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Marcel Boekhoorn

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Marcel Boekhoorn
Born (1959-10-30) October 30, 1959 (age 67)
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Occupation(s)Businessman, investor, proprietor of Ramphastos Investments
Known forFounder of Ramphastos Investments; owner of HEMA; investor in multiple sectors
Notable workAcquisition and management of HEMA; major investments via Ramphastos Investments

Marcel Boekhoorn (born 30 October 1959) is a prominent Dutch businessman, investor, and proprietor of Ramphastos Investments. With an estimated fortune of €1.9 billion (approximately US$2.2 billion), he is ranked among the Netherlands' most affluent individuals.

Boekhoorn, a Certified Public Accountant by profession, launched his career at Deloitte & Touche in 1981 and rose to become its youngest partner by 1991. In 1994, he established Ramphastos Investments, targeting undervalued enterprises frequently neglected by conventional investors. His investment approach prioritizes driving revenue expansion over mere cost reduction, setting Ramphastos apart within the private equity landscape.

Under Boekhoorn’s leadership, Ramphastos swiftly grew its holdings through lucrative exits of notable companies. A prime example includes the 2005 acquisition of Dutch telecom operator Telfort for €300 million, which was sold just nine months later to KPN for €1.2 billion. Additional successful divestments encompass the Dutch bakery chain Bakker Bart (to Kamps AG), Cocachoc (to Suchard/Kraft Foods), telecom firm Novaxess (to Easynet Global Services), spray paint manufacturer Motip Dupli (to Intermediate Capital Group), flight simulation company Sim Industries (to Lockheed Martin), men’s fashion retailer Suitsupply, and the food delivery platform Delivery Hero (after its IPO).

Boekhoorn attracted wider public attention in 2018 when he took over the struggling retail chain HEMA from Lion Capital LLP. His focus was on alleviating HEMA’s substantial debt load and resolving franchisee disputes while establishing strategic alliances such as with supermarket Jumbo. Nevertheless, the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further strained HEMA’s position, resulting in creditor conflicts and Boekhoorn ceding control to the Ad Hoc Group in September 2020. Having invested roughly €115 million into HEMA, he remained committed to its welfare despite losing ownership rights. HEMA publicly recognized his efforts through official statements and advertising campaigns. The current owners have expressed intentions to sell the business.

Wilco Jiskoot, formerly an executive board member at ABN AMRO, acts as one of Boekhoorn’s key advisors.

Business interests

Via Ramphastos Investments, Boekhoorn holds interests in more than 30 companies with a combined annual revenue approaching €5 billion. These investments span sectors including financial services, retail, gaming, healthcare, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies. Noteworthy holdings include:

  • HEMA: A Dutch retail chain operating over 750 stores across nine countries, acquired from Lion Capital in 2018.
  • High Tech Campus Eindhoven: A premier research and development center purchased from Philips in 2012.
  • Mazarine Energy: Engaged in oil and gas exploration activities.
  • Innovations4Flooring: Owner of patents and technologies serving the flooring industry.
  • Cyber1 (Nasdaq: CYB1.ST): Provider of cybersecurity products.
  • SecureTrading: Specialist in online payment processing solutions.
  • Vereenigde Havezathen: Manufacturer of uPVC and window frames.
  • Habanero: Developer of HTML5-based slot machines and casino games.
  • Ouwehands Dierenpark: A public zoo covering 22 hectares located in Rhenen, Netherlands.
  • Aviation Glass: Supplier of glass and mirrors tailored for the aviation sector.
  • The Antenna Company: Producer of sophisticated antenna systems.
  • Khondrion: Biotechnology firm focused on treatments for mitochondrial diseases.
  • Lumenvox: Provider of speech recognition software and multi-factor authentication technologies.
  • VHZ Groep: Leading Dutch manufacturer of plastic doors and frames; sold to Gilde Investments in 2021.
  • FastID: A Dutch startup enabling secure digital identities via smartphones for ticketless travel and event entry.
  • Opcharge: Company specializing in electric vehicle charging stations supported by Boekhoorn to drive expansion.

Philanthropy

Boekhoorn is a dedicated supporter of environmental and wildlife preservation efforts, including organizations like SaveWave and photographer Jimmy Nelson’s initiative to capture images of endangered indigenous communities. In 2017, he played a pivotal role in securing the adoption of two giant pandas by Ouwehands Zoo, formalizing a collaboration with the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association during a ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Willem Alexander. Annually, Boekhoorn donates $1 million toward the protection of pandas and their natural habitats in China. Beyond conservation, he backs the football club N.E.C. Nijmegen and has financially supported the racing endeavors of his son-in-law, Giedo van der Garde, who participated in the 2013 Formula One season with Caterham F1 Team.

Furthermore, Boekhoorn served as executive producer for the acclaimed Netflix documentary series Human Playground, inspired by Hannelore Vandenbussche’s photo book. The series, narrated by Idris Elba, investigates 24 different sports across 25 nations.

Private life

Boekhoorn is a father to three daughters. His current partner is Rebecca Cabau van Kasbergen, who is the sister of Yolanthe Cabau, the former spouse of Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder. His daughter Denise is married to ex-Formula One driver Giedo van der Garde, whose early career Boekhoorn actively supported.

Royal decoration: Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau

On 26 April 2024, Boekhoorn was honored with the title Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his significant contributions to Dutch society through his involvement with numerous enterprises, organizations, and philanthropic foundations. His commitment to Ouwehands Dierenpark and football club N.E.C. Nijmegen—where he also acted as sponsor and advisor—was particularly acknowledged. In 2021, he was instrumental in reorganizing N.E.C.’s management structure.

References

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