Gert and his brother John Arling jointly run a successful arable farm with veal calves. As entrepreneurs, they are constantly working to strengthen their operations and make them future-proof.
Like every entrepreneur, they too have faced limitations in recent years. Attempts to build a manure silo and to expand at the current location failed to materialize. The search for a suitable location in the region, where arable farming and veal calf farming would optimally complement each other, also yielded no concrete results for a long time.
That changed this spring. A large arable farm with veal calves came up for sale in the region, which was also being offered in parts. A promising development, but also a significant step. The primary banker indicated that they viewed this expansion as a major step, requiring a well-founded business plan.
From ambition to a solidly substantiated plan
Gert contacted Arjan Ausma from Farmers Funding & Advice (FFA), to discuss the possibilities. During this initial meeting, the plan quickly took shape. They considered not only the financial feasibility, but also the overall picture: the strategic added value for the company, the financial feasibility, the tax implications, and the future sustainability of this step.
Together with FFA, the plan was further developed into a comprehensive and clear business plan. After submitting it to the bank, approval was granted, and negotiations could begin. These negotiations included not only the purchase itself but also the financing terms with the bank. This resulted in a clear financial advantage for the entrepreneurs.
Financial management in a complex process
In the lead-up to the actual transfer, FFA and the real estate agency explored the possibility of a land exchange. Because multiple parties were involved, this required coordination, direction, and specialized knowledge of agricultural real estate. By developing a careful exchange schedule and consulting with the notary and all parties involved, the transfer was ultimately possible via land exchange. This resulted in significant savings on transfer tax.
A strategic reinforcement for the future
Last week, the deed was signed, and all parties involved have happily embarked on their new phase. For Gert and John, this represents a significant strategic strengthening of their company. In the coming period, they will be working with Arjan and Jasper Timmerman of FFA to assess this acquisition and how it can be optimally integrated into the existing business. There's also the option of utilizing the hybrid structure, which was established several years ago. They will also be considering Gijs, a potential successor who has already expressed interest.
Looking back on the entire process, satisfaction prevails. Not only with the final result, but especially with the process itself. A process in which clarity, trust, and professionalism were paramount, and in which entrepreneurs, real estate agents, notaries, and the bank collaborated effectively.
As Gert and John summarized it: "This process went exceptionally smoothly. The combination of financial and tax knowledge, in-depth expertise in agricultural real estate, and Arjan's role as property manager clearly made the difference for us."
Farmers Funding & Advice guides entrepreneurs through complex strategic choices and investment challenges. They do this with direction, insight, and a focus on the long term. This ensures that growth remains not only possible but also responsible.