniously in the business world. With assets estimated at over 75 million euros, Fellaini is the epitome of a successful athlete turned savvy entrepreneur.

Vincent De Gryse's stores

Vincent De Gryse: The 34 Million Euro Border Empire, from KV Kortrijk to Stop & Shop

Vincent De Gryse, unexpected heir to KV Kortrijk, has turned a sporting legacy into a business opportunity. He became majority owner of the club after the death of his brother, eventually selling it for 3 million euros to Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan in 2015. At the same time, De Gryse built up a commercial empire with his Stop & Shop stores, strategically located near the Franco-Belgian border. Specializing in the sale of tobacco and alcohol, these stores target an international clientele attracted by low prices. This dual strategy has enabled De Gryse to accumulate a fortune estimated at over 34 million euros, illustrating his flair for cross-border business opportunities.

frames built by Johan Verstrepen

Johan Verstrepen: From Cycling to 1.6 Billion Euro Industrial Empire

Johan Verstrepen, born in Herentals in 1967, embodies success in both sport and business. Initially a successful professional cyclist, he went on to establish himself as a visionary entrepreneur. Under his leadership, Aliplast, now Corialis, grew from a value of 10 million to 1.6 billion euros. Nicknamed "the king of takeovers", Verstrepen navigated through multiple changes of ownership, retaining a significant stake and guiding the company to spectacular growth. With a personal fortune estimated at over 300 million euros, he is a prime example of the successful transition from top-level athlete to leading industrialist.

Jonathan Vandenbroeck in photo

Milow (Jonathan Vandenbroeck): The meteoric rise of an independent artist with a 14 million euro fortune

Jonathan Vandenbroeck, known as Milow, epitomizes the success of an independent artist in the modern music industry. Born in 1981, this Belgian singer-songwriter has built an impressive career by creating his own label, Homerun Records. From his debut album 'The Bigger Picture' to his hit cover of "Ayo Technology", Milow has won over an international audience with his acoustic pop/rock style.