The parties recently decided to fast-track the plans which have been on the drawing board since 2011, and a decision was made to effectuate this as per 1 January 2013. The age and future personal plans of Hans Oosterman, the current owner of Saphir BVplayed a prominent role in this decision. Cornee de Kluyver of the consultancy firm Krüger & Partners from Rotterdam advised Saphir during the acquisition process.
Johan in 't Veld, CEO of Agrocap Invest reveals that this pooling of products, assets and skills constitutes an appropriate response to developments in the fresh produce industry. He states that increasing the added value in the fresh produce supply chain is key to the growth of AgroCap. In addition, the product and client mix of Saphir is a perfect addition to the existing commercial activities of the AgroCap Group.
According to In t Veld, the dynamics in the industry calls for combined solutions. “New business models based on a joining of forces, in conjunction with competent professionals, can create breakthroughs for all links in the chain. This suits the growth strategy which the AgroCap Group set for itself in 2007, specifically in order to develop better solutions for customers and producers”.
The focus point of AgroCap’s growth strategy is to facilitate the organic development of its subsidiaries, and to support this via the complementary products and skills offering of all companies within the group.
Saphir will be integrated in its entirety into the commercial operations of Cool Fresh International, the oldest fresh produce company in the group. Hugo Vermeulen, Managing Director of Cool Fresh International will be responsible for the management of the enlarged company.
“Because of the fact that we have been cooperating intensively with Saphir during the past year it is clear to us that this company also places clients and suppliers on centre stage, and this fits in perfectly well with the DNA of AgroCap. The takeover provides an extra impulse for our innovative marketing solutions, and creates an ideal environment for the personal development of all people who are active in it”.
The complete management and sales teams of Saphir will be employed in the enlarged organization, and it is expected that the integration process will run smoothly under the leadership op Hugo Vermeulen.
According to Hans Oosterman of Saphir, the takeover by AgroCap provides the best of both worlds. “A robust and intensified market acquisition process from within our modern logistic facility in Ridderkerk, coupled with the further development of tailor made solutions for the global clients of AgroCap will create extensive benefits for clients and producers.”
