AKD
Founded in 1903, AKD is an international law firm with offices in Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. In The Netherlands the firm operates Amsterdam, Breda,
Eindhoven and Rotterdam offices.
The firm is active in the financial and corporate space and is best
recognised for its
projects practice.
In banking, the firm works for both lenders and borrowers in matters including refinancings, acquisition financings and regulatory matters.
The corporate team regularly
assists buyers and sellers on private and public M&A deals, financial investments, joint
ventures and strategic alliances.
The projects team has extensive
expertise on PPP projects and is active in a variety of sectors including real estate, healthcare, retail, and construction.
In the restructuring and insolvency area the firm is strong in advising on cross-border insolvencies. The practice works on cases involving companies in distress, as well as recovery cases, for both banks and debtors.
Noteworthy client names include Benson Elliot, JPMorgan, PepsiCo, Natixis, Seaway Heavy Lifting, ILFA, Cottonwood, Newion, G2A,
Neways,
Remia,
Telrol, CWS,
VolkerWessels, WDP, Philips, Netflix, Zalando, Prologis,
Mammoet, Boskalis and Libyan Foreign Bank.
Research period review: 33rd
edition (2023/2024)
The firm was actively involved in various aspects of banking, serving as both borrower and lender.
Their engagement encompassed a wide array of lending tasks such as refinancing mandates, acquisition finance, and project/real estate finance.
The firm
maintained comprehensive legal support in regulatory financial services,
offering
assistance on multiple regulatory issues for clients affiliated with industries such as oil and gas, gaming, healthcare, and financial markets.
The M&A team has
provided guidance on intricate acquisitions within prominent sectors in the Netherlands, including financial services, technology, construction, pharmaceuticals, and transportation transactions.
The firm consistently delivered comprehensive legal
assistance in project-related matters, encompassing major project development initiatives, PFI (Private Finance Initiative) undertakings, and real estate projects. These services catered to clients associated with industries such as oil and gas, gaming, healthcare, social infrastructure, and financial markets.
Within the realm of restructuring and insolvency, the firm engaged in multiple cases of insolvency and corporate rescue, frequently spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The firm hired a new partner Renate Punt-Huizer in the banking team.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Foodmate B.V. €1 billion private sale to William Blair Bidders
Strijp S €3 billion construction and
redevelopment in the Netherlands
EdgeConneX, Inc. €1 billion greenfield data development
Bankruptcy of Royal Imtech N.V. and its subsidiaries
$4.28 billion sale of assets
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
“They have a solid and well experienced team consisting of lawyers and notaries, supporting the banks/financial institutions as well as us.”
“Proactive, informal, no-nonsense, knowledgeable.”
“Responsive, diligent and competent.”
“AKD are proactive, thinking with us as client. Especially in cross-border situations, they manage to negotiate points which are common in NL but not per se in the lender's
jurisdiction.”
Financial services regulatory
“Quick and to the point.”
“Detailed, timely, organised and friendly.”
“Clear communication; business-orientated advice; excellent understanding of funds business model.”
“Very good market insight, they are very efficient and pragmatic, they were very good lead counsels and were always on top of everything. They had an all-female team which is very rare in the M&A industry.”
“Nicolas Marchand has extensive experience in all aspects of Luxembourg corporate
law, and excels in particular in complex M&A transactional work. He is reactive, well-organised and
remains calm even in
very stressful situations.”
“Reliable and professional partner.”
“AKD is very responsive, partner-driven, with great cost for value.”
“Multidisciplinary approach. Great team set-up and work. Customer-driven and proactive.”
“Very good negotiation skills and they are very much prepared on the matter (both on legal aspects as well as from a business perspective).
Good communicators and very involved, they can
enter into the mindset of the entrepreneur. Work to obtain best result and insist on obtaining this.”
“Well-experienced, team players.”
“24/7 availability, creative in solutions, always prepared to assist.”
“AKD really delivered on their promise: we do work together with the client. The transaction concerned a combination of M&A and real estate, and in both
areas they showed their great
expertise. The team was well-balanced and very responsive.
Good price/quality
ratio.
“
“Strong technically and good reporting.”
“The partner is involved. We got high-level advice.”
“High-quality legal; practically applicable advice with a feeling for the business.”
“Always available for assistance. Creative and innovative. Know what we want and what our priorities are.”
“They have been extremely helpful and resourceful at every step in the process, with a very positive attitude towards finding a suitable solution to all different obstacles.”
“Thorough knowledge of law fields concerned, swift response, practical.”
“Professional attitude with out of the box thinking.”
“AKD
manage a quick and thorough understanding of the key issues involved and subsequently
propose the solutions to these issues. AKD are very sharp and constructive lawyers and a pleasure to work with.”
"AKD has a wide perspective, a great knowledge and feeling of what we need to achieve and is focused on details."
“Client-orientated, relationship builder, knowledgeable, transparent.”
"Vincent is very responsive, commercial, understands our business and always delivers to deadlines.”
“Very approachable person,
very good knowledge and involved in the business.
Eager to learn the industry details and proactive. Good listener and looks for solutions.”
“Sound legal and finance knowledge.”
“The lawyer in charge, Lennart Crain, has sound knowledge in both legal and finance.”
“Relationship-building,
humour, deal-making.”
“Niels has been on our account for a few years now. Compared to Vincent he brings a new viewpoint to international cross-border transactions. He is knowledgeable and tries to find solutions, albeit after a little push.”
“She works a lot with Marc
Wintgens and is an excellent lawyer: she works very fast and thoroughly.”
“Proactive, smart, respects deadlines, service-minded, smart, creative.”
“Clear advice and commercial.”
“Proactive, smart, creative, keep their promises.”
“Pragmatic, very well
organised, pleasure to work with, straightforward approach, friendly.”
“Nathalie is
a very good communicator, which comes in handy in M&A transactions/negotiations. She is always available, no matter what time of the day, and seems to be on top of everything. I liked her clear and pragmatic approach and enjoyed working with her.”
“She is a true partner of our business: reliable and professional outstanding.”
“Always prepared to assist, proactive working attitude, good knowledge of our company and our wishes and what we are looking for in our legal adviser.”
“Always available for help 24/7, Nice to work with, creative in solutions and committed to getting the job done.”
“Extremely prepared, natural authority, calm and clear in her negotiations, good communicator, friendly and likeable person. Very much involved in the business and focused on the result. Very persistent.”
“Pragmatic, skilled, pleasant negotiator, team player.
“Deep knowledge, positive attitude,
detail-orientated.”
“Eric understands our business perfectly and even though he is a tax lawyer, he has a wide perspective and is valuable in other areas.”
“Very good knowledge of industry sector and legal best practices. Delivers adequate solutions.”
“Knows the real estate industry very well, the pitfalls and how to avoid them. Great knowledge of the ins and outs of the transaction at hand, eye for detail. Knows what solutions work in negotiations and achieves them.”
“He knows both the business and our company the best and knows how to translate legal knowledge and experience into legal solutions.”
“Accessibility, swift response, access to network.”
“Professional attitude, out-of-the-box thinking. Strategic approach.”
“Marc
Wintgens is a well-established presence in the project development field and an excellent lawyer. For good reasons Marc was the real estate practice head for many years before becoming a board member of AKD.”
