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.

photo of the Le Hodey family from their IPM advert

Le Hodey family: Belgium's 104-million-euro media empire in full metamorphosis

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.

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.

laboratory managed by Serge Goblet

Serge Goblet: The Visionary Empire of 159 Million Euros, from Commerce to Revolutionary Biotechnology

Serge Goblet, a Belgian investor with an estimated fortune of 159 million euros, has built a diversified empire combining commerce, real estate and biotechnology. His flagship investment, Celyad Oncology SA, develops innovative CAR-T cancer therapies. Goblet illustrates the successful alliance between entrepreneurial spirit and medical innovation, contributing to therapeutic advances while consolidating a portfolio of international assets in various sectors.

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.