Sales Stoppelenburg funeral home

Description

Cees Kamsteeg and Corneel Krijgsman had both been working in the funeral industry for years when they came into contact with each other in 2017. In 2018, they get the opportunity to take over funeral home operator Stoppelenburg together. Five years later, Cees also takes over Corneel's share. Finc supported Cees and Corneel in both acquisitions.

From a young age

Guiding funerals is something Cees grew up with. He has been working in the funeral business since childhood. An industry with versatile work. "Funeral counseling is a profession that involves a lot. From intense and personal to business and administrative. We try to make people feel safe and secure during an emotional process. We do that with genuine interest and empathy".

Acquisition

Corneel had been working for the Stoppelenburg company for some time and was asked to take over the business in 2017. Together with Cees, he dared to take on this challenge. They started the adventure with a clear vision: "We all grew up in this region and feel personally involved with the families we accompany. We know and respect the customs and traditions of the past but also like to inspire new ideas. Like an online music book that allows the family of a deceased person to compile a music list at home. We want to connect to the wishes of the present time," Corneel indicates.

Process

The acquisition of a family business that has existed since 1956 is not without emotion. A process in which Edward Gaakeer RA and Dennis Ligthart AA RV of Finc Corporate Finance took a careful approach. Edward explains, "With a takeover we have to deal with a valuation and a counter valuation. What is the company worth? What is a realistic valuation? With the right substantiation and keeping calm in the various discussions, the right path was found." Dennis: "Former owner Kees van Stoppelenburg has been involved with the business for quite some time after the acquisition. This shows that we were able to conclude the negotiations in a good way. We therefore look back on a nice process with a successful conclusion".

Invest

Over the past five years, Corneel and Cees worked hard to modernize the four funeral homes that belong to Stoppelenburg Uitvaartverzorging. From the interior to the technology, the website and even the clothing, everything was renewed. During these years, the business has experienced nice growth. Corneel is proud of what has been achieved: "Not only modernizing our business but also our personal approach makes families choose us. Besides sincere interest, we know what questions are important and we are personally involved. We provide not only funeral services from the first moment but also aftercare. We offer a total package in which we respond to all wishes in an innovative way in a traditional market."

Second acquisition

In early 2023, Corneel shared his desire with Cees to take his future in a different direction. This was an opportunity for Cees to take full ownership of the business: "Corneel and I have known each other for a long time. We wish each other the very best. That's why we started the process of the acquisition with great confidence. Finc supported us to make sure the acquisition went smoothly."

Careful but smooth

Cees' and Corneel's confidence in Finc ensured that Finc could not only look after Cees' interest, but also Corneel's. Edward and Dennis provided an independent valuation of the business. Dennis indicates: "Since we both know Cees and Corneel well, it was a challenge to value completely independently. But we remained in good communication with both gentlemen. The topics from the individual discussions were also openly discussed in the joint discussions. This allowed the acquisition to take place in a careful but smooth manner."

Future

Cees looks to the future positively: "Corneel will remain involved in the business as co-director for the time being. We are looking to a future in which we continue to offer the same quality and in which we embrace local cooperation and connection with the environment and other entrepreneurs and with the goal of being allowed to continue to grow."