Multimillion tulip-trade case: assisted growers in landmark litigation
Around 2006, Nienke acted in a major case (with a stake of approximately € 176 million) involving 74 parties, representing several flower bulb growers and their companies in proceedings in which they were held liable for large amounts alongside many other bulb growers, traders and parties in the sector. This high-profile case echoed the tulip mania of 1636-1637: just as in the 17th century, tulip prices rose sharply due to investor interest; via “koopbriefjes” (purchase slips), lots of bulbs still in the ground were repeatedly traded. This speculative futures market eventually collapsed.
Nienke Bobbert