madame reading a book by Frieda Schaltin

Jan Vande Velden: The Strategic Architect behind the 50 Million Euro ZNU Empire

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.

madame reading a book by Frieda Schaltin

Hilde Schaltin's Colossal Legacy: ZNU and its 140 Standaard Boekhandel bookshops

Hilde Schaltin, an iconic figure at Zuidnederlandse Uitgeverij (ZNU), left a lasting legacy in the world of Flemish publishing. Before her death in 2016, she controlled 33% of this discreet but influential family business. Under the leadership of the Schaltin sisters, ZNU transformed itself from a publishing house specializing in children's literature into a diversified publishing empire. The strategic acquisition of Standaard Boekhandel in 1995, now numbering 140 bookshops, marked a major turning point. ZNU extended its influence internationally with subsidiaries in France and Spain, while adapting to the digital age via the Azur platform. Hilde Schaltin's legacy lives on in this company, which combines family tradition and editorial innovation.

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.

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.

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.

garage door built by Pascal Feryn

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."

Building under construction by Jan van Geet

Jan Van Geet: VGP founder's meteoric rise to a fortune of 640 million euros

Jan Van Geet, a Belgian entrepreneur born in 1971, has turned his experience at Ontex into a real estate empire. Founder of VGP in 2000, he built a fortune of 640 million euros by specializing in semi-industrial real estate in Eastern Europe. Despite recent challenges, VGP remains a major player with a portfolio worth 3.23 billion euros. Van Geet, based in the Czech Republic, combines commercial success with philanthropic commitment through the VGP Foundation.

baby with Ontex diaper produced by Famille van Malderen

The Van Malderen Dynasty: From Ontex to a €950 million Industrial Empire

The Van Malderen family has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 950 million euros, from a modest production facility for medical products in Buggenhout. From Paul Van Malderen's creation of Ontex to Bart's international expansion of Drylock, via investments in real estate and winegrowing, the Van Malderens have boldly diversified their activities.