Last October, Calsa, took over Frans Michiels Belgium (FMB), which is located in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium. Calsa is a Belgian produce wholesale company from Ardooie, also in Belgium.
At last week's Fruit Logistica these companies shared a stand. "We see the acquisition as more of a partnership between two family businesses", say Calsa's Jeroen Buyck and FMB's Ervé Jooken. The two companies have similar corporate cultures. There are, therefore, many overlaps when it comes to operational management.
“We differ in terms of sales markets. Calsa focuses on the French, Spanish, and Eastern European countries. FMB specializes in Germany. We will not be in each other's way", say the two men.
Jeroen Buyck and Ervé Jooken
Younger generation
The export company, Weiss forms part of Calsa. They are also located in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. In December, Weiss' activities were transferred to FMB. "These two companies activities will be gradually combined. The Weiss name will eventually disappear, but Calsa and FMB will remain”, say the two gentlemen from Calsa and FMB.
It is striking that both businesses have a younger generation at their helms. FMB is almost 100 years old and Calsa is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Peter Denys, Jeroen Buyck, Ervé Jooken, Charlotte Buyck, and Nick Michiels of Calsa and FMB.
“The takeover means we can operate far more sustainably. We are improving, not only when it comes to purchasing power, but also in terms of supplying information. In the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, sharing information is worth its weight in gold. Now we can share this information with each other.
"FMB is also going to benefit from the partnership in terms of its range as well as logistics. Calsa has a wider range of fruit and vegetables than FMB. This means FMB can offer its clients more products than before. By working hard and effectively, we are hoping for a good collaboration. We would also like our clients to experience this", conclude Jeroen and Ervé.
For more information:
Jeroen Buyck
Calsa
9b Roeselaarse Street
8850 Ardooie
+32 (0) 517 47 374
jeroen@calsa.be
www.calsa.be
For more information:
Ervé Jooken
Frans Michiels Belgium
50A Kempenare Street - Bus 3
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver
+32 (0) 155 60 600
info@fmb.be
www.fmb.be