Dutch investment and development company Larendael, linked to entrepreneur Wim Beelen, has reached an agreement with the curator for a restart of the activities of Dutch organic Plantenkwekerij Jongerius Houten B.V., Tuin op Tafel and Jongerius Onroerend Goed B.V. at the Houten site in the Netherlands. The agreement was signed on Monday February 2nd. The location in Harmelen is not included in the transaction.
Plantenkwekerij Jongerius was declared bankrupt by the Midden-Nederland court at the end of December 2025. In early 2026, Jongerius Onroerend Goed B.V. also went bankrupt. Following this, the curator initiated a sales process for the assets and real estate, during which several parties submitted bids. According to curator Marco Guit (AMS Advocaten), Larendael submitted the highest bid and indicated that it intends to continue activities at the Houten location as much as possible, with a focus on largely organic production.
In a written statement, Wim Beelen said: "We see a lot of potential in this 30-hectare site and look forward to giving the largest organic plant nursery in the Netherlands a new lease on life. Step by step, we want to work towards a sustainable future for the food industry.
Timing and production focus
Activities at Plantenkwekerij Jongerius had already ceased prior to the bankruptcy. Larendael has indicated that it intends to restart activities, potentially in an adjusted form. The timeline for resumption is currently uncertain. According to the curator, there is time pressure if any production is to take place for the upcoming season, as many former customers have already sourced plant material elsewhere or have started in-house propagation.
Larendael has stated that the intention is to continue fully, or as much as possible, with organic production, provided this can be done in a financially responsible way. As an initial step, the company plans to restart the cultivation of organic herb and vegetable plants for the Tuin op Tafel concept. In the coming months, Larendael will map production capacity, cultivation processes and the organization before deciding which activities will be resumed in the short term.
Scope of the restart
The restart concerns the sale of assets only. Larendael will acquire the approximately 30-hectare site in Houten, including greenhouses, machinery, production lines and installations. The goodwill is part of the assets transferred. The trade name is included in the transaction, although it is not yet clear whether it will continue to be used. Assets and real estate in Harmelen fall outside the restart and will be sold separately by the curator.
All debts of Jongerius, including outstanding supplier invoices, remain in the bankruptcy estate and will be settled by the curator in accordance with statutory ranking rules. Proceeds from the restart will be distributed among creditors, excluding secured claims such as pledges and mortgages. The curator has indicated that, although it is still early to be certain, there are indications that all creditors may ultimately be paid, which could mean that a formal lawfulness investigation may not be required.
Employees and contracts
As part of the restart, Larendael may offer selected employees new employment contracts. For employees who do not receive an offer, the statutory wage guarantee scheme applies. Under Dutch law, the UWV takes over payment of outstanding wages for a maximum of 13 weeks prior to the bankruptcy date and up to six weeks thereafter. Employees not employed by the restarting entity may be entitled to unemployment benefits.
Larendael has the right, but not the obligation, to take over existing contracts with customers and suppliers. In consultation with Larendael, the curator will terminate ongoing agreements with the shortest possible notice period. Creditors may still invoke rights such as retention of title, right of retention or right of reclamation; these claims will be handled by the curator in coordination with Larendael.
Sector perspective
Jan Groen, chairman of Dutch organic sector organization Bionext, commented that the restart primarily brings clarity. "The most important thing for the organic sector was that the supply of organic plant material would not completely disappear in the short term," he said. "That issue had largely been resolved elsewhere already, but it is relevant that the physical production base and part of the knowledge can potentially be preserved."
Groen added that a rapid return to Jongerius' former role should not be assumed. "Many growers have already arranged solutions for the coming season. This moment is mainly about assessing what is feasible and how activities can be organized going forward."
Further handling of the bankruptcy
The curator will continue to wind down the parts of the bankruptcy not included in the restart, including the sale of real estate in Harmelen. Creditors can continue to submit claims to the estate. The restart does not alter the curator's statutory duties regarding settlement of the bankruptcy and distribution of proceeds.
