VDL is to keep 1,600 Van Hool’s workers. New distribution agreement signed with ABC for the US

VDL Groep has stated in a press note out on 11th June that its purchase of Van Hool will save around “1,600 jobs in the high-quality European bus industry with immediate effect”.

Goal of the takeover is “to further strengthen the activities of its Buses division“. However, it is stressed, VDL will not integrate the acquired Van Hool operations into its bus and coach activities. Van Hool will remain as a VDL-owned brand.

The purchase has recently received green light from European competition authorities. A few steps behind: Van Hool announced the plan to stop production of city buses (and relocating business in Macedonia) on 11th March 2024. On 8th April, was declared bankrupt. VDL – Schmitz Cargobull’s bid has been chosen by trustees in Van Hool’s case as the best fit to ensure continuity in the company on 10th April 2024.

Van Hool – VDL – ABC

Concerning Van Hool’s site in Koningshooikt (Belgium), “around 250 Van Hool employees will be hired who will work in areas such as parts production, after-sales, purchasing, development and finance. Agreement has been reached with the trade unions on the terms of employment”, the Dutch group says. VDL is also taking over Van Hool’s production facility in northern Macedonia which employs around 1,350 people.

Furthermore, VDL Groep will take over all intellectual property, design rights, software, product names, tools and machinery from Van Hool. In the meanwhile, VDL has reached a 10-year exclusive distribution agreements with traditional distributor ABC Companies to supply Van Hool buses in the United States and Canada.  

President and CEO Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: ‘We are pleased to announce that we have been able to acquire parts of Van Hool. These parts offer added value to our bus and coach activities, enabling us to further strengthen our position as a bus manufacturer. The strategic collaboration with our US partner ABC Companies enables us to further shape our international activities”.

 “The acquisition and continued partnership with VDL Groep represent a pivotal evolution for ABC Companies, fortifying our market offerings and reinforcing our role as industry leaders in supporting our customers and adopting advanced transportation technologies,” said Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies, in a press note by ABC announcing the new distribution deal. “This collaboration not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our commitment to innovation, customer service and quality, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers.”