'Nevertheless, Van Zijderveld sought a new partner and found
one in H2 Equity Partners. `All during this period we were work-
ing together on a new bid, unsure if it would ever make it to the
negotiation table. In the end, I don't think anyone believed in it
any longer.' But Robert Boersma kept on saying: `A deal is not
a deal until the ink is dry and the money is on the table. Until
thatmoment,anythingispossible.'WhenSmurfitKappacutoff
thenegotiationsjustbeforethefinishingline,VanZijderveldwas
sitting on the sidelines, more than ready to forge ahead with a
second attempt this time with success.
All during this period we were working together on a
new bid, unsure if it would ever make it to the negotia-
tion table. In the end, I don't think anyone believed in
it any longer
New incarnation
After a couple of incarnations as an engineer with Shell's tanker
fleetinoilexplorationoffthecoastofTunisiaandthenman-
agingseveralcorrugatedboardfactoriesand,finally,agraphic
boardcompany,thisishowhisfifthcareergotofftheground.
`When I became a co-owner, I honestly thought the work would
not change for me. I would even be embarrassed on Kappa's
behalf, if that were so. To be honest, it really is different: it's much
more fun when the company is actually partly yours. These days,
I'm no longer ashamed to admit it.
'The greatest change within Eska itself, where the whole man-
agement team eventually bought shares, is the noticeable speed
with which work is completed. `It takes a little time before every-
one realises what it means to have a personal investment. Pre-
viously, as a result of being part of a large group, some people
used to think in periods of months, but now there's a lot of busi-
ness you can turn round within a week, or even a day for that
matter.'
To be honest, it really is different: it's much more fun
when the company is actually partly yours
Van Zijderveld's sixth life should start within a few years when,
according to plan, he retires from Eska. `If this works out, there
shouldbenofinanciallimitations.MywifeandIthenwouldlike
to go travelling; Patagonia, China and Peru are on our list. But
we would also like to actively support those who are unable to
make it on their own. I'm a strong believer in the micro credit sys-
tem and I'm fascinated by Africa; using my experience, I would
like to help people build something up.' To achieve this, a good
departure needs to take place. `One we will celebrate in a big-
way, at which point we will certainly remember all the people we
owe this to.'
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
58
59