Versdirect.nl VDN wide

Members of Dutch producer organisation Versdirect.nl have voted by overwhelming majority in favour of a proposed takeover of two Netherlands-based fresh produce trading houses, Combilo and Scherpenhuizen.

Previously known as Vers Direct Nederland (VDN), Versdirect.nl says the takeover will enhance strategic cooperation which already exists between the organisations.

Following yesterday's special general meeting, chairman Dick Oosthoek described the acquisition as an historic and important step in the company's development.

'An intensive period of preparation and planning has brought us a good result,' he explained. 'But at the same time we are only at the beginning. Now we must carry out the integration so that the benefits will have an effect on our member producers as quickly as possible.'

The merger of the three companies is expected to have a positive impact on the returns paid to producers by improving efficiency and marketing through the supply chain.

Versdirect.nl must now seek final approval of the merger from the Dutch Competition Authority (NMa) and banking institutions.