A long-running legal dispute between the creators of former Dutch supermarket chain Marqt and an early investor reached a tense moment at the Court of Appeal in Amsterdam, where the parties remain deadlocked over a claim of 14 million euros.
Founders Quirijn Bolle and Meike Beeren met former major shareholder Annelies van der Vorm in the courtroom as judges attempted to calm intense exchanges between the opposing legal teams.
Dispute following company sale
The high-stakes conflict stems from shareholder disagreements and financial restructuring that took place long before the grocery chain was eventually sold off in 2019.
Marqt originally opened its first branch on Amsterdam’s Overtoom in 2008, positioning itself as an upscale, sustainable marketplace aimed at direct sourcing from regional food producers.
Despite opening high-profile locations like Rembrandtplein and expanding rapidly, the company struggled with thin profit margins and persistent overhead costs from its earliest operations.
Investors step into restructuring
In 2011, Belgian investment firm Verlinvest stepped in with four million euros of capital, acquiring a controlling interest through cumulative preference shares to fund further expansion.
The current legal proceedings involve accusations regarding loans and share valuations from the period leading up to the chain’s ultimate demise.
The presiding judge questioned whether continuing the extensive litigation served any remaining practical purpose, urging both sides to consider the ongoing emotional and financial toll of the suit before a final ruling is delivered.
