Your business is your life. The feeling of freedom is what drives you. The day will come when you will leave the yard for the last time. Still as a farmer, but without a company. Even then you want to feel free. And things have to be arranged properly. Of course in a way that suits you.
Agricultural bankers Pieter Smeenk and Klaas Haanstra guide you on your way to this new phase. Just at your kitchen table.
A new twist
Pieter has been walking around the farmyards in the Netherlands for about twenty years. "A farmer who sells his company is on an emotional roller coaster. You then say goodbye to what you love to do most and therefore also to your way of life." It is also a time to look ahead. "Life doesn't stop, it takes a new turn", Pieter emphasizes. "To let go of the old life and shape the new at the same time makes it difficult. I think it's very special that we can help a farming family at such an important moment in their lives."
First a period of rest
Klaas recognizes the sentiment of the last harvest like no other, he himself comes from an agricultural family. For many years he advised dairy farmers about their business and now assists farmers who are quitting. "Every farmer looks at the world in a different way. That new life must fit in seamlessly, also financially." It starts with wealth planning. "We first look at the current situation and the wishes for the future, together we map out the optimal route." He believes in a period of calm after the sale. "That is not the time for big decisions. Only when the family is settled do we make the plans concrete."
An honest advice
“Everything we do focuses on the long term,” he continues. "We don't believe in quick solutions. If the farmer allows us to share his personal ideas and motives, we can really stand beside him." Farmers would rather talk about their land than about money. "The conversations we have are about the new life," Pieter outlines. "We take care of the translation into financial solutions and monitor the mutual coherence. We take the whole family along step by step."
Every customer has its own story
The bankers know farm life inside out. "Every situation is different," says Pieter. "One farmer sells his farm to his children, the other to a stranger. The question is also what the farmer wants to do after the sale. Does he want to enjoy his old age or do he want to stay active? And also the personal vision of the farmer influences our services."
Building a lasting relationship
"We always look for the best solution for the customer," says Klaas. "Where necessary, we consult with the accountant, tax specialist or real estate agent." There is also a lot of financial expertise in-house. "Based on the wishes and needs of the customer, we put together a team of specialists," says Pieter. "Everything comes together with Klaas and me, we are the primary contact person. No tape with us, but just a mobile number and the right person on the line immediately."
In for a conversation at the kitchen table?
Would you like to exchange thoughts about your life after the sale? Or are you curious about what you should take into account when selling your company? Then we would be happy to visit you.
Make an appointment right away?
Please contact: Pieter Smeenk, 06-51258230 or pieter.smeenk@nl.abnamro.com
On our website we would be happy to tell you more about what we can do for you.