Amsterdamtrader

Sinking ship Van Der Moolen

Jack
Most commenters haven’t been very optimistic on Van der Moolen’s chance of survival, and neither has this website in general. Can’t remember writing anything positive on VDM (don’t blame me for that). But every trader in Amsterdam will share the feeling a true icon from the past is gone.

However, the company used to be a very insignificant player in the market after the turn of the last century. The attention may be a little bit too much for a tiny small-cap. After all, it hasn’t got many employees, clients or suppliers. Just a history and an exchange listing.

When all evening newspapers open with the news of VDM’s demise, there isn’t much room for Amsterdamtrader.com for many new valuable insights.

Just three strange little things.

1. The company is a bleeder because of a truckload of overhead costs, and desperately in need of cash. The sale of units is considered. But what’s left after money generating units are sold?

2. If the company is going down because of lousy management (as has been reported), there could be a case for legal action against them. The former ceo Richard den Drijver won’t win the popularity contest in the ranks of the traders. The fact the supervisory board decided the firm isn’t going to meet it’s short term obligations shortly after getting rid of the one-man-board indicates there’s something really wrong.

3. Silly reasons for going bankruptcy. Relocating to a new office sounds a little odd for going down. A share repurchase is absolutely a hilarious reason to go out of business.

At least there’s one positive sign. The company managed to keep a secret. The share price was even going up in the week before the announcement.

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