‘We will never sell again!’This outcome unexpectedly saves the independence and the future of Rijk Zwaan. Except forwhen the company was originally founded, thiswhole acquisition issue is the most importantepisode in Rijk Zwaan’s history. It is a uniquemoment, because the management buyoutsucceeds thanks to a concerted effort by everybody in the company, from high to low.‘We pushed to the limitwith the courage of despairbecause we knew there wasso much at stake.’Ben Tax,Board member of Rijk Zwaan.The unwavering attitude displayed by the Board,supported by the employees, during the negotia-Rijk Zwaan emerges stronger from the wholetions is illustrated by the words of BP’s negotiatoraffair. The events show that the heart of thewho, after signing the contract, feels obliged tocompany is the people who work there. Withoutraise a glass to Anton van Doornmalen, Ben Taxtheir support, a company is ‘worthless’, as theand Maarten Zwaan: ‘I have never met three suchgreat Asgrow had to experience first-hand.stubborn people in my life.’ It was only with thisstubbornness that – in the words of Ben Tax –The whole affair has brought the three BoardRijk Zwaan was ‘dragged away from the gates ofmembers – Ben, Anton and Maarten – closerhell’. And also: ‘Rijk Zwaan hung by a thread attogether and connected them in a way that hasthe time. Everyone has fought very hard for themade them friends for life as well as businesscompany that we have today. It is now engrainedpartners. That intense period of ‘acting together,in the minds and hearts of the company (and alsotaking risks, holding on and continuing to believelaid down in the articles of association (Ed.) thatin it, has led to a strong bond and a special friend-it will never be sold again.’ And: ‘In the final fewship,’ says Anton. Illustrative of this special friend-months, the chances of success dwindled visibly,ship is Anton’s encounter years later with the nowand fewer and fewer people believed in a positiveseriously ill Maarten. When Maarten’s grandsonoutcome. We stuck together and pushed to theasks if that gentleman is one of the three bosseslimit with the courage of despair because we knewof Rijk Zwaan, Maarten replies that it is not threethere was so much at stake.’bosses, but three friends.‘Rijk Zwaan was‘dragged awayfrom the gatesof hell.’Ben Tax,Board member of Rijk Zwaan.92Rijk Zwaan | Moving forward together
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