Bond Advocaten
Founded in 2018 in Amsterdam, Bond Advocaten is a finance law boutique.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm services a plethora of financial institutions, corporates, sponsors, private equity investors and investment funds on predominantly lending work.
The team has a clear focus on project finance and real estate finance but is also highly competent in delivering advice on acquisition finance, asset finance and corporate debt mandates.
Whilst capable of assisting clients in a range of sectors, the firm is particularly strong in supporting financing deals in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors.
Key clients
Key clients include Apax, Arcus Infrastructure Partners, Ausnutria Dairy Corporation, Betty Blocks, Credit Linked Beheer, De Vrije Blick, EEGF, E-Fiber, ENGIE, Equans, Helaba, Holland Casino, Keolis, Lumira DX, 3s Money, Van Wonen, Vendis Capital, Victus Participations, Wehkamp, Wessanen (currently Ecotone) and Xeltis.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Throughout the research period, the firm demonstrated significant activity in providing support for financing aspects of prominent projects both within The Netherlands and on an international scale.
In the domain of banking, the firm exhibited robust engagement, acting as both borrower and lender, across a diverse spectrum of lending tasks. These tasks encompassed project finance, financing mandates, acquisition finance, and project/real estate finance.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Bank lending
Bond Advocaten provided pragmatic and helpful advice and was very responsive throughout the process."
Banking
"Excellent client service, to the point, focused on the deal."
"Very responsive, pragmatic, to-the-point."
"The approach of Bond Advocaten is straightforward, pragmatic and above all very helpful. They are experienced and have a great knowledge of the subject matter."
"Hands-on, very client-focused and great knowledge of derivatives documentation."
Capital markets
“They are always swift to reply and pleasant to work with. They can clearly explain the relevance of negotiation points to the client, which is much appreciated."
Financial restructuring
“Communication is really good, which is key in these kind of projects."
Private equity
"Detailed. Dedicated. Very knowledgeable."
Project finance
"They have great in-depth knowledge when it comes to project finance combined with renewable assets. Not just smoke and mirrors but straight up and applicable feedback and support, any given time/day."
Joannes de Bont
"He is our main point of contact and trusted adviser. He is a knowledgeable and pragmatic lawyer and great to work with."
"Good communicator.
"Very knowledgeable and high level of commitment and service."
"Down to earth. Broad field of expertise for project finance renewables."
Robert Steeg
"Robert is able to explain the sometimes complicated issues in ISDA-related documentation well and he always comes up with pragmatic solutions. In his advisory role for us he took a very proactive approach to ensure that the documentation was completed within the agreed timeframe.
"Hands-on, very client-focused and great knowledge of derivatives documentation."
"Robert is always swift to reply, on the ball and a pleasure to work with. He can clearly explain the relevance of negotiation topics, which is very helpful for the client."
Jan-Joost van Rijsbergen
"Excellent lawyer, hands-on, deal-focused."
"Very clear communication, smart."
FIZ advocaten
Founded in 2013, Rotterdam based FIZ Advocaten is a highly specialised Dutch boutique.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a narrow focus, advising on structured finance capital markets transactions as well as more complex financing transactions which involve multiple levels of debt and/ or equity providers. The team represents a mix of structured finance, restructuring and financial regulatory professionals working side-by-side on complex mandates.
The firm is deeply rooted in the Dutch mortgage sector, but has more recently been involved in leasing transactions, and often provides guidance on the use of similar financing structures in various sectors of the Dutch economy.
Key clients
Key clients include BCMGlobal Nederland, PCI Nederland, Adaxio, Credit Management & Investor Solutions, ESGood, WebFinLeningen and WebfinFinancieringen and SmartFunding.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Throughout the research cycle, the firm displayed a notable level of activity in handling securitisations, asset finance, cross-border financing structures, asset-backed securities, and acquisition finance transactions. These efforts were directed towards clients within the financial services, investment management, insurance, and real estate sectors.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Asset finance
“Mean and lean firm. Pragmatic advice.”
Bank lending
“FIZ advocaten is very well known for their knowledge and experience when it comes to capital markets. Moreover, we have a long-standing relationship in which FIZ again and again proves that it understands our business and provides high-quality advice.”
“Besides a lot of knowledge, FIZ lawyers also bring a very business-savvy approach to the table in contract negotiations. They are hard-working and creative in their solutions, all with the goal of closing a deal in mind.”
Banking and finance
“Know-how. Friendliness. Practical.”
“Professional, pragmatic, commercially driven and in-depth case knowledge.”
“FIZ lawyers' product is very all-round in the field of financial service contracting, being to support both the consumer (b2C) and the corporate side of things (b2b). They are experts in financial structuring and regulatory affairs, so able to ensure contracting complies with the most optimal setup from a law and regulations perspective as well as financial and security point of view.”
Capital markets
“They are very proactive and happy to take the additional step without asking them to do so. In addition, they don't mind working additional hours in order to get the transaction done. They have more (transaction) knowledge compared to the big letter firms.”
“They have huge expertise, behave highly professionally, know the market very well. Moreover, they're great people to work with.”
“They provide us with the needed solutions on how to prevent risks. They are very good at negotiating in a way that risks can be litigated in our favour.”
“Highly specialised and skilled on capital market transactions, understanding very well the commercial interests involved on the client side, but also readily able to provide advice on corporate law matters, insolvency, tort law and contracts. Well connected with other niche law firms, if needed. Honest when required knowledge should be obtained elsewhere. At all times focused on the best legal advice.”
Financial services regulatory
“Flexible, fast and legal knowledge of the market we are in.”
“The FIZ attorneys provide excellent advice and are very helpful with finding solutions that fit your company's needs.”
“FIZ is a local market expert in this area. They respond quickly and know when to engage and when to hold back. They ask reasonable fees for their services.”
“Our company chose for FIZ advocaten thanks to the name they have built over the years. It is a very well known boutique firm with a great reputation and that’s why we chose to work with them. Over the years we have built a strong and long working relationship. Their service has been outstanding. At FIZ you will find a proactive approach, hands-on mentality, on-time delivery of results, creativity and they are well informed on every topic. They are all very approachable and very good communicators.
"Very clear in their communication, very knowledgeable and responsive."
“The team at FIZ is very knowledgeable and easily accessible. They really delve into (the business of) their clients and thus are able to customise their service perfectly to our needs.”
Investment funds
“FIZ is very pragmatic and hands-on, understanding the needs and rationale of the client.”
“Very hands-on, professional and very fast.”
M&A
“Cost-effective. Knowledgeable. Customer-centric.”
Michiel Claassen
“He is an expert in his field and very pleasant to work with.”
"He's an expert in his field, very flexible."
“Michiel is, besides being a very composed, thoughtful and knowledgeable lawyer, also hard-working and fast in his output with high-quality content. He is pragmatic and wants to deliver where need be. Above all, Michiel is the regulatory specialist of FIZ which makes him a vital partner for managing a financial service company like we do.”
“Besides strong contracting skills, Michiel is also a regulatory expert, both on the various EBA requirements as well as GDPR, etc.”
“Passionate, extensive knowledge of WFT, accessible.”
