Walk into any Anne&Max, and you’ll understand why they call it “a different kind of living room.” It’s a space where you’re welcome from the early hours to late afternoon to sip a coffee, read the newspaper, work quietly, or meet someone special. With over 31 locations across the Netherlands, Anne&Max has become more than just a café chain. It’s a community, built on values like sustainability, hospitality, and transparency.
What sets Anne&Max apart isn’t just the 85% organic ingredients or their beautiful interiors, it’s the way they see their people. Every barista, every team member, and every local manager is seen as essential to the business's success. And that belief recently took on a new form: co-ownership.
The People Behind the Brand
“Without our employees, we don’t have a company. They are the ones who make everything happen.”
When the leadership team at Anne&Max began looking into co-ownership, it wasn’t about headlines or trends. It was about respect and fairness. Their employees serve the guests, craft the coffees, and uphold the values. So why shouldn’t they also share in the rewards?
By introducing a structure of shares and depositary receipts, Anne&Max allowed employees to become co-owners of the company they work hard for every day. But with real financial participation and long-term involvement.
Share Council as a Trusted Guide
“ What convinced me was their clarity. They helped us set up the structure, the STAK, and the platform in a way that made sense for us.”
Setting up co-ownership involves legal design, taxes, documentation, and long-term planning. For Anne and Max, the guidance and digital tools provided by Share Council were critical.
The platform enabled the distribution of certificates, management of participants, and secure trading, all in a transparent and trackable manner. Additionally, Share Council helped them navigate the complex Dutch laws surrounding STAK structures and participation rights.
A Culture that Feels Different
“Since we introduced co-ownership, the conversations have changed. People act more like owners.”
With the proper setup in place, Anne and Max started noticing the cultural shift. Employees who held certificates began speaking more openly about company strategy. They shared ideas more confidently, offered feedback on plans, and showed deeper investment in daily decisions.
One standout story came from a team member who shared her plan to grow within the company, not just as a colleague, but as a future leader and proud co-owner. This isn’t just about motivation, it’s about vision and belonging.
“If you work late or give that extra effort, it just feels different when you’re also an owner.”
That’s the quiet power of co-ownership. It doesn’t scream. It is evident in how people work, how they communicate, and how they care.
Lessons Learned — and Shared
Of course, not everything is simple. For some employees, the process remains somewhat complex, which could increase uptake.
But the potential is there. And the intention is clear.
“In the beginning, you hesitate. It feels like sharing something that’s yours. But when you do, everything grows : the people, the company, the impact.”
Anne & Max isn’t just serving beautiful coffee and sustainable meals. They’re redesigning what it means to be a part of a company and inviting their team to be part of the journey, not just the work.
Final Thought
The next time you’re enjoying your latte at Anne&Max, know this: someone behind the counter might not just be your barista. They might also be a co-owner building a stronger company, one guest at a time.
Ownership isn't just for founders. It's for the people who build the brand, day by day.
With Share Council, it becomes possible and meaningful.
Want to create a co-ownership model that fits your values?
