The Mechelse Veilingen (auction house) from Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium and Coöbra may merge in the future, "We signed a declaration of intent on Thursday 12 January, in which we make it clear that this year we will examine the possibilities of a merger" Filip Fontaine, general director of Coöbra tells. In November Coöbra was formed as a result of the merger of Greenpartners and Veiling Brava. There was resistance from other Belgian auction houses. The General Director recommends caution regarding information on a possible merger. Nothing has been decided as yet, much is still to be investigated and further clarification necessary as far as possibilities are concerned. First of all we want to know whether a merger is possible."
In a previous discussion at the end of last year Fontaine mentioned that with Coöbra the growers are of utmost importance. "The decision about the merger will for a large part depend on their opinion." The director also mentioned in December that competition was severe at that time and that it would be a challenge to work with other auction houses.
Jos van Dessel, commercial director of Mechelse Veilingen, says that the news is still very fresh. "We mentioned to the growers that the directors of both auction houses have signed the declaration of intent. The reactions were different."
According to cucumber grower Wim Jooste (Mechelse Veilingen) from Brecht a possible merger will be 'good for horticulture'. "It is only a matter of wait and see what is going to happen exactly. We have different selling systems. The original Greenpartners was mainly involved in mediation and Mechelse Veilingen have clock sales as a most important item. I am especially curious how that is going to be arranged. It is also to be hoped that decision making during and after a possible merger will be done in a structural and correct way."
Also the Flemish Minister-president Kris Peeters gives his opinion about the possible merger.
According to cucumber grower Wim Jooste (Mechelse Veilingen) from Brecht a possible merger will be 'good for horticulture'. "It is only a matter of wait and see what is going to happen exactly. We have different selling systems. The original Greenpartners was mainly involved in mediation and Mechelse Veilingen have clock sales as a most important item. I am especially curious how that is going to be arranged. It is also to be hoped that decision making during and after a possible merger will be done in a structural and correct way."
Also the Flemish Minister-president Kris Peeters gives his opinion about the possible merger.
The combined turnover of Mechelse Veilingen and Coöbra would have been
286 million euro (2011).