Belgin Renkers-Is
"She is very responsive and reliable on deadlines, pragmatic and hands-on. You can bet on her if there is a tight deadline. Also she understands the needs of the client and keeps monitoring her work as close to the agreed as possible.
Jurian Snijders
“Jurian is a real go-getter, focused on getting a contract and deal done with our counterparts with the best possible legal result for us in mind. He is pragmatic, hard-working, quick turning around work to be delivered and creative in his solutions.”
“Jurian is a specialist on financial deal structuring and contracting. He is particularly sharp on how to manage contractual risks and ensure sufficient safeguards and warranties for us as customer.”
“Driven, knowledgeable, industry expert.”
“Very good listener, always calm under stress, highly analytical, 100% aware of legal and regulatory developments and latest jurisprudence, knows how to translates law to practice, understands commercial interests of clients.”
“Extremely smart, hands-on and proactive lawyer.”
“Accessible, driven and good knowledge of business.”
“Very professional lawyer in every attribute.”
“Very sharp and knowledgeable.”
“Jurian is a very skilled and knowledgeable lawyer, who’s focused on the details of his work. He’s to the point, practical and gives clear advice.”
Youri Tonino
"Youri is an excellent lawyer who is a good addition to Jurian. He has his own approach and angles and when working together, they complement each other.”
“They have the same mindset and understand each other very well. This is important, especially when one of them is not available, the other one is well informed and is able to help further. "
“Very communicative, deadline-driven in-depth knowledge of both jurisdiction and company inside information.”
“Huge expertise, highly professional behaviour, knows the market very well. Moreover, he's a great person to work with.”
“Calm, professional attitude, good listener.”
“Very accessible; knowledgeable about our business and the markets; listens well; responds very quickly to questions.”
“Youri is very accessible and transparent. He has a lot of legal knowledge and knows the market and our business. He seamlessly translates this knowledge into very practical and useful advice.”
“Youri is very easy to reach and is very accommodating. He is also very good at listening to our concerns and tries his best to find the right solution to it. Youri is very detail-orientated and has a lot of knowledge about the business.”
Jurian Snijders
“Very communicative, deadline-driven, in-depth knowledge of both jurisdiction and company inside information.”
“Jurian is very knowledgeable about our business, accurate and quick.”
“Jurian is very knowledgeable about the business, he thinks along and has knowledge about not only the legal aspects of a matter but also the commercial ones. Jurian is very helpful, he is able to put himself in our shoes and has quite a tactical way of thinking.”
“Practical. Knowledge. Understanding of the business.”
“Jurian Snijders is an excellent lawyer. He is a very good listener, creative and also a very friendly person. As a professional, he is analytical, pragmatic, very knowledgeable and definitely a great problem-solver.”
“He is very knowledgeable, a pleasant person to work with.”
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was founded in 1743 and has a global presence with 28 offices and over 400 partners. The firm’s Dutch office is located in Amsterdam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is particularly strong in banking and capital markets work and has a robust corporate and restructuring offering.
The capital markets team is recognised for its strength in the structured finance and securitisation space and is also widely recognised as a top performer for both debt and equity work.
In M&A the firm works on high-end mandates in the market, often assisting on multi-jurisdictional transactions and on European private equity work. The firm works on a range of acquisitions, sales and joint venture mandates in key sectors such as energy, healthcare and technology.
The firm’s restructuring and insolvency practice is active and notably advises on a mix of nationally prominent bankruptcies and cross-border restructurings.
Key clients
Big names in the firm’s client list include Ardian, CVC, Universal Music Group, iCON Infrastructure, APG Asset Management, Getronics, ING Bank, Universal Music Group NV, Ferrari NV, Exor NV, NN Group, Exor NV, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Rabobank, Barclay's Bank, KoninklijkeAhold Delhaize, Cinven, Permira, Cargill, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Getronics.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Within the banking sector, the firm actively participated as both borrower and lender, engaging in various lending endeavors. These activities included financing acquisitions and negotiating borrowing base credit facilities for clients operating in the private investment, transportation, and banking sectors.
The equity capital markets practice was extensively involved in managing numerous Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) mandates.
The firm demonstrated remarkable engagement in structured finance and securitisation transactions, encompassing activities such as real estate portfolio acquisitions, securitisation support for TIP Trailers' lease portfolios, and providing counsel on both new and existing warehouse facilities. These endeavors primarily catered to clients within the financial sector.
The M&A team has provided counsel on a range of transactions including acquisitions, mergers, disposals, financial investments, and refinancing deals for clients within the real estate, energy, technology, and financial institutions sectors.
Within the realm of restructuring and insolvency, the firm actively engaged in various restructurings, bankruptcy proceedings, and liquidation transactions, serving clients across diverse sectors including corporate, retail, healthcare, insurance, transport, education, finance, and government.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Financial restructuring
"Professional and strong technical competence, availability and meeting the demands precisely."
"They could support us through the entire process that overwhelmed us following the implementation of EU sanctions and subsequent bankruptcy of one of our senior lenders. Strong on both sanctions regulations and restructuring and insolvency. Experts in various jurisdictions."
Insolvency
"We were provided with timely, insightful and smart advice and legal structuring on how, under what conditions, and when, we should be willing to provide credit. The team was very accessible and willing to go the 'extra mile' in an unpredictable process."
"Up-to-date knowledge; streetwise advice; fair price; quick response; continuous availability for sparring; gentle people."
M&A
"Technically excellent, always available and a pleasure to deal with."
Private equity
"The restructuring team is extremely bright with thorough knowledge of current developments."
Project development
"Excellent analytical skills. Balanced approach. Market norms."
Michael Broeders
"Expertise of insolvency, bankruptcy and restructuring. Kept us well informed on expected developments and potential next steps so we could make well-informed decisions."
"To the point, solution-orientated, sharp on assessing risks, able to see a route to solutions minimising exposure."
"He is a solid and reliable adviser."
"Michael Broeders is a very intelligent and sharp restructuring specialist."
Tim Elkerbout
"High involvement, accessibility."
Huub Boekhorst
"Huub played a very supportive role in the advisory process and, I believe, played an instrumental role in securing timely progress."
Marco Vogels
"Marco Vogels is very thoughtful and a creative adviser."
Huub Boekhorst
"Huub is an extremely bright young restructuring specialist and good strategist."
Heussen
Independent Dutch law firm Heussen has been active since 2005 and boasts a close cooperation with HEUSSEN Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft
mit beschränkter Haftung in Germany and HEUSSEN Studio Legale e Tributario in Italy. The firm maintains an office in Amsterdam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its banking and M&A work.
Sectors of experience include industrial and manufacturing, tourism and natural resources.
The firm’s banking practice is broadly active in both lender and borrower side mandates assisting on credit facilities, note issuances, trade financings, structured finance, security and commodities financings.
In M&A the firm often advises large multinationals on cross-border transactions including M&A, reorganisations, investments and a host of other corporate matters.
Key clients
Key clients include Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Belden, Yamana Gold, Denham Capital International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Endeavour Energy, Essity, Sutherland Global, TrioworldIndustrier AB, Aarhuskarlshamn Holding AB, Smallsteps, KidsFoundation and Catalus Capital Management.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Throughout the research period, the firm acted on behalf of a blend of international lenders and borrowers, focusing largely on cross-border mandates. Its portfolio encompassed services such as guidance on acquisition finance, financial restructuring, and refinancing of existing loans. These services catered to clients within the energy, banking, tourism, industrials and manufacturing, and natural resources sectors.
