photo by Dr. Paul Janssen

Dr. Paul Janssen: The Visionary Entrepreneur Behind a 300 Million Euro Fortune and a Pharmaceutical Legacy

Dr. Paul Janssen, founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, is one of the most influential figures in the Belgian pharmaceutical industry. With a legacy estimated at over 300 million euros, Janssen revolutionized medicine with innovative medicines, while remaining a central figure in the company after its takeover by Johnson & Johnson. In addition to his medical contributions, he left a significant cultural imprint, with a unique collection of pre-Columbian art. Discover how this visionary built a pharmaceutical empire while influencing Belgian art and economics.

Photo of the Emsens family with a blue book

Emsens family: 1.1 billion euros and a deep industrial heritage in sand mining

The Emsens family, pillars of the SCR-Sibelco group, have fashioned an industrial empire centered on the extraction of quartz sand used in glass production. With assets estimated at 1.1 billion euros, SCR-Sibelco is a little-known but key player in the global mining industry. Their influence extends across Europe, the United States and Mexico, while navigating contemporary challenges such as subsidiary restructuring and global market fluctuations. Discover how this Belgian dynasty continues to influence the economy while adapting to new realities.

Alexandre van damme produced the 2 beers

Alexandre Van Damme: From Family Inheritance to a 10 Billion Euro Fortune

Alexandre Van Damme, heir to a long Belgian brewing tradition, has transformed the small family brewery into a global giant, AB InBev. With an estimated fortune of over 10 billion euros, he is the second-richest Belgian. Renowned for his strategic vision and discreet leadership, Van Damme has diversified his investments into global companies such as Kraft Heinz and Douwe Egberts, while remaining a key figure in the beverage industry. Find out how Alexandre combined family tradition and innovation to become a key figure in the business world.

PHOTO BY Philippe Vlerick on black background

Philippe Vlerick: How a Belgian Visionary Built a 197 Million Euro Empire

Philippe Vlerick, a leading figure in the Belgian financial world, has successfully navigated economic and industrial challenges to build a fortune estimated at 197 million euros. His journey, marked by strategic acquisitions, judicious investments and a commitment to innovation, illustrates how a visionary can build a lasting empire. Discover how Philippe Vlerick has turned challenges into opportunities and maintained a leading influence in the Belgian economy.

dog food from Famille Versele

289 Million : The Versele-Laga Empire - From Grocer to Animal Nutrition Giant

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.

Import of cars from Dominique Moorkens' company Alcopa

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."

Car auction by Axel Moorkens

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.

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.

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.