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History

The hazel tree as a source of inspiration

The family name ‘Colruyt’ is derived from ‘corylus’, the Latin word for ‘hazel’. Corylus is also etymologically related to the Greek ‘korys’, which means ‘bearer of fruit’.

The hazel tree is robust, has a long lifespan and lets an entire ecosystem flourish around it. It exemplifies our vision of investing.

Like branches on a tree we
may grow in different directions.
Yet our roots remain as one.

From the Colruyt tradition

Korys is the investment company of the Colruyt family. In four generations, this family has built a successful international retail group, the eponymous Colruyt Group. In 2012, Korys was established as a ‘family office’. At Korys, we manage the estate of the Colruyt family, championing value-driven business practices by investing in people and companies. We believe an attractive return is perfectly compatible with a positive contribution to people, the environment and society.

2018

Korys grows and moves to a new location.
Team expanded to 30 employees.

 
2018

Investments in accordance with our 3 pillars: Liquid Investments, Direct Investments en Fund Investments

 
2012

Establishment of Family Office Korys

 
2012
2009

Establishment of our own Liquid Fund in Luxembourg

 
2009
2005

Fund Investments

 
2005
2005

Liquid Investments

 
2005
2001

Direct Investments

 
2001

Establishment of the family investment company

 
2013

Launch of the Colruyt Group logo. With ‘Colruyt Group’ as the umbrella name, all chains maintain a link with their past.

 
2013
1994

After the decease of Jo, his son Jef Colruyt follows in his footsteps. He starts diversifying into retail brands.

 
1994
1991

First Private Equity Fund by Colruyt

 
1991
1977

Initial public offering of Colruyt (IPO)

 
1977
1958

Opening of the first BONI store

 
1958
1928

Son of baker Franz Colruyt founds a wholesaler and focuses on groceries in Brussels and surroundings. He sells goods such as coffee, salt and sugar.

 
1928
2018

2018

Korys grows and moves to a new location. Team expanded to 30 employees.

 
2018

Investments in accordance with our 3 pillars: Liquid Investments, Direct Investments en Fund Investments

 
2012

2012

Establishment of Family Office Korys

 
2012
2009

2009

Establishment of Family Office Korys

 
2009
2005

2005

Fund Investments

 
2005
2005

2005

Liquid Investments

 
2005
2001

2001

Direct Investments

 
2001

Establishment of the family investment company

 
2013

2013

Launch of the Colruyt Group logo. With ‘Colruyt Group’ as the umbrella name, all chains maintain a link with their past.

 
2013
1994

1994

After the decease of Jo, his son Jef Colruyt follows in his footsteps. He starts diversifying into retail brands.

 
1994
1991

1991

First Private Equity Fund by Colruyt

 
1991
1977

1977

Initial public offering Colruyt (IPO)

 
1977
1958

1958

First Boni opens the doors

 
1958
1928

1928

Son of baker Franz Colruyt founds a wholesaler and focuses on groceries in Brussels and surroundings. He sells goods such as coffee, salt and sugar.​

 
1928