The firm's corporate and M&A practice demonstrated remarkable activity in areas such as acquisition finance, financing, financial restructuring, real estate finance, and bond and notes exchange offers. These services were provided to clients within sectors including agriculture, energy, banking, and natural resources.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
De KrachtcentraleBeheer private acquisition of Hosted
TrioworldIndustrier private acquisition of Flexoplast
Yamana Gold €516 million Bond/note exchange offer
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking
"Experts in their field. Timely. Work well with other counsel."
"Responsive. Specific in their advice."
"Competent, good accessibility and quick response, German-speaking."
Capital markets
"Familiar with the company, responsive to critical timelines, competent and high-quality services."
M&A
"Hands-on, fast in responding, clear advice."
Martijn Koot
"Timely, responsive, succinct."
Oscar Hoefnagels
"Responsive, competent."
Stan Robbers
"Always available, great at distributing work to knowledgeable team members."
Sandy van der Schaaf
"Objective, reliable, competent."
Stibbe
Founded in 1911, Stibbe is a full-service Benelux law firm with offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, London, and New York.
In the Netherlands the firm has a strong financial and corporate offering across the board.
The banking team’s specialities include acquisition finance, corporate finance, project finance, real estate, asset/ commodity finance, and restructuring.
The firm has the distinction of housing the Amsterdam-based equity capital markets team capable of independently handling all aspects of equity capital markets transactions. The firm also boasts a more than capable debt and structured finance offering that frequently acts on the side of issuers, arrangers, trustees and other parties. The team often features on international aspects of transactions led and coordinated from the Netherlands.
Besides its banking and capital markets expertise, the firm also features a highly specialised financial regulatory team that advises both corporate and financial institutions on regulatory matters, often of highly confidential and sensitive nature.
Working across a range of sectors, the M&A team regularly works on large, multi-jurisdictional mandates in the Dutch market. The firm has a strong private equity practice and has advised some of the largest private equity houses in Europe.
In the projects space the firm is known for acting on landmark real estate, PPP, industrial and road infrastructure tunnel projects in the region.
The restructuring team’s expertise covers representing debtors, creditors, and bidders regarding companies in distress.
Key clients include
AccorInvest, Bain Capital, Basic-Fit,
Baupost Group, JPMorgan,
Adevinta, Bain Capital, Barclays, Blackstone, BNP Paribas, British American Tobacco,
Cinven, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, DBRS Ratings, Deutsche Bank, European Investment Bank,
Frigoglass, Groupe PSA, HEMA, B&S Group, The Coca Cola Company,
Belfius, BNG, ING Capital,
Kartesia, KBC, Korea Development Bank,
Dasym Investment Strategies, HPE Growth Capital,
Intertrust, IQ EQ,
3G Capital, EssilorLuxottica, Picnic,
Ballast Nedam,
Ørsted,
Heijmans, BAM, Van Oord and Goldman Sachs.
Research period review:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
In banking work,
the firm was actively involved infinancing and banking deals for clients connected with food and beverage, real estate, consumer goods,financial institutions, temporary power solutions, manufacturing, data centres and energy
sectors.
The
debt capital markets team worked in financing, bond issue, note programme,
high-yield and
investment grade projects for clients in the real estate,
energy, infrastructure and parking, tobacco, banking and
financial institutions sectors.
The
equity capital markets practice team worked in
IPOs, business combination, secondary share offering, de-SPAC deals for clients connected in
banking, asset management, leisure and technology sectors.
The project finance team worked in deals connected to clients in the financial institutions, data centres, food and beverage, technology, investment banking and insurance sectors.
The regulatory
financial services
teamworkincludes deals for clients connected with trust and corporate services, asset management, financial institutions, technology and aviation services.
Highlights on the M&A front
also include financial investments, business combination and joint venture dealsfor clients connected with the automotive, investment management, private equity, insurance, waste management and financial markets.
In the project developmentspace, the firm continued to be involved on landmark PPP engagements such as, for example the
ZuidasDok.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm often acted for lenders and borrowers on a host of transactions
across several sectors of the Dutch economy.
During the research period partner Marieke Driessen
and senior associate Niek
Groenendijk joined the firm from Simmons & Simmons.
Deal highlights:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Aggreko
£900 million financing of the acquisition by TDR Capital
DeepOcean Group
£500 million restructuring
Goldman Sachs
£460 million IPO on Euronext of
Hedosophia European Growth
Great Grey Investments acquisition and financing of the
Westpoort Data Center
EssilorLuxottica£7.1 billion acquisition of HAL’s
Max
Bögl and
Züblin£320 million project development reconstruction of the
Ringweg Zuid
Noteholders of DTEK Finance Plc £2 billion financing
Van Doorne
Established in 1930, Van Doorne is an independent domestic Dutch firm with a base in Amsterdam and an office in London.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is well-known in the Dutch market for mid-market banking, M&A, project finance and restructuring and insolvency work.
In the banking and project finance space the firm specialises in real estate and healthcare sector financings and does a fairly even mix of borrower and lender side work.
In M&A the firm can often be seen on mid-sized domestic deals or as local counsel on large cross border deals. It advises on both strategic and financial M&A and is experienced on the buy and the sell side. The firm is experienced advising management in the context of private equity exits and investments. It is often involved in deals in the energy, life sciences, real estate and technology sectors.
The restructuring and insolvency practice focuses on transactional work and is known for its superlative speed and execution power. The firm has a strong reputation for its work on debt restructuring, special credit and distressed debt transactions.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s notable clients include Aareal Bank, Annexum, Barings/MassMutual, BentallGreenOak, BerlinHyp, Canada Life, Deutsche Hypo, DRC Capital, Goldman Sachs, Helaba, HSBC, ING Diba, Kildare, McArthurGlen, MetLife, OLB, OVG, Patrizia, PGIM, ABN AMRO, Argentem Creek Partners, Centerbridge, Davidson Kempner, Elliott,Rabobank, RiverBank, Rothesay Life, York CapitalBentallGreenOak, DRC Savills IM, Hamburg Commercial Bank, Deutsche Hypo/NordLB,
Garbe, OVG, Patrizia, Snippe, Amvest, Amsterdam UMC and RadboudUMC hospitals, CEVA Logistics and G&S.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm demonstrated significant involvement in diverse legal areas including banking and finance, project finance, and restructuring and insolvency.
In the banking sphere, the firm actively engaged in acquisition finance, refinancing, and real estate finance, extending its services to clients within the financial services, real estate investment, and investment management sectors.
Within the realm of project finance, the firm successfully executed various deals catering to clients in the healthcare, financial services, and investment management sectors.
The restructuring and insolvency practice primarily focused on financial restructuring proceedings, refinancing, distressed sales, insolvency proceedings, and restructuring litigation. This breadth of services was provided to both banks and borrowers across multiple sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
VUE International $1.32 billion restructuring
Madison Pacific $315 million financial restructuring
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Insolvency
"To the point, accurate and expeditious."
Restructuring
"Stefan and his team are extremely responsive, knowledgeable and market experts in their field. The provide pragmatic and commercial advice and appreciate how all the various stakeholders operate in complex restructurings. Their pricing is also very reasonable and good value.”
