Building the Willemen family

Willemen family: the 750-million-euro construction empire undergoing a metamorphosis

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.

Société d'intermi de Kristof Sanders Forum interim

Kristof Sanders: The Visionary Architect of Forum Interim, a 53 Million Euro Success-Story

Kristof Sanders, co-founder of Forum Interim in 1997, has transformed an initial investment of 150,000 euros into a recruitment empire valued at 53 million euros. Specializing in cross-border recruitment, the company has conquered the West Flanders job market thanks to an innovative strategy. The acquisition by Straco in 2017, endowing Forum Jobs with a war chest of 50 million euros, marked a decisive turning point. Under the new holding company Forpar, Sanders and his team continue to expand their influence, perfectly illustrating how entrepreneurial vision and adaptation to market needs can create a success story in the human resources field.

woman of color analyzing the Medina laboratory of Famille De Raedt-Verheyden

De Raedt-Verheyden family: Colossal 1.7-billion-euro empire in biotechnology

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.

Rest home designed by Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick

Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick: The 41-Million-Euro Titanic Empire in Senior Care

Frank Bamelis and Bart Vanderschrick, founders of Senior Assist in 2006, have built an empire in the elderly care sector, valued at over 41 million euros. Their company manages 32 residential care centers and 147 assisted living facilities in Belgium, accommodating nearly 2,800 residents and employing 1,800 people. Despite international expansion and service diversification, Senior Assist encountered financial difficulties in 2017, leading to the sale of certain assets. The company, structured with a plurality of shareholders and present in Luxembourg, illustrates the challenges and opportunities of the senior care sector, which is constantly evolving to meet the needs of an aging population.

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.

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.