Three new companies join the ranks of Belgium’s Best Managed Companies

Brussels, 22 May 2025 – Deloitte Private, in collaboration with Econopolis and KU Leuven, has announced the Best Managed Companies of 2025. Now in its eighth edition in Belgium, the programme welcomes three new companies - BMT Aerospace, e5 and Iscal - to a network of 24 Belgian family businesses recognised for their clear strategy, operational excellence and strong leadership.  

This year also marks a special milestone for three long-standing participants, as Easyfairs, Golazo and Soudal Group have each achieved the Platinum label - a recognition reserved for companies that have been named Best Managed Company for seven consecutive years. Their consistent business performance demonstrates sustained excellence and long-term impact. The Platinum recognition is also the final stage of the programme.

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24 Belgian companies receive Best Managed Companies label

Each year, the Best Managed Companies programme — run by Deloitte Private in association with Econopolis and KU Leuven — recognises the sustained business success of Belgian family businesses. Assessed against a global framework by an independent jury, the companies demonstrate best-practice management across four key pillars: aligned and clearly communicated strategy, robust operational and innovative capabilities, talent and leadership commitment, and excellent financial performance and governance. These companies stand out for their ability to navigate market challenges, foster continuous innovation and create positive work environments that support employee engagement, development and retention.

Koenraad Debackere, Professor at KU Leuven and Chair of KBC Group, is the president of the Best Managed Companies jury of 2025, consisting of industry captains:

• Carl Dewulf, CEO of LVD Group;
• Rik Jacob, former CEO of Ardo;
• Geert Noels, CEO and Chief Economist Econopolis; and
• Victoria Vandeputte, CIO at Diversi Foods and Board Member of AvH.

Three new companies join Belgium’s Best Managed Companies

This year 24 companies received the Best Managed Companies label, amongst which three newcomers: BMT Aerospace, e5 and Iscal. Active in sectors as diverse as aerospace, fashion and agri-food, they exemplify the qualities that define today’s best-managed businesses: long-term thinking, a people-first mindset, and the agility to navigate constant change.

“The shortlist of this year’s selected companies is impressive. They act with clarity and vision, even when the world around them is anything but stable, and their markets are challenging. They keep improving, keep innovating, keep investing, and keep growing - locally and internationally. What they have in common is a clear strategy, a people-centred focus, an engaging company culture and great flexibility to adapt. They set the bar high for what it means to be truly ‘best managed’ today”, says Koenraad Debackere, Chairman of the jury of the Best Managed Companies.

Three new Platinum labelled companies

Achieving the Platinum label means that companies have maintained their Best Managed label for seven consecutive years. This milestone recognises sustained excellence, consistent innovation, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. These companies have the resilience and strategic foresight needed to navigate changing market dynamics and set the standard for long-term business success.

This year, Easyfairs, Golazo and Soudal Group join the ranks of Platinum labelled Best Managed Companies. Their enduring performance and leadership make them exemplary role models within the Belgian business community.

“Having the opportunity to recognise and support Belgium's top family businesses is truly rewarding. It is a privilege to witness their resilience, innovative spirit, and commitment to sustainable growth and management. These companies highlight the importance of continual improvement and operational excellence, showcasing the enduring value of the Best Managed Companies programme. This year, we are particularly excited to see how they embrace 'stagility'—the perfect blend of stability and agility—to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.” says Bruno Peelaers, Best Managed Companies Programme Leader and Partner Deloitte Private.

Coaching that makes an impact

The Best Managed Companies programme has been coaching Belgian companies for over eight years, keeping focus on their ambitious goals and challenging them to deliver sustainable success. Throughout the entire process, the companies benefit from the guidance of a Best Managed Companies coach from Deloitte Private.

Nikolaas Tahon, Chairman Deloitte Belgium: “This group of successful companies all demonstrate what leadership really looks like in today’s complex world. They show how family businesses can grow sustainably, relentless invest in innovation, and build strong commitment in their teams and how they deliberately invest in leadership development. Even with rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, these companies never stop transforming challenges into opportunities. They’re making smart choices, like embracing AI and digital transformation, and they’re doing it with purpose. We should be proud to have these leading companies in our Belgian eco-system, as they embody the power of our Belgian entrepreneurship with ambition.”

List of Best Managed Companies laureates 2025

• New Best Managed companies (labelled in 2025)
• Requalifying Best Managed Companies (labelled since 2024 or 2023)
• Gold Best Managed Companies (labelled since 2022)
• Requalifying Gold Best Managed Companies (labelled since 2021 or 2020)
• Platinum Best Managed Companies (labelled since 2019)
  

List of Best Managed Companies laureates 2025

About Best Managed Companies

In 2017 Deloitte Private launched the Belgium Best Managed Companies programme in collaboration with Econopolis, joined by KU Leuven in 2019. The programme aims to provide guidance and recognition for privately owned and managed Belgian companies that achieve excellent results.

The Best Managed Companies programme is an international label denoting quality and excellence. The programme was developed in 1993 in Canada and has since been rolled out in 46 countries worldwide.

More on info on www.bestmanaged.be