Netherlands: Schouten to assume 100% ownership of Bercomex

AG Schouten Beheer BV of Kampen is to take over the remaining 50% interest of the Kroese family, thus assuming full ownership of Bercomex BV of Hoorn as of early 2016. Gerben Schouten is to succeed Hayko Kroese as managing director.

In 2012, Schouten took over 50% of Bercomex shares from company founder Roland Kroese. In consequence of the decision by the Kroese family to retire entirely from the business, the remaining shares will now also be transferred to Schouten.

In connection with this transfer, Hayko Kroese will be succeeded as managing director by Gerben Schouten as of 1 February 2016, when Hayko Kroese will be leaving the company. To augment the board, Bercomex has engaged Wim Hartog as the new commercial director, effective as of 1 January 2016. Wim Hartog joins the business from Boon Edam, a company where he has fulfilled various management roles. He has been the director of Koninklijke Boon Edam BV since 2010.

The Kroese family are very positive about this move. ‘In the last few years we have worked in collaboration with Schouten to strengthen the business, both in terms of market position and on the financial and organisational fronts. This takeover is a powerful sign of confidence in the future and provides a guarantee of continuity in realising the long-term business strategy,’ says Hayko Kroese.

Gerben Schouten is enthusiastic about the potential of Bercomex: ‘Our decision to make an additional investment in Bercomex is based upon our confidence in the worldwide growth of the cut flower sector and the increasing need for high-grade technological solutions in that industry. Bercomex is a strong business with excellent prospects.’

This takeover will have no effect on staffing at Bercomex, which is domiciled in Hoorn and employs more than 80 people.

For more information:
Bercomex bv
Holenweg 4A
1624 PB Hoorn
T: +31 (0) 229 – 50 21 50
F: + 31 (0) 229 - 50 21 16
www.bercomex.com