Contents Management report Corporate governance Consolidated financial statements Financial statements Pillar 3
centres. Rabobank also shares its knowledge in this process.
The results of the study findings are shared in reports and
presentations with a broad audience.
Rabobank often organises local and regional knowledge
and networking events, but there are also programmes with
participants from all over the world.Thus since 2012 we have
brought more than 150 farmers from different countries
together in the Global Farmers Master Class. In addition, we
share knowledge about the sustainability in food and agri
chains that we gain in roundtable meetings and during projects
in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature.
O Read more about the Global Farmers Masterclass
O Read more about the roundtables and the World Wide
Fund for Nature
Netherlands
Within the Dutch food and agri sector, we contribute with
our knowledge and networks for helping farmers in their
opportunities and challenges. For example, greenhouse
horticulture is doing badly.To achieve the necessary
improvement, producer organisations, the government and
Rabobank joined forces in 2015. This coalition is going to
work with the problem areas in the industry and hopes to
bring about a reversal within a few years.This concerns mainly
market, infrastructure and logistics.
O Read more about food aari
7 Wholesale
As a leading wholesale bank in the Netherlands, we serve
wholesale customers in all sectors. Abroad, we focus on
food and agri. We serve the entire chain, from farm to plate.
Also when stepping into the international market, we
accompany our Dutch customers with appropriate products
and services. Through the optimal use of our international
network, knowledge and expertise, we encourage the
qualitative growth of businesses and we contribute to the
earning capacity of the Netherlands.
The financing of a large wind farm is often a complicated
puzzle.There are many parties and interests at issue. With its
knowledge, skills and understanding, Rabobank regularly plays
a crucial role in solving the financing issue. For instance, with
a recent deal in Finland, in 2016 eleven wind turbines higher
than 100 metres will be built.
iy English: Driving force in Finnish wind turbine deal
Mergers, acquisitions and IPOs
Rabobank also advises on mergers, acquisitions and IPOs.
Our international specialists in this field accompanied a number
of leading transactions in 2015. Some transactions in 2015: the
sale of a non-controlling interest in Flendrix Genetics to NPM
Capital, the sale of mail-order firm Wehkamp to the private
equity business Apax, the acquisition of the Brazilian company
Nova Agri by the Japanese Toyota Tsusho group, the acquisition
of the Czech activities to supermarket chain SPAR by Ahold,
the sale of the Indonesian Poliplant Group to Cargill, and the
flotation of the 100% Dutch beverage business Lucas Bols.
8 Innovation
The desires and needs of customers are changing fast.
This requires continuous innovation in products and services.
Rabobank wants to be a leader in modernising its own services
and excellent customer service. With innovation we can achieve
these goals and quickly respond to market opportunities.
Innovation is therefore higher on the agenda than ever.
Since 2015, we have had an Innovation Board with participants
coming from different corners of the bank. They stimulate
and accelerate innovation across the group in economic,
technological and social areas.
The new nearby
To ensure that customers can always do more themselves,
we are ensuring improvement of current processes with 24/7
digital availability. Digitisation not only leads to standardisation,
but also offers extensive possibilities for customisation.
We therefore closely monitor developments and trends within
the bank so we can respond to them. We are nearby in a new
way. Through events such as Footbytes, we put start-ups from
the 'agri-tech' in touch with large food and agri companies who
are looking for innovation.Thus, we also help our customers to
renew. During hackathons groups of developers come together
to develop solutions for the bank in a short time.
Contributions to society
An innovative idea can be the driving force behind the
economy or a boost to job creation. That is why Rabobank
supports new entrepreneurs with knowledge, funds and
networks. We regularly get inspiration from the refreshing
plans entrepreneurs have for the future of the banking industry
and seek cooperation opportunities with them. We do this
by working with national and regional incubators.These are
breeding grounds such as Startupbootcamp, Utrechtlnc and
Yes! Delft, which help entrepreneurs accelerate their plans.
Read more about hotbeds of innovative talent
79 Corporate social responsibility report
