The battle of KijkduinOn 6 June 1989, an important meeting is heldDespite the outcome of the bids, the mood inin Kijkduin, where Asgrow presents itself as aDe Lier is not one of dejection. Both the Boardsuitable candidate owner of Rijk Zwaan.and the works council are going all out to blockIn addition to the Board, the meeting is attendedthe proposed sale. And to do this, anything goes.by all the members of Rijk Zwaan’s managementteam but also the Boards of foreign subsidiariesAmong other things, the Board calls in Allardas 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’sAnd indeed, he does everything he can to turnpresentation doesn’t pan out and elicits the nowthe fight in Rijk Zwaan’s favour. He is supportive ofhistoric words from Peter Heckmeier, Rijk Zwaan’sthe Board. For example, he guards the trio fromarea manager in Germany: ‘Be careful not to buytaking too many risks that could result in thema car without an engine!’, words that perfectlysimply being sidelined by BP. After all – in Voûte’secho 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 uphope, although he admits afterwards that hethought the chances of success were extremelyslim. Besides Voûte’s support, the Board alsoreceives financial advice from Ron Sman RA.His contribution is also vital in the fight.‘Be careful notto buy a carwithout an engine!’Peter Heckmeier,Rijk Zwaan’s area manager in Germany.Employee actionsin De Lier, 1989.88Rijk Zwaan | Moving forward together
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