RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 90
The battle of Kijkduin
On 6 June 1989, an important meeting is held
Despite the outcome of the bids, the mood in
in Kijkduin, where Asgrow presents itself as a
De Lier is not one of dejection. Both the Board
suitable candidate owner of Rijk Zwaan.
and the works council are going all out to block
In addition to the Board, the meeting is attended
the proposed sale. And to do this, anything goes.
by all the members of Rijk Zwaan’s management
team but also the Boards of foreign subsidiaries
Among other things, the Board calls in Allard
as well as the Boards of Asgrow and BP.
Voûte, a top lawyer who carries a lot of weight.
It is a tense session with no holds barred. Asgrow’s
And indeed, he does everything he can to turn
presentation doesn’t pan out and elicits the now
the fight in Rijk Zwaan’s favour. He is supportive of
historic words from Peter Heckmeier, Rijk Zwaan’s
the Board. For example, he guards the trio from
area manager in Germany: ‘Be careful not to buy
taking too many risks that could result in them
a car without an engine!’, words that perfectly
simply being sidelined by BP. After all – in Voûte’s
echo the sentiments of the Rijk Zwaan employees.
words – they are nothing more than ‘wage slaves’
in the eyes of BP. Voûte never seemed to give up
hope, although he admits afterwards that he
thought the chances of success were extremely
slim. Besides Voûte’s support, the Board also
receives financial advice from Ron Sman RA.
His contribution is also vital in the fight.
‘Be careful not
to buy a car
without an engine!’
Peter Heckmeier,
Rijk Zwaan’s area manager in Germany.
Employee actions
in De Lier, 1989.
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Rijk Zwaan | Moving forward together
