Your business is your life. You feel free to come and go as you please. That's a great thing. It keeps you going through wind and weather. The day will come when you will leave the yard for the last time. Even then you want to keep that feeling of freedom. And so things have to be well organized. Agricultural bankers Martin Janse and Frits Knegt help you with the transition to your new phase of life. In peace, with you at the kitchen table.
Frits has been walking around the farmyards in North Holland for about twenty years. His customers are active in arable farming, livestock farming, horticulture and flower bulbs. "Because private and business life are one in a farmer's life, I am very close to my customers. That's what makes my work so special." It makes for great stories and interesting conversations. "Farmers put their heart and soul into their business. I try to capture that enthusiasm, that's how I feel how I can help them." The sale of the company is an emotional moment. "You don't just sell your life's work," Martin clarifies. As the child of a Zeeland farmer with a mixed farm, he knows farm life inside out. "Leaving your land, animals, plants, stables, greenhouses and products behind has a lot of impact."
Keep peace
"The fact that you also have to shape your new life at the same time does not make it any easier," he continues. "Each farmer has his own story and looks at the world in his own way. Past, present and future: it must all be given a place in the new phase of life." Frits believes it is important to optimally unburden farmers with regard to the sale of their business. "We offer insight and overview and are ready with good information. Some financial issues require immediate action, others can wait. The period around the sale and relocation is not the time for major decisions, the family must first settle in. We are there to create peace."
An honest advice
The service focuses on the long term. "We take a detailed look at where the farmer is now, what his wishes are and where he wants to go," Martin says. "Together we map out the optimal route. With such a capital plan there is a solid foundation, financial solutions are a logical consequence of this. It enables us to always approach everything in a coherent way." Such a plan is a collaboration between customer and bank. "If we can properly understand the personal ideas, wishes and motives of the farmer, we can really stand next to him," says Frits. "In this way we can perfectly match our advice with his dreamed future."
Access to expertise
"The fact that we are there for them at such an important moment in their lives is very valuable for farmers," says Martin. "It starts with trust. You have to have a personal click and speak the same language. Our customers also appreciate the fact that we can be reached very easily and directly." The bankers are knowledgeable. "We have a lot of in-house expertise, both financially and agriculturally," Frits adds. "We supplement our financial knowledge with special training courses that touch on farmers' issues. That also applies to the financial specialists in our team."
Together for the best solution
Martin points out the importance of a lasting relationship. "A lot of our advice covers a long period of time, so our focus is always on the future." Where necessary, the bankers liaise with the customer's accountant, tax specialist or broker. "For a farmer who sells his business and often also his home, a lot happens in a short time," Frits outlines. "All those loose ends have to fit together, we shouldn't get into each other's wheels. By standing together around the farmer at such a moment, we can achieve the optimal result."
In for a conversation at the kitchen table?
Would you like to exchange thoughts about your life beyond the horizon? 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 Martin Janse, 06-51279823 or martin.janse@nl.abnamro.com
On our website we would be happy to tell you more about what we can do for you.