Photo of Frédéric Cras in his garden

Frédéric Cras: Head of the Wood Empire with a fortune of over 97 million Euros

Frédéric Cras, representing the fourth generation at the helm of the Cras family business, has transformed the company founded in 1878 into a market leader in the Belgian wood sector. Through strategic acquisitions and continuous expansion, Cras has strengthened its national presence while offering high-quality products under the Collstrop brand. Today, with a fortune of over 97 million euros, Frédéric Cras continues the family legacy while solidifying the company's reputation in the wood industry.

Fabri family catchou plantation with a black man cutting

The Fabri Dynasty: A Major and Controversial Influence with a Fortune of 350 Million Euros

The Fabri family, rooted in the banking and plantation sectors, is an influential and controversial Belgian dynasty. Founded by financiers such as Charles Fabri, it has weathered financial and political scandals while building an empire estimated at over 300 million euros. Under the leadership of Hubert Fabri, the family has navigated between economic success and legal wrangling, not least thanks to strategic alliances with the likes of Vincent Bolloré. Find out how the Fabri family has maintained its influence and wealth despite the challenges.

photo by Thomas Baert

Thomas Baert: Flooring revolutionary with a 73 million euro fortune

Belgian-born Thomas Baert made his mark on the Asian flooring industry by founding Chinafloors and Rugmax in Beijing. With around 1,300 employees, his company Creative Flooring Solutions (CFL) enjoys a global presence, with production sites in Vietnam, the USA, China and Taiwan. Thanks to its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, Baert has built up a fortune of over 73 million euros. Discover how its innovative brands, such as Firmfit, Novocore and Tenacity, have revolutionized the flooring market.

Woodworker of the Cordeel Family

Cordeel Group: Family Construction Empire with 87M€ - Excellence since 1934

Discover the inspiring story of the Cordeel Group, which started out as a joinery workshop in 1934 and became a European construction giant with a family fortune of 87 million euros. A saga of growth, innovation and legal challenges overcome, underlining the Cordeel family's commitment to quality and sustainability.

Paul Thiers floor factory

Paul Thiers: Wood industry visionary with a fortune of €59m

Paul Thiers, a leading figure in the flooring industry, made history as former CEO of Unilin and co-creator of Quick Step. After the sale of Unilin for 2.2 billion euros, he reinvented himself as a shrewd investor, co-founding Pentahold and helping to create Ion, a company dedicated to real estate development.

The Lemahieu family's wood-built home

Groupe Lemahieu: Wood pioneer with assets of €87 million in Belgium

Since 1932, Groupe Lemahieu has established itself as an essential leader in the Belgian wood industry, with an estimated capital of 87 million euros. Their commitment to innovation and quality in the distribution of lumber and building panels is the key to their continued success.