Colruyt family

Contents

The Colruyt family is a Belgian noble family, belonging to the wealthiest noble houses of Belgium. In three generations, they managed to climb to the top of the Belgian economy.[1]

History

The history starts in 1925 when Franz, a baker in Lembeek, opened his own business. He was the second son in a Catholic family of 11 children. Two of them became diocesan priests, and Camille became a famous artist specialised in Religious artifacts.

The family business still reflects his vision. The management of the family created financial success, in the last quarter of the 20th century the small family business developed into a big company. In 1972 by request of the family, the demolition of Lembeek Castle was accepted by the local politicians.[2] The space was used for the expansion of the company.

Today the Colruyt family is among the most powerful families of Belgium.[3]

Jozef was ennobled by King Albert II in 2012.[4]

Genealogy

Jean Joseph Andre Colruyt (1868–1942),[5] baker from Lembeek x Josephine-Marie Vanboerck.

References

  1. 1."Rijkste Belgische adel bezit 80 miljard euro | De Tijd". De Tijd (in Dutch). Tijd.be. 2004-09-01. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  2. 2."ERFGOEDPLUS: object van de maand: het Kasteel van Lembeek - Erfgoedcel Pajottenland Zennevallei". www.erfgoedcelpz.be. August 2023.
  3. 3."Adel domineert top 10 van rijkste Belgen - Het Belang van Limburg". Hbvl.be. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  4. 4.Steffi Ophalvens (2012-07-16). "België kent 22 nieuwe baronnen en ridders" (in Dutch). HLN.be. Archived from the original on 2017-03-21. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  5. 5.Akte nr. 120/1908 Son Camille.