Ever since the January signing of a declaration of intent between Sint-Katelijne-Waver-based Mechelse Veilingen and Zelik-based Coöbra, a merger of the two Belgian auctions has always been on the cards.
However, last week's first meeting between the auctions directors signalled a further step in this direction, with both managements signing a proposal to merge, according to Freshplaza.
The report stated that several points had been agreed on, including the articles of association, the domestic regulations of the new business, a commercial policy, working logistics, information platforms and an organogram.
According to Filip Fontaine, general director ofCoöbra, the merger should be completed by the beginning of 2013.
'Both theMechelse Veilingenand Coöbra will disappear completely,' he said. 'There will be acompletely new name. We now await the decision of the growers.'
The new group would control more than half of all Belgian vegetables, Fontaine revealed, adding that the move would be a blessing for the horticulture sector and good news for growers.
