Unexpected Allies: How Rivals Coucke and Verhulst Forged a Close Friendship
Marc Coucke, the prominent Belgian football investor and owner of RSC Anderlecht, and Gert Verhulst, the entertainment mogul behind Plopsa, present an intriguing dynamic.Their frequent appearances in the public eye - Coucke as a judge on “My Restaurant,” Verhulst as a mainstay on “Play” - have drawn attention to a surprisingly close relationship despite their competitive positions.
The two families have cultivated a deep connection, recently relocating together to Paris after previously living near each other in Amsterdam. This shared personal life extends beyond typical business acquaintances, encompassing the kinds of social outings usually reserved for close friends.
this seemingly paradoxical friendship is, according to labor economist Stijn Baert, entirely logical. Speaking to TV Family, Baert explained that “professional rivals are more likely to form strong friendships.” He attributes this to a shared understanding of the pressures inherent in their respective industries, coupled with a lack of cutthroat competition. “Plopsaland and Pairi Daiza can coexist,” Baert notes, “the success of one doesn’t diminish the other.”
Beyond their professional lives,a shared appreciation for simpler pleasures appears to bind them. Despite their considerable wealth, both men maintain a fondness for unpretentious experiences – from enjoying a snack bar in Amsterdam to attending performances by Herman van Veen and celebrating flemish artists. These common interests arguably outweigh their business endeavors.
The competitive element isn’t absent, however. While Coucke invests heavily in Belgian companies through Alychlo and focuses on football, Verhulst’s Plopsa theaters and coucke’s Witte Paard entertainment group directly compete for audiences in the events market.
Despite this direct rivalry,observers believe the two are equipped to navigate any potential conflicts.Baert confidently states that any tensions woudl be “resolved immediately,” emphasizing their intelligence and business acumen as key factors in maintaining their unique and enduring friendship.