van Vlissingen, a blacksmith living in Utrecht in the early 17th century, is the oldest known ancestor.

[2] Originating from Utrecht, the family of Lutheran descent became known for being merchants of wine, wool and honey.

In 1896, the family founded the SHV, which dealt in coal, oil, gas, and scrap metal.

In 1968 the seventh generation of the family founded wholesale self-service store chain Makro.

Dutch magazine Quote has estimated the family's total wealth to be about €11.2 billion.