The takeover of the Dutch Oostappen Holiday Parks is keeping the media busy. “And quite a few reports are appearing that are not (completely) correct.” Says Jeroen Ferrara, who is assisting Taeke Dijkstra in the takeover process. So what is the situation? Ferrara is willing to provide some clarification on the situation.
De Three financiers involved in the original takeover deal are now out of the picture. Ferrara: “These are parties with a good name, and they were scared off by all the negative publicity surrounding the seizure and the media attention. These parties are not being made public. Period!”
There is a attempt was made to cancel the purchase contract. Ferrara: "That seemed like a plan that could turn out both in favor of Oostappen and Taeke Dijkstra. It will not have escaped you that the guide was not accepted."
The takeover is in full swing. Ferrara: “We are in talks with various parties that are interested in the parks. These talks are already well advanced. What is still hanging over are the ‘loose ends’ that were not yet filled in in the contract between Peter Gillis and Taeke Dijkstra. That information is with the broker, who is doing his best to fill in the missing information. That gives potential parties, including an Italian party, the clarity they deserve.”
We keep the horizon as broad as possible. Ferrara: "Ultimately, we want to make the deal concrete as soon as possible. In the meantime, a few 'local heroes' have also approached me to inquire whether individual parks could also be taken over. As a true Groninger, I appreciate these kinds of local initiatives, with courage, and so we are looking at all options.
It is in everyone's interest to to keep up the pace. Ferrara: “Dijkstra, Gillis, but also the municipalities involved, all benefit from a quick solution. Nobody wants ghost parks where the grass is a meter high in the gutter and where the regional retailers cannot earn a cent. Personally, I am busy concluding the deal with Gillis as quickly as possible, with the principle that everyone is satisfied; Peter, us, any partners and buyers.”
Ferrara would like to emphasize that in the article from Omroep Brabant there was no 'open call' for new takeover candidates, but: "My statement about the 'local heroes' was only meant as a positive addition. To inform what happens behind the scenes and that even local heroes (entrepreneurs or not) are standing up to see if they can buy a park together."
More information; www.jeroenferrara.com/contact