SVZ: the unique merger of two established family businesses

The rapidly changing transport sector brought new challenges for both family businesses. Sustainability, automation and the need for scale forced both companies to think about their future in good time. At the same time, emotional and personal considerations played an important role.

“Our children are still young, and we didn’t want to give them full responsibility for a company of this size straight away,” explains Jos Zandbergen of Zandbergen Transport. “At the same time, we knew the market required scale and professionalisation. By partnering with a strong ally, we can grow while laying a solid foundation for our children within the family business.”

For Robert van Straalen of VSDV too, it was about more than purely business interests: "As a family business, joining forces with another company is always exciting. The culture and values of both companies had to be preserved. But we knew this was the right choice to make our businesses stronger and more future-proof. Rembrandt M&A made sure we always stayed aligned, even during difficult discussions. That's why it truly feels like a merger."

The approach: personal guidance and strategic precision

Rembrandt M&A was brought in to guide this unique merger. With a focus on speed, efficiency and preserving the identity of both companies, they developed a careful strategic plan and roadmap for the process. "Rembrandt M&A helped us meet our deadlines," Jos says. "With the right pace and efficiency, they managed to bring about a merger that worked for both parties."

A clear strategic plan brought everyone on board, from management to family members. Rober explains: "The people at Rembrandt M&A, together with our financial teams, put together an excellent strategic plan. Everyone stuck to it, which kept the process tight and clear. Within five months, we achieved something that normally takes years. That's genuinely remarkable for two companies of this size."

Alongside the strategy, personal guidance played a crucial role. "What I found special was how Rembrandt M&A involved not just us, but also our families and even the children in the process," Rober explains. "They would simply come by to explain everything clearly. That brought real peace of mind during such an intensive process." Rembrandt M&A also helped value both companies, allowing the merger to take place on a 50/50 basis. This was essential in creating a fair and balanced starting point for the partnership. "Rembrandt M&A supported us in drawing up a valuation that did justice to both companies," Jos says. "That allowed us to start the merger on an equal footing, which mattered enormously to us."

What makes this merger unique

• Two renowned family businesses in an equal merger. It is rare for companies with such strong identities to decide to merge on a 50/50 basis.
• Moving into the future together while preserving culture and values. Both companies pursued scale and innovation without losing their core values.
• Speed and efficiency. With specialised advisors from Rembrandt's network, the process was completed within five months, an unprecedented result.

Looking ahead: growth and innovation

This merger was more than a business transaction: it brought together two families, two cultures and a shared vision for the future. SVZ Transport is now a strong player in the transport sector, with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and automation. The merger has won several awards, including a nomination for best transaction of the year in 2024.

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