From barbecues to forklifts and warehouses: What to know about Heylen Group, buyer of the Audi site in Forest

Heylen Group is adding the former Audi site in Forest to a portfolio that stretches from barbecues and cookers to forklifts, food, horticulture and energy. Its warehouse arm, Heylen Warehouses, plans to redevelop the Brussels property and restore business activity there.

The acquisition follows a strategy the group describes as “buy, build and hold.” Rather than purchasing struggling companies to break them up and sell them quickly, the group presents itself as a partner that gives businesses financial and logistical support while helping them grow.

The approach has produced a rapidly expanding company. Earlier this year, Heylen Group acquired part of the former Caterpillar grounds in Gosselies. The Forest deal now adds another major industrial site to the group’s property activities.

Wim Heylen began building his business career in 1994, when he founded the pet-store chain Amizoo. Six years later, after it had grown to 13 outlets, he sold it to Tom&Co, part of Delhaize. He used the proceeds to invest in projects ranging from real-estate consultancy to sliding doors.

Heylen later shifted toward working with specialist managers after recognizing that he could not become an expert in every sector. With help from his wife, Ann De Crock, and former banker Didier Clerx, he developed the group into a collection of 41 companies. Well-known holdings include consumer-electronics chains Selexion and Exellent, as well as barbecue and cooker brand Boretti.

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I have never done it before, so I think I can do it.