Ackermans & van Haaren

Strolling along Begijnenvest, a beautiful historic corner building immediately catches the eye. The characteristic tower atop is reflected in the Ackermans & Van Haaren logo, the nearly 150-year-old family business that has operated from this site for over a century. Inside, an impressive blend of old and new awaits, adorned with art, scale models of dredging vessels, and one of Belgium’s oldest lifts. In the boardroom, Luc Bertrand greets us with modesty and warmth. We are here to discuss the current affairs in Antwerp with one of Belgium's leading business figures.

Dear Mr Bertrand, let us start our conversation with a current event: the Danish company AP Moller has announced an investment of 1.5 billion euros in a fossil-free plastics plant in the port of Antwerp. At the same time, we hear that it's becoming increasingly difficult for the industry to initiate new developments. What's your view on this?

"With its strategic location in the heart of Europe and the second largest port in Europe, it is clear that Antwerp is an exceptional place. I'm glad that AP Moller recognises this, but much more is possible. Ecosystems are essential in today's investment decisions. And Antwerp has a strong ecosystem. But there is more. As someone who knows Antwerp well, I can say that the city has changed drastically in the last 10 to 15 years. When I walk through the city, I feel a sense of pride in the way the city looks and feels, which isn't something that many other cities can offer". 
 

More is possible for Antwerp. Like what?

“Antwerp has always been a city of traders, often family-owned businesses, but unfortunately, that aspect has diminished over time. Major trade groups still use the port, but their headquarters have moved to Singapore, Switzerland, and Abu Dhabi. Politicians should consider ways to reverse this trend. Trade is embedded in our culture, and we have a well-educated workforce. We must attract and retain these longstanding family enterprises long-term.”

Is sustainability an important element of your investment strategy? 

"The Antwerp chemical cluster is the second largest in the world. Of course things have to change and we have to invest in sustainable chemistry. I understand those who say it's too early or too expensive. But consider this: with DEME, we started investing in wind turbines when wind energy was far from competitive. By continuing to build, we brought costs down and now it's a competitive market - thanks in part to government support. The same applies to hydrogen. Yes, many projects are slowing down and I understand the reluctance. But government needs to support these initiatives. The time to act is now, otherwise we risk being left behind.

Is it your strength and that of Ackermans & Van Haaren to always focus on the long term?

"Exactly. Every decision revolves around the question: what's the real need here? In my opinion, every company and every sector should reinvent itself every ten years. Without this evolution, companies will gradually fade away".

Some people wonder whether industry still has a place in Antwerp. What do you think?

"Industry plays an important role in Antwerp. But the government needs to speed up the approval process for new developments. Take the Oosterweel project, for example - a lot of time was lost. But on the positive side, when it is completed it will make a big difference to everyone in Antwerp and the surrounding area. Congratulations to all those who have stood their ground and kept their faith. This situation reminds me of Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos; it's impressive the way he persists in defending his plant in Antwerp".

Why do businesses choose to come to Antwerp?   

"Antwerp's location is so strategic; that will never change. There will always be a need for the logistics, storage and transhipment services that Antwerp offers. It's no coincidence that we have invested in a company like Van Moer Logistics. In addition, the chemical cluster has a long-standing presence here and the experience in this sector is invaluable".

What is the role of the government?

"Politics plays a crucial role in investment. They have to do everything they can to attract companies and seriously consider the time it takes to issue permits".

Ackermans & Van Haaren invests in companies. What is your strategy?

“We collaborate with family businesses and management teams. We focus on developing capital and investing in companies with a proven track record and a viable product or service. We don’t engage in venture capital. We do, however, keep a close eye on everything that's happening in terms of innovation, and there's a lot going on in Antwerp. Sustainability is also a key factor in our decisions; three people are dedicated full-time to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability initiatives. I believe that every successful company will operate sustainably in the long term, and as Ackermans & Van Haaren we want to be part of this transition.

What does the future hold for Ackermans & Van Haaren?

"As you can see, I'm not the youngest. My successors are facing an exciting challenge. Ackermans & Van Haaren is strong in Antwerp and Belgium, but now it's time to grow internationally".

Last question: although you live in Brussels, you seem to love Antwerp very much. Is that right?

“Yes, and let me take some distance. Do you know the book The Fair Face of Flanders by Patricia Carson? She was a British writer who married a Belgian historian and lived here for about 50 years. In her book, she says that Belgium and Flanders aren't made up of regions, but rather a collection of solid and beautiful cities. Antwerp is one of them. Do I love Antwerp? Very much. I would like the city to become more powerful and to compete at the top as a trade, innovation, and sustainability hub.”

Thank you for your time. 

Luc Bertrand (1951) is a prominent Belgian business leader who has served as the CEO of Ackermans & van Haaren, a diversified investment group founded in 1876 and listed on Euronext Brussels. The family-owned company is active in various sectors, including construction, dredging through its renowned subsidiary DEME, environmental services, human resources, financial services and private equity. Bertrand began his career in 1974 with Bankers Trust Co., working in major business centres such as New York, London and Amsterdam. He joined Ackermans & van Haaren in 1986, rising to become Managing Director and later Chairman of the Executive Committee. The company is based in the heart of Antwerp.