VDL-Schmitz best cards to take over bankrupt Van Hool

According to business newspaper De Tijd, the industrial combination VDL-Schmitz Cargobull is in pole position for the takeover of Van Hool. The company is said to have bid approximately 200 million for parts from the bankrupt bus maker.

The West Flemish entrepreneur Guido Dumarey would have offered a similar amount, but according to several sources that De Tijd spoke to, VDL-Schmitz has an advantage. The companies have experience in the sector, which means they enjoy economies of scale and synergy compared to Dumarey. Moreover, their vision is closest to that of Van Hool crisis manager Marc Zwaaneveld.

In his reorganization plan, 1,100 jobs would be cut in Flanders, Van Hool would divest the city bus branch and shift the production of coaches entirely to the factory in North Macedonia.