Knowledge of the market is cardinal to the potential solutions offered by De Lage Landen.
In addition, De Lage Landen stands out from its competitors because it offers integrated asset
management services. Besides defining the value of an asset over its useful life, this discipline
also identifies its use. It then provides advice on its proper deployment and on the options for
financing maintenance and spare parts. Leases are increasingly being combined with service
contracts for leased products, with De Lage Landen settling all financial movements related to
the contracts.
Partnerships
De Lage Landen again managed to increase the number of contracts with existing Vendor
Finance-partners in 2013 and to enter into partnerships with new customers. Within the business
unit Construction, Transportation Industry a worldwide partnership agreement was signed
with Wacker Neuson - one of the world's largest manufacturers of construction equipment,
engineering technology and compact construction machines - to offer financing solutions to
customers of Wacker Neuson. Customers use them because these solutions enable them to use
working capital more efficiently. Sector knowledge and worldwide coverage were decisive
factors in Wacker Neuson's selection of De Lage Landen. This sector knowledge and worldwide
coverage led to a partnership agreement with DeLaval in the business unit Food Agriculture
and an expansion of activities into China. DeLaval manufactures automation systems for dairy
farming businesses.
Partnership Engagement Survey
De Lage Landen carries out satisfaction surveys worldwide to ascertain the best ways for it to
offer added value to its partners. In 2013, this survey was performed in thirty countries for the
Vendor Finance activities. At 22%, or over 6,000 customers, the response was good, and an
indication of their significant involvement. The results showed that almost 80% of the customers
of De Lage Landen are satisfied or highly satisfied with the relationship with De Lage Landen.
Customers stated that they particularly value the relationship, owing to the mutual trust,
knowledge and support by account management and the industry expertise offered by
De Lage Landen. This was also reflected in an improved overall net promoter score, which at
21 is above the sector average.
(Car) leasing and factoring in the Netherlands
The leasing activities of De Lage Landen in the Netherlands are offered via the local Rabobanks,
via www.leaseloket.nl or directly via De Lage Landen. Besides leasing solutions, De Lage Landen
also offers factoring services in its home market. Factoring enables customers to free up additional
working capital from their debtor portfolio to finance growth or strengthen their financial position.
The subsidiary Athlon Car Lease is the market leader in the Netherlands in the field of car
leasing, with a car fleet of some 120,000 cars. It also has operations in nine other European
countries. In 2013, Sweden was added to the international markets in which Athlon Car Lease
operates. In total, Athlon Car Lease has a lease portfolio of around 230,000 (231,000) contracts.
Consumer financing
Besides financial solutions for the business market, De Lage Landen also offers consumer
financing. It is active in the consumer financing market with the brands Rabobank, Freo and
Athlon Auto Financiering. De Lage Landen Consumer Finance supports Rabobank centrally and
locally in marketing consumer credit. Freo is the online provider of consumer credit and stands
for responsible, fair and conscientious lending. Athlon Auto Financiering is a cooperation
between Athlon Car Lease and the Dutch automobile association ANWB and offers mobility
services on credit to consumers. The volume of the overall consumer credit portfolio remained
stable in 2013 at EUR 1.4 (1.4) billion.
Annual Report 2013 Rabobank Group
