Crossminds assisted in the merger between Waterdrinker on one side, and OZ Planten and Hamiplant (part of the Dutch Flower Group) on the other.

The companies will collaborate on a strategic level under the name Dutch Plant Group. This alliance will create one of the largest international trading companies in the ornamental horticulture sector, focusing on plants. The companies expect to benefit from the merger through product innovation, digitalization, and improving the efficiency of the supply chain.

Waterdrinker is one of the largest global traders of indoor and outdoor plants, with a focus on product innovation and partnerships with growers and breeders. With approximately 350 employees and an annual turnover of around €230 million, they supply large-scale retailers and florists daily.

OZ Planten supplies wholesale companies, florist chains, and large-scale retailers, such as garden centers and hardware stores, as well as specialty trade businesses in both the Netherlands and other European countries. Hamiplant focuses on supplying large-scale retailers, such as supermarket chains, garden centers, and hardware stores, as well as wholesalers and specialty trade businesses across Europe.

Dutch Flower Group is a family business specializing in international trade within the ornamental horticulture sector, dealing in both flowers and plants. With a turnover of €1.7 billion and more than three thousand employees, it is the largest global trader in ornamental horticulture. “We foresee a particularly bright future for plants,” says Van Zijverden, CEO of DFG. While flower sales are expected to decline by 8% this year due to the coronavirus crisis, plants are experiencing significant growth.

Collaboration

This partnership strengthens the innovation power within the ornamental horticulture sector. By sharing knowledge and leveraging the international network of breeders and plant growers, Dutch Plant Group aims to further develop product innovation, from breeding to end markets. Both Waterdrinker, OZ Planten, and Hamiplant will continue to serve their individual customers with their existing teams. At the same time, opportunities from the collaboration will be utilized to offer a wider and more exclusive range of plants by tapping into the extensive network of growers.

Crossminds

Crossminds led the entire merger process on behalf of Waterdrinker, from valuations, determining exchange ratios, and conducting due diligence, to transaction support. The due diligence process was carried out in collaboration with specialists from DRV Accountants & Adviseurs.

Those involved in guiding the merger included:

• Deal Team: Martin de Jong and Lars van Heeren
• Due Diligence Team: Pieter Poortvliet, Arjen van de Velde, Niels Meijer, and Donna van der Ven
• From DRV Accountants & Adviseurs: Werner van Zundert (VAT), Rick Wiegmans and Tom de Rijke (Corporate Tax), Tamara van Mourik (Wage Tax), Melissa Schroevers (Personnel), and Ramon de Jong (Pensions)
• The merger was legally supported in close cooperation with Eric Spreij from Herik & Verhulst Attorneys.

A merger is a complex process that requires the right knowledge and expertise. Crossminds specializes in mergers and acquisitions and frequently conducts due diligence investigations. In combination with DRV Accountants & Adviseurs, we can offer a wide range of expertise.

Crossminds assisted in the merger between Waterdrinker and OZ Planten and Hamiplant (part of Dutch Flower Group).