Multiple Parties are interested to acquire Bankrupt Chilled Potato Producer CelaVita.

Following the recent announcement of CêlaVíta's bankruptcy, several companies have expressed interest in acquiring the Dutch producer of chilled potatoes. This raises cautious hopes for a possible restart, according to bankruptcy trustee Frans Aartsen.

Frans Aartsen:

"We still have to see how serious the interest is, but I'm optimistic about the possibilities of a restart." He is keeping the interest details secret."

The company, founded in 1967, had been struggling with financial problems for some time. CêlaVíta supplied pre-cut potatoes and seasoned potato wedges to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. In the event of bankruptcy, a judge always appoints a bankruptcy trustee.

This is an external person, often a lawyer specializing in bankruptcy law. The trustee must then investigate how creditors can recoup some of their money and whether there are any buyers for the company.

Layoff

CêlaVíta's employees have been informed that they are being laid off due to the bankruptcy. According to the trustee, this concerns 171 people who were employed.

Due to this layoff, their wages will be paid by the UWV benefits agency for a maximum of the next six weeks. In addition to the permanent staff, temporary workers were also employed.

Potato products are no longer being produced at the factory in Wezep. There is also no more stock available for delivery. Jumbo announced last week that the supply of CêlaVíta products at the supermarket chain has been limited for some time. Jumbo says it has private-label products as an alternative. Albert Heijn expects a brief interruption in the supply of chilled potatoes.

Albert Heijn: 

"We expect to be back to our normal availability by the end of this week."

According to Margreet Pasman of the FNV union, the bankruptcy did not come as a surprise.

Margreet Pasman:

"Not for the people who worked there either. Things had been deteriorating for some time. But it is very painful."

According to Pasman, the factory was outdated and lacked maintenance.