We see it more and more often: Dutch entrepreneurs who transfer their business to an international buyer. It is a construction that can be interesting for both buyer and seller. However, with international deals there are other aspects to consider.
Doing business internationally
The Netherlands is increasingly interesting to foreign strategic parties and investment companies. This is because the Netherlands has a healthy economic climate and a good geographical location in Europe. International companies are therefore setting their sights on Dutch businesses to gain a better foothold here.
As a Dutch entrepreneur, a foreign takeover is interesting because these strategic and capital-rich parties often choose a construction that preserves their own identity and keeps the Dutch business intact. In short: not much changes. Name, premises and employees are often retained. This in fact often makes it easier for the international buyer to achieve results in the Netherlands.
More complexity
Basically, though, an international deal is many times more complex. There are more issues that can play a significant role. After all, each country has its own regulations and legal and tax system. Therefore, make sure you hire advisers who know the rules and guidelines of the country in question. In the takeover world, the bigger the deal, the more advisers are involved. Often an international buyer sits down with a large team of advisers to compensate for the lack of knowledge of the Dutch legal and tax system.
Different country, different culture
Within an international sales process, you have to deal with your own customs, norms and values. Take differences in language and culture into account. Familiarize yourself with the buying party's background. Simple example: in Germany things are often handled more formally and in France there is more bureaucracy. Whereas in the Netherlands we often take a more direct approach. Make sure that you do not offend anyone on the buying side.
An international sales process requires better coordination because of its complexity. Always engage an expert acquisition advisor with an international network and proven approach.
