Rabobank and Robeco Group: Background on Rabobank
In early 1990, the Chairman of Rabobank Nederland, one of the largest Dutch banks which traced its origins back to the late 19th century when it was established as a cooperative to relieve the hardship of Dutch farmers, entered into discussions with the President of the Robeco Group, the country’s leading independent investment management company, to explore the possibility for a potential alliance. While Rabobank, with its extensive network of fairly autonomous local banks, held a dominant position in the savings market and in financing small and medium-sized business, it had foundered in the investment business, currently holding only about 2.5% of this market. One idea put forth in a December 1989 discussion paper was to team up with an expert in the industry who would promote Rabobank’s investment funds.
1990
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