Stefan van Rossum
"Very knowledgeable and approachable. Creative. A pleasure to work with."
"Technical expertise was outstanding. Senior-led team was excellent."
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is a boutique Dutch firm. It was formed in 2016 and is based in Rotterdam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a capable M&A practice which advises on international and domestic mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. Its clients range from private equity funds and investors to companies.
Restructuring and insolvency is the firm’s main strength. It regularly acts on financial restructurings for Dutch clients across a variety of sectors, while it also often works as a bankruptcy trustee in suspension of payment cases.
Key clients
Key recent clients include Verolme, FitlandGroep and Tennor Holding.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Throughout the research cycle, the firm demonstrated active participation in the Dutch M&A mid-market. It effectively represented both acquirers and sellers in transactions that frequently involved cross-border elements.
In the realm of restructuring and insolvency, the firm handled a substantial number of mandates for clients linked to sectors such as healthcare, sports, transport, tourism, insurance, financial services, and investment management. This widespread engagement showcased the firm's extensive involvement in this space.
The firm hired a new partner in their M&A practice, named Ep Hannaema from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2022.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Steinhoff Recovery Foundation $7 billion insolvency settlement
Tennor Holding B.V. multiple billion-dollar restructuring
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Financial restructuring
"Meticulous lawyers that stay on top of issues and provide clear and cogent advice."
"Commercially minded guys, knowledgeable."
Insolvency
"Quick thinking, responsive, very creative."
PPP/PFI
"Objective, critical but creative."
Restructuring
"Commercial, swift follow-up."
"With his experience, Marcel Windt tried to create a mutual understanding and consensual restructuring."
"Quick response; adequate solutions."
"Practical. Solution-orientated."
Michiel Bindels
"Quick response; working towards a solution.
Rueben Leeuwenburgh
"Smart, responsive, unflappable in the face of significant challenge.
"Great adviser. Responsive and creative.
Marcel Windt
"Accessibility, creativity, sharing concerns with client."
"Commercial, thorough, pragmatic."
"With his experience, Marcel can act as a great senior statesman."
"Practical. Hands-on. Good negotiator."
Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy is a Magic
Circle firm with a global presence in 31 countries. The firm’s Netherlands office is located in Amsterdam and houses
more than 30 partners.
With tier 1 rankings across the board, Allen & Overy is one of the
market leaders in the jurisdiction.
The firm is renowned for its work for international and Dutch lenders in the banking space. It often works on large-scale refinancings, acquisition financings and bridge to bond financings, and has market-leading expertise in syndicated lending work.
In the debt capital markets area, the firm often represents underwriters on bond and hybrid capital issuances. In the equity space, the firm advises on matters such as IPOs, rights issues and accelerated
bookbuildings. On securitization and structured finance mandates, the firm has experience representing investment banks.
The M&A team is among the market’s most prolific by deal value and volume and is particularly strong in public M&A work. The firm is also one of the strongest at representing private equity firms on investments and divestments in the Netherlands.
The projects team is experienced in advising on financing and development work in sectors including conventional and renewable energy, technology, real estate, transport and infrastructure.
The firm’s restructuring and insolvency team advises clients on matters ranging from financial restructuring to distressed loan portfolio sales.
Notable clients include Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, ABN AMRO,
Anbang, Vopak, Naspers, Rabobank, European Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs and HSBC.
Client feedback: 32ndedition (2022/2023)
“Excellent technical knowledge across the entire team, including SPAC-specific knowledge and sector expertise in the Netherlands. The team was very solutions focused, always thinking ahead and supporting us in achieving our objectives/timescales. Partners were very visible and communication/internal co-ordination of the A&O specialist inputs was, in general, excellent.”
“Fast and adequate advice. Always available and very good explanation of the advice.”
Bird & Bird
International law firm Bird & Bird’s Netherlands team is split between its offices in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm is best recognised for its corporate and M&A and equity capital markets work in the Dutch market.
Sectors of activity include energy, pharmaceuticals, technology and telecommunications.
Key clients
Key clients include Kiadis Pharma, Envipco Holding and RoodMicrotec.
Clifford Chance
Magic
Circle law firm Clifford Chance’s Amsterdam office has been active for almost half a century.
The firm is renowned in the Netherlands for its strength in banking, capital markets and restructuring mandates, where it ranks among the very best in the market.
The banking team advises both borrowers and lenders on arranging facilities agreements and has further expertise in export credit, trade and commodity finance matters.
The capital markets team provides top-notch advice on a range of debt and equity offerings, including IPOs, bond issues, secondary offerings and buybacks.
The M&A team acts on high-value transactions for acquirers and sellers and often takes on multi-jurisdictional mandates. The firm also has a strong presence within the private equity market, acting for sponsors on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.
In the projects space the firm often takes on financing and development mandates concerning international and domestic solar parks and wind farms. Other areas of experience include advising on the implementation of broadband networks, data centres and road infrastructure
s.
The firm’s restructuring and insolvency team often represents lenders on large restructuring deals in sectors such as metals, retail and real estate.
Key clients include Rabobank, ABN AMRO,
, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, KKR, Blackstone, Tele 2, Partners Group, Vattenfall, KKR,
Digital Infrastructure Vehicle,
EQT Infrastructure, Teslin,
Encavis Infrastructure Fund II
and Blue Sky Group.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Clifford Chance provides complete advice on all matters relevant to the project. They build trust and deliver above expectations.”
“Very experienced and supportive, always available for discussions. Works very closely with other Clifford Teams which have worked with us in the past in other jurisdictions. Makes preparation of finance documents and
due
diligences very efficient by reflecting our requirements properly.”
CMS Derks Star Busmann
CMS Derks Star
Busmann dates back to 1900. Today the firm has two branches in the Netherlands in Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Globally international firm CMS has 77 offices across 43 countries.
The firm is best known for its banking and M&A work in the Netherlands, with the firm maintaining a good share of the market’s significant deals in the real estate sector.
The firm’s banking team is involved in a variety of transactions for borrowers and lenders – though its key strength lies in real estate financing.
In M&A the firm is experienced in deals in financial services, energy and climate change, life sciences, consumer products, TMC and hospitality industries.
The firm has an active restructuring and insolvency practice. The team is experienced in acting as administrator and bankruptcy trustee in insolvency proceedings.
Notable clients of the firm include
Aspen Real Estate Investment,
Capreon,
CitizenM, Deutsche
Pfandbriefbank, ING Bank, Fidelity,
LandesbankSaarbrücken, M&L Hospitality,
MünchenerHypothekenbankeG, Oaktree, Rabobank, PayPal,
AEB, Allego, ArcelorMittal, Coca-Cola European Partners,
Equitix,
Ferrovial, FD Media Group, Ford,
Glennmont Partners, ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, Schroder Securitisation / Neos and Invesco.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020 / 2021)
Besides maintaining a solid grasp of some of the market’s significant real estate financing mandates, the firm’s work in banking has been diverse featuring a plethora of acquisition finance, asset finance and securitisation mandates.
In banking the firm was active, on both the borrower and lender side, on a range of lending work including refinancing mandates, acquisition finance, project/ real estate finance.
