Versdirect.nl VDN

Dutch producer organisation Versdirect.nl is considering a possibletakeover of two Netherlands-based fresh produce trading houses, Combiloand Scherpenhuizen, according to a report in German weekly Fruchthandel.

The company is set to assess the potential takeover at a specially convened general assembly next Tuesday, 19 May.

Versdirect.nl, previously known as Vers Direct Nederland (VDN), said theaim of the proposed takeover would be to enhance strategic cooperationwhich already exists between the organisations.

'Today's developments in the fruit and vegetable industry underlinethe need for such a step,' commented Versdirect.nl chairman DickOosthoek. 'In addition, the producers will receive more insight intocurrent market trends and pricing.'

However, a spokesman for Scherpenhuizen told Fruchthandel that atakeover was just one of a number of possible developments and onewhich, were it to take place, should not be seen as a result of theglobal recession.

A takeover of the shares in Versdirect.nl currently owned by Dutch trading group Levarht is not currently under discussion.