TotaalVERS is a full-service regional B2B foodservice producer and wholesaler with a strong focus on local, honest, and sustainable products. While the company once started as a fruit and vegetable supplier, it has grown into a total supplier of both food and non-food products, with a clear specialization in the care & cure sector.
As a family business, TotaalVERS combines these wholesale activities with the production of fresh meals, meal components, and sliced vegetables. Since 2019, the company has been located in Spijkenisse, and in 2021 and 2022, investments were made in a modern production facility where all activities were brought under one roof. This investment has led to more efficient production processes, lower operational costs, and improved profitability. With over 120 employees and a flexible layer of around 50 temporary workers, TotaalVERS distinguishes itself through customer focus, quality, and a strong regional presence.
The shareholders have been involved in TotaalVERS for most of their working lives and have jointly built the company to where it is today. Although the potential of the recently realized warehouse and production facility has not yet been fully utilized, the shareholders expect that a strategic investor will be better positioned to make optimal use of this capacity and achieve further economies of scale.
The challenge
The sale of TotaalVERS involved a family business that had been built up by the shareholders over a large part of their working lives. This made the process not only complex in terms of content, but also emotionally. In addition to the business aspects, personal considerations, continuity of the company, and the interests of employees played an important role.
Given the emotional involvement and the importance of a careful handover, it was essential that the process was structured, confidential, and well-thought-out. Only in this way could the shareholders make decisions with confidence, and could the long-term continuity of the company be secured.
Beyond the deal
Maasdael guided the entire process, focusing on a structured and transparent approach right from the start. Through clear communication, meticulous preparation, and continuous alignment with the shareholders, clarity and stability were maintained throughout the process. Maasdael acted as a sounding board for both strategic and personal considerations and ensured that the shareholders were always well-informed to make well-considered decisions. The high level of commitment and accessibility of the team, also outside regular working hours, contributed to a smooth and efficient process.
The process led to a successful sale of TotaalVERS to Eetgemak Group / Gilde Healthcare. For the shareholders, this marked the conclusion of an intensive period, allowing them to hand over the company with peace of mind. The continuity of the business is guaranteed, as is the future for employees and customers. This gave the shareholders the confidence that TotaalVERS is in good hands and can develop further, while they themselves have the space to focus on a next phase after the transition period.
The value of sector knowledge
This transaction aligns closely with broader developments within the food sector, where consolidation, scaling, professionalization, and sustainability are central. The sale of TotaalVERS illustrates that regional, family-driven enterprises are attractive to both strategic parties and private equity.
Additionally, this transaction shows that succession issues and growth potential increasingly converge in a sales process, whereby a new owner can contribute to realizing further growth. This offers opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to take their company to the next phase, as well as for parties seeking to strengthen their position in the market through acquisitions.
