Brouns asks for clarity as soon as possible after Dumarey’s new offer
Flemish Minister of Work Jo Brouns (CD&V) is asking for clarity as soon as possible after it was announced on Monday evening that businessman Guido Dumarey has made an offer for bus builder Van Hool. “I think that in these difficult times everyone is longing for a decision as soon as possible,” he said Radio 1.
Van Hool announced its bankruptcy on Monday. It was already known that there was a takeover bid from VDL Groep and Schmitz Cargobull, in which fewer than a thousand jobs would be retained. On Monday evening it was announced in the media that Dumarey had found a new partner – ABC, the American distributor of Van Hool – and made a new takeover offer, with which he said he could save more jobs.
Minister Brouns now hopes that the curators will investigate the new offer as quickly as possible to determine its soundness. “I can only conclude that he has made a new offer,” said Brouns, who cannot comment on the plan itself. “For me it is paramount that we can make a new start with a strong party that retains as many jobs as possible in Flanders,” said the minister. If the plan includes a request for support from the Flemish government, “we will look at it with the greatest goodwill,” Brouns added. In the past, the government has already provided support with guarantees on loans, and is now prepared to use all instruments at its disposal, such as guarantees or training support.
Brouns does not understand the opposition’s criticism that the Flemish government bears a “crushing responsibility” in the Van Hool bankruptcy. “The file has been closely monitored by the Flemish government and I am doing everything within my capabilities to help and support the company,” said Brouns. The affected employees are supported by the VDAB.