In regulatory financial services the firm continued to provide full legal support on several regulatory matters for clients connected with the aviation and insurance markets.
The M&A team has advised on acquisitions,
mergers, disposals, financial investment, financing deals for clients connected with
energy, technology, transport, financial institutions and automotive sectors.
In restructuring and
insolvency, the firm worked on several
bankruptcy and liquidation deals for clients connected with healthcare, tourism,
agriculture, good and services sectors.
Deal highlights:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Midas International Asset Management €215 million
acquisition and financing of real estate
Turn/River Capital €315 million acquisition of Redwood
Slotervaartziekenhuis €65 million bankruptcy of a hospital
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"CMS are truly experts in the field. They know our business and they know our wishes."
"Diligent, timely, responsive, sector specialist, thorough, analytical and thoughtful."
"In particular in respect of tax, the firm are very responsive and pragmatic."
"Efficient, but diligent, good quality of work."
"Marc van Zanten and Marlous de Groot were easy to cooperate with."
"Very qualified legal services. Professional but friendly approach."
"The team were very skilled in managing the complex stakeholder group involved in an insolvency, keeping an eye on the interest at stake while maintaining a carefully considered position for the bankrupt estate."
"Knowledge and experience. They are thorough, adequate, timely and available around the clock."
"Quick response; good knowledge of all legal issues related to insolvencies and with recovery of collateral value."
"Up-to-date knowledge, loads of experience, keen strategists."
"Quick response on questions and/or issues. Clear approach on recovery possibilities. Always looking for the possibilities for each recovery. Good knowledge of the Dutch market and the Dutch legal environment. Working closely on several recoveries."
"Incredibly responsive, committed and pragmatic tax adviser with a wealth of experience in multiple jurisdictions."
"She is enthusiastic and a hard worker."
"Very good professional with extraordinary knowledge of all legal aspects of recoveries in the Netherlands. Accessible. Keeps appointments."
"Proactive professional with a very high standard of working. Clear advice on approach and possible next steps to be taken. Very accessible as a person. "
"We consider Mark to be part of our team. He fully understands our wishes and business motives. As such he makes the deal happen even in the most challenging environments."
"Very experienced, plenty of knowledge, smart in case analysis, effective communication."
"Excellent lead lawyer who manages the stakeholder group."
"Good listener, switches easily between aggregation levels, emphatic, very experienced and hard-working."
"Proactive. Good negotiator. Good organiser. Very qualified."
"Client focus, responsive, quick thinking, direct advice."
"Diligent, good knowledge of the law, easy to work together with."
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Founded in 1871, Dutch law firm
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is headquartered in Amsterdam and has offices in Brussels, London, Shanghai and Singapore.
Focusses / specialisms
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has particularly strong M&A, equity capital markets, projects and restructuring offerings.
The work of the banking team often supports other practices in the firm, often acting on financings related to acquisitions. The firm also has a robust projects finance practice and is particularly strong in financing work for borrowers.
The capital markets team advises both corporations and banks on debt, equity and regulatory matters and has top-notch expertise in equity transactions. The firm notably houses the largest pure-play equity capital markets team in the Netherlands.
The firm is regularly involved in the market’s largest M&A transactions and has experience in acting for acquirers and sellers. The firm works for a mix of local and global private equity houses on their strategic investments and divestments, while it also counts the investment arms of Dutch banking groups such as ABN Amro, Rabobank and ING as its clients.
The firm’s market-leading projects team is recognised for its PPP expertise and is experienced in advising stakeholders, including government entities, sponsors, investors, and lenders.
Key clients
Noteworthy clients include Unilever, Royal Vopak, GATE Terminal, Central Bank of Curacao and St Maarten, IHC, GrandVision, and Silverfleet Capital Partners.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
The firm performed strongly in M&A during the research cycle, acting on some of the largest and most high-profile deals in the Netherlands. The firm worked on predominantly cross-border transactions for a mix of large buy and sell side clients.
In staffing changes partner Bernard Roelvink departed the M&A team in April 2020.
Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Adevinta €9.2 billion acquisition of eBay Classifieds
AkzoNobel €1.4 billion public offer for Tikkurila
Albert Heijn acquisition of
DEEN Supermarkets
Bergson Holdings €385 million all-cash offer for Hunter Douglas
Covéa $9 billion acquisition of PartnerRe
Just Eat Takeaway.com $7.3 billion all-stock offer for Grubhub
Patrick Drahi €5.7 billion acquisition of Altice Europe
Parcom and Mississippi Ventures consortium
€440 million acquisition of HEMA
Thermo Fisher Scientific €11 billion offer for QIAGEN
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/21)
"Deep knowledge of local law and local market."
"Impressive to see how the DBBW team is able to make a good, structured and convincing analysis from the enormous amount of information."
"Responsive. Pragmatic. International knowledge and experience."
"High quality of work; good strategic advice also outside legal issues (by Arne Grimme); highly responsive."
"Proactive. Professional. Seamless execution. Practical. Strategic. High-quality. Provide clarity in complex situations. Pleasant cooperation. Provide the full suite of required expertise around multi-disciplinary transactions."
"Good strategic advice; good view on financial aspects; gets deal done; good view on market practice. "
"Responsive. Quick understanding. Hands-on."
"Pleasant. Professional. Knowledgeable. Practical. Makes complex matters easy to understand. Can be pragmatic where needed. Takes a multidisciplinary approach."
"Reinout knows how to keep an overview and structure. The advice is of an excellent level."
"Deep knowledge and experience."
"Extremely well prepared and good eye for detail; good in financial aspects; extremely responsive."
Dentons
Global law firm Dentons’ Netherlands office is located in Amsterdam.
Dentons is best known in the Netherlands for its offerings in banking, where it specialises across a broad range of transaction types, including acquisition, export and commodity finance.
In the M&A area, the firm regularly takes on upper and middle-market work and has strong capability advising on deals within the private equity space.
Notable clients include
Capita, CBRE, CTP, Franklin Templeton, Gilde, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, VKR/Velux, Pathé Theaters, Union Investment, Yanmar, Nestr Smart Finance, Laguna Netherlands, Noble Energy, Calsonic Kansei, ING, Kohlberg & Company and Penta Investments.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Very positive approach to getting the deal done. Great communication.”
“Proactive, practical and focused on results.”
Dirkzwager
Dirkzwager is a domestic Dutch law firm with offices in Arnhem and Nijmegen.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known in the Netherlands for its M&A offering. The firm has a strong presence on mid-cap Dutch M&A deals and works with a mix of international and domestic acquirers and sellers.
Although capable of delivering advice in several sectors it has a strong focus on the health and energy sectors.
Key clients
Key recent clients include Rubis Terminal, Arcadis Nederland, Obton and Coppa Consultancy.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
One recent highlight saw the firm advise Rubis Terminal on the high-value sale of a stake to I Squared Capital.
In staffing changes partner Ton Lekkerkerker left the firm at the start of 2021.
Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)
I Squared Capital €1 billion acquisition of a 45% stake in Rubis Terminal
Arcadis million acquisition of Over Morgen
Coppa Consultancy acquisition of a majority stake in NEW HG
Roosendaal/Kruisland 34,539KW solar park
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/21)
"Hands-on practical legal advice - committed."
"Good communication and legal advice."
