“The relationship between Japan and the Netherlands holds great potential for growth and collaboration,” said Radboud Molijn, managing director of Global Bridges.
“That has been true 425 years ago, but it also promises successful forms of cooperation in the future. Both countries share a rich history of trade, and our cultural exchanges make this partnership unique. The Netherlands is a good base for Japanese newcomers in the European market, both from a tax and logistics perspective, and everybody speaks English!”
Global Bridges focuses on supporting Japanese companies with their business development in Europe. Regularly working with Japanese banks to identify suitable “target companies” for their Japanese clients in The Netherlands and northwest Europe, the team understands the Dutch and European markets and the nuances of Japanese business culture, supporting companies by advising on company valuation, coordinating the due diligence process and above all — managing expectations.
“Japanese firms often have specific expectations when entering into business with a Dutch or European company,” said Molijn, who also serves as a supervisory director at European holdings of Japanese companies.
“This can easily result in misunderstandings, so we also assist our Japanese clients with their postmerger integration process once they have acquired a European company.”
Balancing stability, agility
Contrasts in business styles add to the complementary nature of Dutch and Japanese ties. While Japanese firms tend to have a long-term strategic vision, Dutch companies often operate with a more immediate, pragmatic approach, providing the perfect balance between stability and agility.
Global Bridges has experience in a wide range of industrial sectors, including renewable energy (in which they cooperate with a well-known Dutch venture capital company), water treatment, energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction, as well as in information technology and semiconductor technology.
“We even supported a Japanese mushroom company to acquire a mushroom-growing company in the Netherlands. One of our strong points is our network, which enables us to approach targets in Europe that are not yet on the market,” Molijn said.
The Netherlands, known for its horticultural expertise, is addressing food security challenges, especially relevant for resource-constrained Japan. By sharing knowledge and technologies, both nations can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
“Celebrating 425 years of relations, it is vital that we continue to leverage our strengths by enhancing our understanding, embracing our differences, fostering innovation and building robust relationships that will sustain and strengthen partnerships for many years to come. Viva Dutch and Japanese relations.”
