Vlerick Group has its industrial roots in Flanders in 1880 in the textile industry. In its present form, it originates from B.I.C. Carpets, a high-end woollen broad-loom woven carpet manufacturer, founded in 1956. Via its anchored participations in a.o. the former holding company of what is currently KBC Groep, the group contributed to the development of one of Flanders' primary financial services providers, in which it continues to be actively involved today.