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Libéma through the years
With more than 20 companies throughout the Netherlands, Libéma is a unique family business. Together with approximately 1,500 enthusiastic employees, Libéma is building a future full of development and growth. This is our story.
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1980s: How it began
To understand this, we must go back 40 years. Dirk Lips wanted to amaze people and give them a unique experience and a wonderful time away from their daily worries—in other words, the most beautiful time! With a passion for nature and animals and an even greater entrepreneurial drive, Dirk started the company in 1982.
Dirk bought the loss-making Autotron from his father, Max Lips, in 1982. He transformed the stately museum into a dynamic business. It became a day attraction with "transportation" as its theme.
Dirk has always had a great love and passion for nature and animals. When Beekse Bergen came on the market to buy, the takeover was a fact. After the takeover, the construction of Holiday Park Beekse Bergen (now Lake Resort Beekse Bergen) was quickly started.
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1990s: Growth & the creation of the three divisions
In the 1990s, Libéma continued to grow in a steady and controlled manner. In the exhibition and events sector, we acquired the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch. We also took over the Buitenjan, a group accommodation in Veldhoven. The three divisions we know today originated here: exhibiton and events, amusement parks and holiday parks.
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2000: Acquisitions and new construction
In 2005, the Exhibition and Events Division expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Zeelandhallen Goes. And in 2008 the construction of Omnisport Apeldoorn was started.
Dirk also acquired the bankrupt Luchtvaartmuseum Aviodrome and managed to turn it into a thriving business. Dierenrijk (later Eindhoven Zoo) was added to the amusement parks division in 2004.
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2010: expansion and further development
In 2010, 1931 became a congress center, welcoming countless guests for meetings, lunches and other corporate gatherings. In early 2015, Libéma acquired Zooparc Overloon and AquaZoo Friesland.
In 2018, Beekse Bergen expanded with a Safari Resort.
In 2019, Autotron Exclusive opened its doors under the leadership of Dirk Junior! With Autotron Exclusive, Autotron's automotive past gets a new, contemporary future. Grandpa Max's great love and passion for cars has returned to the company.
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From 2020: Continued
In September 2020 MAINSTAGE opened its doors. MAINSTAGE is the new entertainment hall of Brabanthallen 's-Hertogenbosch.
In March 2023, the Beekse Bergen expanded with a new Safari Hotel. In addition to the Holiday Park and Safari Resort, guests can now book short stays at the Beekse Bergen.
Golf de Gulbergen was acquired in early 2024. The adjacent Eindhoven Zoo has been owned since 2004.
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Present: Sustainable business
Families care for the older generation, but also for the future of the youngest members and those who come after. Dirk's dream evolved into a desire to contribute to a better society by helping, preserving and protecting nature and animals, among other things. His daughter, Leen Lips, continues this dream. Not only for the present generation, but also for the future.
Together with industry colleagues, visitors, and you, Dirk and Leen are making this dream a reality. They focus on caring for nature, people, and animals now and in the future.
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