“Developing market for Dutch greenhouse sales”

After a turbulent period, the greenhouse market is stabilizing, says broker Dick van der Wel of Vellekoop Makelaardij – Expropriation Affairs in Bleiswijk. Not only hefty devaluations led to unrest, but the sector was also shaken by the start of online sales. Dick isn’t a fan of the latter. "A company is often too complex to sell online and that is not in the interests of the parties involved."

Dick van der Wel of Vellekoop Makelaardij

In September 2011 the broker community met with some unexpected events. DTZ Zadelhoff brokered an online sale of no less than five greenhouse companies. 2012 saw two of such sales. Dick van der Wel doesn’t think online sales of the horticultural sector has much future. “It did, however, rock the boat,” he says. “Online innovation has caused the market to wake up. One of the immediate consequences was the site www.glastuinbouwaanbod.nl. The site offers access to the total range of horticultural companies for sale.”

But the sector doesn’t need automation and online initiatives to stir things up. Dick estimates the average devaluation of greenhouse companies to be between 35 and 50%. “On the whole though, I think the market is stabilizing. But you don’t know what next year will bring.” Dick things the devaluation of the market creates opportunities for existing companies looking to expand. But what about newcomers? “It’s tricky for young people to get the required funding these days. Banks won’t take the risks. Most newcomers start out working for existing companies and work their way up from there.”

For more information:

Vellekoop Makelaardij – Onteigeningszaken

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