Jan and Piet Dossche, from Oudenaarde, have revolutionized the flooring industry with innovative products such as Coretec. Their company, US Floors, has established itself as a respected international brand, propelling the brothers to a fortune of 321 million euros. Discover the five secrets of their success.
Discover the spectacular rise of Versele-Laga, from a modest grocery store to an animal nutrition empire valued at over 289 million euros. This Belgian family saga, marked by innovation and international expansion, has revolutionized the animal feed industry over three generations, while maintaining remarkable discretion.
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.
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, 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."
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.
The Willemen family, at the head of a construction empire estimated at 750 million euros in annual sales, is navigating through a crucial period of transformation. Founded by Johan Willemen, the Willemen Group has established itself as a construction giant in Belgium, with over 2,100 employees. Despite recent challenges, including a loss of 35 million euros in 2022, the company is demonstrating its resilience by refocusing on the Belgian market. With a family fortune in excess of 53 million euros, the Willemen are a perfect example of how a family business can adapt to the turbulence of the construction sector, while maintaining its leading position in key areas such as infrastructure and real estate.
The Le Hodey family, a pillar of the Belgian media landscape with a fortune estimated at over 104 million euros, skilfully navigates a changing industry. At the helm of IPM Group, owner of prestigious titles such as La Libre Belgique and La Dernière Heure, François le Hodey continues the family legacy while diversifying activities. Faced with declining newspaper sales, the family has orchestrated bold strategic moves, including the acquisition of LN24 and the lucrative sale of betFIRST for 120 million euros. This family saga, blending politics, media and innovation, illustrates the resilience and adaptability of a Belgian dynasty in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.
Gino De Raedt and Frederica Verheyden have built a financial empire estimated at over 1.7 billion euros, from a simple medical laboratory in 1978 to major players in European biotechnology. Their journey, marked by strategic acquisitions and a spectacular merger with Biogroup, illustrates an exceptional entrepreneurial vision. With record dividends and diversified investments in real estate and private equity, the De Raedt-Verheyden couple have become one of Belgium's largest fortunes, while preparing for the future with their daughter Ann. Their story embodies the perfect blend of scientific innovation and financial genius.
Jan Vande Velden, Managing Director of Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), played a crucial role in transforming this publishing house into a flourishing literary empire. Under his visionary leadership, Lier-based ZNU, with capital of 50.8 million euros, has undergone remarkable expansion. The strategic acquisition of 37% from Standaard Boekhandel in 1994, followed by the acquisition of majority control, propelled ZNU to the forefront of the Flemish publishing market. Vande Velden, initially a close collaborator of Father Schaltin, skilfully navigated the publishing landscape, extending ZNU's influence into Wallonia with the acquisition of the Club chain. His leadership enabled ZNU to establish itself as a key player in Belgian publishing, publishing under the Deltas name in Flanders.
