Intent: VDL Groep fully acquires De Meeuw

Photo caption: The Meeuw in Oirschot is a specialist in flexible and modular housing solutions for, among others, healthcare, education, business, and housing associations.

The industrial family business VDL Groep, headquartered in Eindhoven, intends to fully acquire De Meeuw from Oirschot. Since 2015, VDL has held a 50 percent stake in De Meeuw. De Meeuw specialises in flexible and modular housing solutions for sectors including healthcare, education, business, and housing associations. This company, with manufacturing sites in Oirschot and Willebroek (Belgium), employs over 400 staff and reported an annual turnover of €180 million (2022). Under the VDL banner, the company will continue as VDL De Meeuw.

Photo caption: Image from De Meeuw's factory in Oirschot.

Sustainable housing solutions

De Meeuw constructs sustainable temporary and permanent accommodations that provide a pleasant living and working environment. Featuring a healthy indoor climate, high comfort, good lighting, and pleasant acoustics. Additionally, the buildings have low energy consumption. Because De Meeuw's modular units are sustainably deployable, they emit 55 percent less CO₂ compared to traditional construction and achieve a 95 percent reduction in construction waste. Modular building makes it easier to adapt smoothly and grow with changing needs, desires, and requirements. De Meeuw's building modules are also recyclable for new projects.

Synergy benefits

René Meeuwissen, outgoing shareholder of De Meeuw: “The market for flexible, modular, and sustainable housing is growing rapidly. De Meeuw has successfully grown with this development over the past few years and is in a position to transform into a leader in this market. The brand and market share of De Meeuw in the growth markets of care, housing, and education have been strengthened, mainly due to our sustainable proposition. De Meeuw continues to focus on further sustainability, industrialization of the construction process, and expanding the service proposition for our customers. VDL Groep possesses extensive knowledge in automation and industrialization, enabling significant synergy between our two family businesses. With VDL Groep's investment capacity, De Meeuw is capable of implementing the strategy it has set. Moreover, our customers and employees are assured of a very strong, internationally operating Dutch parent company, ensuring a certain and successful future. I am convinced that De Meeuw is in good hands with VDL. Furthermore, I am pleased that, in close consultation with VDL, it has been decided that I will continue the activities in Romania.”

Power through collaboration

President-director Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “With the acquisition of De Meeuw, we further strengthen our position in Infratech, one of the ‘five worlds of VDL’, and can continue to respond to the high demand for various forms of housing. Since 2015, we have already held a 50 percent stake in De Meeuw. Given the growth potential of the modular housing market and the synergies with our current activities, we see opportunities with this acquisition to contribute further to the realisation of affordable and sustainable homes for everyone. Additionally, considering nitrogen issues, sustainable construction with shorter lead times and reusable homes is becoming increasingly important. We are also keen to continue contributing to this societal transition.”

About The Seagull

The Meeuw Group was founded in 1929. The company, with branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Romania, is engaged in the production of flexible and modular housing. The Meeuw offers clients a wide range of housing solutions in the sectors of healthcare, education, government, business and residential. In addition, the company provides rental of temporary emergency facilities up to the lease or sale of semi-permanent and permanent solutions. The Meeuw Group remains active under VDL Groep in the Netherlands and Belgium. Cros Construct, the branch in Romania, will be continued by René Meeuwissen.
www.demeeuw.com