Marc Coucke acquires minority stake in Salito Beach

Entrepreneur Marc Coucke is expanding his presence on the Belgian coast through a new investment in the well-known beach bar Salito Beach in Blankenberge.

Unlike his previous acquisition of a beach bar concession in Knokke, Coucke is not starting a new business from scratch. Instead, through his investment fund Alychlo, he is acquiring a minority stake in Salito Beach while allowing the current operators to remain in charge. Coucke stated that the decision to partner with the area’s most prominent beach bar was a deliberate move to avoid the controversy that accompanied his previous business ventures in Knokke.

Salito Beach operator Jonathan Polen noted that the partnership was reached through open and correct discussions, emphasizing that there was no pressure exerted by Coucke or Alychlo. This investment comes as Blankenberge prepares for a new round of beach concession assignments, with nine locations set to be allocated for nine-year terms starting in 2027.