In early 1990, the Chairman of Rabobank Nederland, one of the largest Dutch banks which traced its origins back to the late 19th century when it was established as a cooperative to relieve the hardship of Dutch farmers, entered into discussions with the President of the Robeco Group, the country’s leading independent investment management company, to explore the possibility for a potential alliance. While Rabobank, with its extensive network of fairly autonomous local banks, held a dominant position in the savings market and in financing small and medium-sized business, it had foundered in the investment business, currently holding only about 2.5% of this market. One idea put forth in a December 1989 discussion paper was to team up with an expert in the industry who would promote Rabobank’s investment funds.