"Practical, hands-on, good sector knowledge."
"Quality of work, always available, involved in the process and nice people. "
"Broad knowledge, realistic and practical approach, holds all stakeholders on track and prevents pitfalls due to emotional elements at buyer/seller side."
"Dirkzwager has an experienced senior team that has in-depth knowledge in M&A, stakeholder management, regulatory and employment, they have senior partners who are hands-on working on transactions and think in solutions."
"Good expertise - speed - think along - good communication."
"Clear, pragmatic, involved, high quality of work. "
"Good communication and legal advice."
"Good communicator, hands-on, practical."
"Good communicator, practical and account-focused."
"Direct, pragmatic and very responsive. Great depth when other specialist knowledge is needed."
"Not afraid to give her opinion even if it does not suit her client. "
"Good communication - excellent legal expertise - thinking along in the process."
FG Lawyers
FG Lawyers is an Amsterdam based boutique law firm uniquely focused on financial regulatory law. The firm was formed in 2013.
The firm assists clients in emerging sectors such as FinTech and Digital Finance in obtaining the appropriate regulatory approvals, licenses or other forms of permission from the Dutch financial regulators.
Key clients include DELA Coöperatie, Netfin, ZIB Investments Beheer, Ebury Partners Belgium, Icepay, 2525 Ventures, Intrum Nederland, 52 Capital, Dutchen Development, 1602 Capital and Aquila Capital.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Financial services regulatory
"Their response is quick, their instant knowledge is huge and they always come up with unexpected but brilliant solutions."
"They are hands-on, deliver high-quality work and are very familiar with the financial services and fintech industry in which they operate."
"They are hands-on, offer great quality for a correct price."
"I have found FG Lawyers to provide a speedy response, have reasonable rates and provide useful advice - demonstrating legal and commercial expertise and excellence across the board."
"In-depth knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, interpretation of those laws by the regulator and how to incorporate those learnings into the application process. Soft skills. Experience with this work for other clients. "
Florent
Founded in 2017, Florent is a mid-market boutique firm located in Amsterdam.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A and restructuring and insolvency capabilities. The firm regularly advises buyers and sellers on a mix of mid-market domestic and cross-border deals across a range of industries.
Key clients
Key clients include Cegeka, Tony’s Chocolonely, VAN MOOF, Victus Participations, Plukon Food Group, Arcus Infrastructure, Nimbus and Freshstream.
Greenberg Traurig
US firm
Greenberg Traurig opened its first non-US office in Amsterdam in 2003.
The firm is ranked by IFLR1000 for its corporate and M&A practice.
The firm has
particular expertise in high-end real estate M&A work in the Netherlands, where it acts for a mix of buyers and sellers. The firm also has a notable presence on transactional work in sectors such as hospitality, retail and technology.
Noteworthy clients include
APi Group Corporation,
InterXion,
MessageBird Holding, Oddo BHF, The State of the Netherlands, OTB Ventures, Digital Turbine, Greyline Partners, Wavecrest Growth Partners, Wiwynn, Golden Arrow Holding, and Norstat.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Investment funds:
real estate funds
“We were very happy with
Greenberg Traurig’s detailed
due diligence, constant updates and their negotiation skills.”
“Excellent contract drafting and negotiation support. Quick. Easy to work with. Proactive. Good project leaders.”
Habraken Rutten
Habraken Rutten is a
boutique law firm located in Amsterdam.
The firm is particularly active in project finance and project development work. In project finance, the firm specialises in advising borrowers
on financing aspects of significant PPP transactions in
the Netherlands. In project development, the firm focuses on infrastructure, real estate, energy and technology sectors, providing comprehensive advice on large projects from inception to completion.
The firm advises major construction companies and developers in
the Netherlands.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development:
infrastructure
“Expertise in working on complex projects in every stage of the development and construction.”
“High-level strategy capabilities with the ability to translate that in corresponding set-up and detailed completion thereof.”
Hogan Lovells
International law firm Hogan Lovells’ Netherlands office
is located in Amsterdam.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm’s banking and finance team acts across a range of transaction types such as acquisitions, project and real estate financings. It often acts for lender banks and debt funds but also has strong expertise representing corporate and private equity borrowers. The firm has recently increased its work with alternative lenders and has taken an active role within the Dutch unitranche debt market.
In the capital markets area, the firm is recognised for acting across debt and structured finance mandates by working on matters such as factoring and on covered bond programmes. The firm often appears for issuers, taking on drafting counsel roles for Dutch banks.
The M&A team combines strong capabilities in public and private M&A, and corporate restructuring capabilities, with particular expertise on cross border work in the financial services, TMT and life sciences sectors.
Key clients
The firm has experience advising Blackrock, HSBC Bank, Deutsche Bank, Mitsui, Shimano, Nasdaq and Rabobank.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Banking
"Very proactive and nice to work with as partner."
"Commitment. Availability. Knowledge. Network."
"Partner involvement. Speed of execution. Negotiation."
Banking and finance
"Pragmatic advice, very responsive."
Bank lending : Lender side
"Very deep understanding of pitfalls and mechanics of Unitranche financing as well as up-to-date knowledge of market practices."
Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation
"Quick response time, in-depth knowledge of product and legislation, solution-driven, smooth coordination amongst all parties."
Lexence
Active since 1992, independent law firm Lexence is headquartered in Amsterdam and holds membership of Meritas.
Lexence is best known in the Dutch market for mid-market private equity and M&A work.Sectors of experience include food and beverage, oil and gas, technology, logistics, manufacturing, and real estate.
The firm’s client list includes
Waterland Private Equity,
Normec, Oaktree partners, Caerus Debt Investments AG, Modern Dental Group, H2 Private Equity, Triton Partners, Egeria, Synergia, Dutch Greentech Fund,
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Swift response, flexible time arrangement and professional. "
"Full focus on my interests."
"He always provides us with a swift response and our requirements can be met exactly. When there's anything he's unsure about, he will also feedback to us in time after his research. "
"She listens well and understands my needs. "
LXA
LXA Attorneys is a Dutch law firm specialised in advising entrepreneurs, enterprises and investors. The firm
is located in Hertogenbosch.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm is active in M&A and venture capital work and focuses on handling transactions in the innovation space. It has an extensive network and partners with startup incubators such as YES!Delft and accelerators and venture builders such as eatlhInc. / Startupbootcamp and Holland Startup.
The team has strong transactional track record, internationally and domestically, and has a good share of deals in the Dutch mid-market.
Key clients
Key clients include Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe, Simon Loos, QWIC, FC Den Bosch, Huuuge Games, Tricorp, Triodos Renewables Europe Fund and Motiv Group of Companies.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
M&A
"LXA (Carel Henderson) is a long-time adviser to our organisation. A few positive attributes: no sugar-coating, straight advice - very flexible and 24/7 available - highly knowledgeable, with great expertise in all fields of law (full-service capacity) - big team, with talented (young) lawyers - innovative and creative thinkers."
"Precise. Creative. Strict on deadlines."
"They are professionals, but they also really understand what we need."
"Alert, accessible, customer-friendly, knowledgeable."
"Knowledge, service and creativity."
