VDL has secured the necessary approvals from European competition authorities for the acquisition of Van Hool, marking the final hurdle before the takeover can be completed. The curator of the bankrupt Belgian bus builder, Jeroen Pinoy, announced that all legal details will be sorted out by the end of the week.
In March, a binding offer was accepted and an agreement in principle was reached between VDL and Van Hool for the transfer of their bus and coach division. In addition to approvals in Belgium and the Netherlands, VDL also needed authorization from authorities in Sweden, Austria, and North Macedonia. All of these approvals were granted without any objections.
The exact number of employees that VDL will retain in Lier and specific projects they will undertake will be determined post-takeover. Christophe Van Audenhove, secretary of the liberal trade union ACLVB, expressed satisfaction with the progress and clear perspective being offered to employees. Discussions are ongoing with both VDL and GRW to ensure a smooth transition.
GRW, a South African company with a 33 percent ownership by German Schmitz Cargobull, has committed to retaining a maximum of 350 jobs in the long term. Around 100 employees are already in place at Lier’s facilities. Conversations with GRW have been described as constructive despite some challenges regarding proposed changes to employment conditions, particularly concerning the number of days off per employee. Despite these challenges, both VDL and GRW are working towards a successful transition and retaining jobs in the company.
