Ninth edition of Best Managed Companies puts four newcomers and five companies with a Platinum label in the spotlight
2026 Belgium Best Managed Companies
Brussels, Belgium – 28 May 2026
Deloitte Private, in collaboration with Econopolis and KU Leuven, has announced the Best Managed Companies of 2026. Now in its ninth edition in Belgium, the programme welcomes four new companies - Alheembouw, Coverseal, Globachem and Orac - to a network of 25 Belgian family businesses that are recognised for their clear strategy, operational excellence and strong leadership.
This year also marks a particular milestone for five participants with a long track record within the programme: QbD Group, Stadsbader, Vandenbussche, Vanheede Environment Group and Zuidnatie have each achieved Platinum status, a recognition reserved for companies that have been designated Best Managed Company for seven consecutive years. Their consistent business performance demonstrates excellence and long-term impact. Platinum recognition represents the pinnacle of the programme.
25 Belgian companies receive Best Managed Companies label
Every year, the Best Managed Companies programme, led by Deloitte Private in collaboration with Econopolis and KU Leuven, recognises the continued business success of Belgian family businesses. The companies are judged by an independent jury based on a global framework. They demonstrate best-practice management in four pillars: strategy, robust operational and innovative capabilities, commitment, and strong leadership, all of which result in excellent financial performance. These companies stand out for their ability to navigate market challenges, foster continuous innovation, and create positive work environments that support employee engagement and development.
Koenraad Debackere, professor at KU Leuven and Chairman of KBC Group, chairs the 2026 Best Managed Companies jury, consisting of industry captains:
- Carl Dewulf, CEO of LVD Group;
- Rik Jacob, former CEO of Ardo;
- Anne Lafère, Group CEO of Easyfairs;
- Geert Noels, CEO and Economist of Econopolis;
- Hannelore Raes, Chief People & Finance Officer of Agristo; and
- Victoria Vandeputte, CIO at Diversi Foods and member of the Board of Directors of Ackermans & van Haaren
"Companies that are recognised as Best Managed Company for seven consecutive years demonstrate that excellent leadership is not a snapshot, but the result of consistent strategic choices over an extended period," says Koenraad Debackere, chairman of the jury of the Best Managed Companies. "These companies combine resilience with innovation capability and succeed in building their organisation in such a way that future generations can take over with confidence. This level of maturity and continuity is exceptionally valuable for our economy."
Belgian Best Managed Companies distinguish themselves through sustainable leadership and lasting impact
Four new companies join Belgium Best Managed Companies
This year, 25 companies received the Best Managed Companies label, including four newcomers: Alheembouw, Coverseal, Globachem and Orac. They operate in diverse sectors: construction, swimming pool technology, crop protection and interior finishing, and exemplify the qualities that define today's Best Managed Companies: long-term thinking, focus on human capital and resilience.
Five companies achieve the Platinum label
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.
This year, QbD Group, Stadsbader, Vandenbussche, Vanheede Environment Group and Zuidnatie can be called Platinum Best Managed Companies. Their sustainable performance and leadership make them role models within the Belgian business community.
Bruno Peelaers, Best Managed Companies Programme Leader and Partner Deloitte Private: “Best Managed Companies prove that sustainable success is not a matter of chance. It is the result of clear choices, strong leadership and the courage to continue investing, even when the market changes rapidly. These enterprises combine growth and innovation with genuine care for their employees, customers and communities. They remain agile and future-focused, without losing sight of their long-term vision or human-centred approach. That is precisely why they are far more than strong businesses of today. They contribute to the resilience of our economy and lay the foundations for lasting impact for the next generation.”
Coaching that makes an impact
Throughout the process, companies are assisted by a Best Managed Companies coach from Deloitte Private.
"Best Managed Companies is much more than just a recognition. The programmes creates an environment in which strong Belgian companies can learn from each other, be challenged and continue to grow," says Nikolaas Tahon, Chairman of Deloitte Belgium. "The strength lies in the combination of strategic coaching and the sharing of experiences between entrepreneurs and management teams. Throughout the process, we see how companies not only refine their strategy but also become stronger in leadership, innovation and future-focused entrepreneurship. This makes the programme a true catalyst for sustainable growth and for building lasting legacy within the Belgian economy."
List of Best Managed Companies laureates 2026
- New Best Managed Companies (labeled in 2026)
- Requalifying Best Managed Companies (labeled since 2025 or 2024)
- Gold Best Managed Companies (labeled since 2023)
- Requalifying Gold Best Managed Companies (labeled since 2022 or 2021)
- Platinum Best Managed Companies (labeled since 2020)
About Best Managed Companies
In 2017, Deloitte Private launched the Belgium Best Managed Companies programme in collaboration with Econopolis, of which KU Leuven was a part in 2019. The programme aims to provide guidance and recognition to Belgian family businesses that achieve excellent results.
The Best Managed Companies programme is an international label that stands for quality and excellence. The programme was developed in Canada in 1993 and has since been rolled out in 46 countries worldwide.
More info: www.bestmanaged.be
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