"LXA is a constructive and practical law office, which we mostly 'use' because of the experience and affinity with M&A activities. Where some lawyers simple stop at pointing out (legal) problems or challenges, LXA always looks for the common goal/ground and solutions. These guys can be reached at any time and will not stop before the work is done, no matter what."
"LXA is always proactive in involving the right partners at the right time and the communication is fast and not too formal. I certainly have the impression that they collaborate very well internally and that they have a good overview of us as a client. "
NautaDutilh
Founded in 1724, NautaDutilh is an Amsterdam-headquartered independent law firm. The firm maintains offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Luxembourg, New York and Rotterdam. The firm also extends its presence globally with country desks for France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Latin America and China.
NautaDutilh is best known in the Netherlands for its work in M&A, restructuring and insolvency and capital markets, where it
isamong the best firms in the market.
The banking team is active across a range of different sectors, acting for borrowers, lenders and sponsors on matters including acquisition financings, corporate lending and refinancing.
In capital markets, the firm takes on debt, equity, and structured finance and securitization work, advising clients such as issuers, underwriters and shareholders. The team acted on the first securitization in the Netherlands and has since maintained a strong reputation in the space.
The firm is
also strong in the M&A space, advising regularly on the market’s most valuable deals. Public offers and private equity work are two
particular areas of strength for the firm, and it regularly works for corporates on cross-border deals.
In projects, the firm has experience advising on the financing of projects of national prominence and supports lenders on developments of major highways and flood protection infrastructure. The project development team
takes on similar projects and
has experience in PPPs.
The restructuring and insolvency team represents distressed parties and creditors and works on cross-border restructurings and large domestic bankruptcies.
The firm has acted for
Prosus,
Nederlandse Waterschapsbank, Daimler International Finance, De Volksbank, Petrobras Global Finance, Mondelez, GlaxoSmithKline, IHS Netherlands Holdco, Enel Finance International, Airbnb, Mylan, HAL Investments, European Investment Bank, Rabobank, Agrokor, Morgan Stanley Bank, Uber, and Ashland.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Highly knowledgeable,
experienced and proactive. They think beyond the legal part of the deal. Good communication to manage expectations on timing, delivery as promised.”
“Nauta provided timely, thoughtful, commercial advice throughout the transaction.
They anticipated potential stumbling blocks and helped the transaction parties stay ahead of the curve.”
Orange Clover
Established in
2014, Orange Clover is an independent Dutch boutique law firm based in Amsterdam, with
a specific focus on corporate, finance and financial regulatory work.
The firm’s
corporate and M&A team covers the full range of M&A and private equity transactional and advisory work in all relevant sectors, with
a special focus on the technology sector. The banking team
covers the full range of financing
work, with key strengths in
acquisition finance, working capital finance, asset finance and project finance.
Key clients include
Triton Partners, PAI Partners, Carlyle Asia Partners, Waterland Private Equity,
NIBC Bank, BNG Bank, ING Bank, Natixis, Barclays, HSBC, JP Morgan, Banco do
Brasil, Santander, Société Générale,
Paribas and GEFA Bank.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Fast and sound advice. The team was very responsive and pleasant to work with.”
“Quick answers, market knowledge, great negotiation skills.”
Pinsent Masons
Founded in
1769, Pinsent Masons is a multinational law firm with 26 offices across
four continents.
The firm’s Netherlands office
is located in Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam office focuses mainly on advising clients on a broad range of corporate work, including post-acquisition integration and day-to-day corporate advice. The firm specialises in technology, financial services, energy, real estate and infrastructure.
Key clients are
SoftwareONE, and Satellogic Netherlands.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“International approach, quick, solid and to the point.”
“The Dutch team of Pinsent Masons is proactive. They are strong communicators.”
Rutgers & Posch
Founded in 2013, Rutgers & Posch is a boutique law firm based in Amsterdam.
The firm is particularly active in corporate M&A transactions, with expertise in advising the technology, finance, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing industries.
The firm’s key clients include BESIX Group, shareholders of Magnus, Van Lanschot Kempen,
MotorK, Zorg van de Zaak, Netwerk, Schaeffler Nederland, ETS Spoor Beheer,
Rinkelberg Capital,
Smitsair Vastgoed,
PSOHub Ventures, The Hand Clinic Amsterdam,
Ecotap, Edco Eindhoven, and Crystal Peak Acquisition.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Pragmatic lawyers, excellent value for money and excellent legal advice. If lawyers are
not available within their own firm,
they are
always able to assist with external help from an excellent international legal network.”
“Excellent advice on M&A documentation. Going the extra mile to get things done. Excellent advice, excellent pricing and lawyers that are all pleasant to work with. Sound knowledge of M&A process and required documents, providing me and our clients excellent service and value for money.”
Simmons & Simmons
Established in 1888, the Dutch office of international firm
Simmons & Simmons is located in Amsterdam.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm has a strong financial and corporate offering with particular expertise in capital markets, project development and restructuring work.
The firm has a strong track record in the banking and finance area, where it often provides advice to international and domestic banks. In particular, the firm has expertise in real estate and project finance mandates and is regularly involved in the financing of the largest ongoing Dutch property developments.
In capital markets, the firm has significant experience in debt, equity, and securitisation work and is among the top choices for US securities transactions.
The M&A team is also active on private equity work and has experience working for acquirers and sellers in sectors including agriculture, retail and technology.
In projects, the firm advises stakeholders such as developers and investors and has strength within the construction and real estate sectors.
Key clients
Notable clients include State of The Netherlands, BNG Bank, Rabobank, FMO, Bridgestone, Hines, Gilde Equity Management and JPMorgan.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Capital markets
"They understand the technical legal aspects of the deal and the market they are operating in. Very user-friendly and responsive."
Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation
"Their can-do attitude. Always looking to find solutions too - and come up with some very good ideas in doing so. Also, work is always timely. Processes with this team always seem to be smooth and efficient, and if there are some emergency problems to be solved they are done so swiftly and calmly."
Investment funds
"Extremely responsive to questions both in terms of timing and comprehensive nature of replies. Very personal and tailored service, senior members of the team readily available to client, and a willingness to share experience and industry knowledge. Fees were fair, and an open approach taken to discussing costs."
"Very commercial approach to transactions without getting trapped in the minutiae."
"They are correct in planning, good communication, sharp in deadlines and sell trust in every case."
Investment funds: Real estate funds
"Available. Professional. Understand the mechanism of transactions."
M&A
"They are responsive, have strong legal knowledge and are very good in representing the client's interests."
"They could provide the professional advice and solve the hard problems during the negotiation with the sellers. They could give the feedback in time and are responsible for all the legal work."
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing is an international law firm with 29 offices around the world. The firm has Dutch offices in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
The firm has an active M&A team with a special focus on TMT, energy and infrastructure, life sciences and healthcare and private wealth.
It also does banking work such as leveraged finance, asset finance, real estate, trade finance, investment and project finance.
Key recent clients include Copaco,
HolidayCheck Group, Shenzen
Goodix Technology, Euro-Rijn Group, Grindstone Capital,
sennder, Inflexion Private Equity Partners, Hamburg Commercial Bank, Canada Life, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, PGIM, Lidl, Bayerische Landesbank, PNC Bank National Association, National Westminster Bank and DZ HYP.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Very proactive. Provided not just a legal but also a commercial opinion.”
