1953

In 1953, Louis Van Bavel, the grandfather of current CEO Michel Van Bavel, founded the very first Belgian commercial agency – Les Etablissements Van Bavel & Co, which was later renamed Bavelco. Louis Van Bavel was a pioneer in the world of promotional products.

1970

In the 1970s, Jacques Van Bavel senior, father of Michel Van Bavel (the current CEO), takes over the helm from Louis Van Bavel.

1990 – 1997

In the 1990s, under the leadership of Michel Van Bavel’s uncle Johan and his father Jacques, the family business became the market leader in Belgium. At the end of 1997, Bavelco had an annual turnover of around 250 million Belgian francs (over 6 million euros). The company was sold to the American giant HALO.

2003

On 15 February 2003, brothers Michel and Jacques Van Bavel set up Business Gifts BVBA.

2006

Because business was booming the company moved to new and bigger premises in Mortsel, where the offices are still located today.

2016

In 2016, Michel Van Bavel, together with Zhuzhu Wei, started their own sourcing company in China, called JoZhuMi.

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2021

Rumi and Felicitas, two new web platforms see the light of day!