The Morel Group acquired Kwekerij Koen, based in Monster in the Netherlands, and signed the agreement on December 15.
Eric Beaude and Aad Koen
Kwekerij Koen is a family business founded over 80 years ago and is run by Aad Koen, who has developed a wide range of varieties comprising around twenty species of botanical Cyclamen, in particular Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum. Aad Koen has also selected other species: around ten varieties of Helleborus, mainly Niger, and orientalis, but also foetidus and interspecific, as well as varieties of Nerine and Tulbaghia. Aad Koen will accompany this new project until 2025, the time needed to pass on his passion and his knowledge to the Morel teams.
"This acquisition will enable the Morel group to step up its approach as a passionate and responsible creator of varieties and to take a practical approach to the creation of new varieties that are more tolerant of extreme climatic conditions and more economical in their production cycle."
"With this acquisition, Morel Diffusion is resolutely implementing its development plan and will thus strengthen its position as one of the leading companies in Cyclamen breeding, diversify its genetic offering in line with the Group's strong and concrete policy of Corporate Social Responsibility, and ensure the continuity and development of Koen's customer service."
with Guy Schertzer, Sales Manager at Morel
Eric Beaude, CEO of Morel: "We are very pleased to have been able to offer Aad KOEN the continuity of his enormous work as a breeder. We are going to maintain Koen's existing business and keep the staff in place. Priority will be given to continuing to serve Koen's existing customers, and then to developing international trade by taking advantage of Morel's extensive network, furthermore to strengthen consumer appeal for this exceptional genus of Cyclamen. The combination of Cyclamen persicum and its botanical cousins promises great innovation in the future. Thanks to our team of field technicians, we will take up the challenge of strengthening our à la carte advice service with these species that are new to us."
Aad Koen, director of Kwekerij Koen: "I'm delighted that a Cyclamen professional like Morel is interested in my work of over 50 years. As I have no successor in my family, this agreement to sell my business guarantees the continuity of my varieties for my customers, as well as the jobs of our team. I'm convinced that the two teams will quickly be able to establish promising synergies to the great satisfaction of our customers. I'll be working alongside the Morel group to ensure that the transfer is as smooth as possible and that the Koen quality is maintained."
Morel at IPM Essen
Eager to learn more about Morel and their varieties? They will be exhibiting at the IPM Essen in Germany from January 23-26 in Hall 6 Stand 6G14
For more information:
S.A.S. MOREL Diffusion
2565, Rue de Montourey
83600 Fréjus, France
www.cyclamen.com