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. As a
full service law firm practicing Dutch, Belgian and Luxembourg law, the firm has a wide range of
expertise and cross border capabilities
representing leading financial service institutions and foreign investors.
The firm
offers high quality service in many legal services available, with a strong projects practice in the Netherlands, particularly in real estate and large PPP projects. The firm also has a recognizable reputation in M&A, restructuring and insolvency,
banking and financial service regulatory matters.
The
firm advised
Ontwikkelbedrijf Greenport Venlo, in connection with all real estate issues in the financial development of the region of Greenport Venlo. The project is currently the largest real estate project in the Netherlands in terms of size, covering 54 million square miles of land, and its investment volume reaching an estimated €10 billion. The project is developing a region consisting of business parks,
a campus and sustainable natural landscapes.
In M&A, a notable example of the firms work includes
advising
the shareholders of
Youfone, a mobile virtual network operator, with the sale of
Youfone to KPN, a listed Dutch network operator, in a transaction worth around
€200 million.
Youfone is a major network operator with an estimated half a million customers in the Netherlands.
“There participation in
realising a roadmap for business who want to there financing ESG proof” (Financial services regulatory client)
“Very professional team, dedicated, responsive. Willing to think with us outside the box and have multi expertise teams within the firm” (Financial services regulatory client)
“AKD's insolvency practice benefits from a young sharp lawyer as Fouad” (Insolvency client)
“We were impressed by the high-quality and
accurate advice provided, in a
rather brief
time frame. In fact, the case has developed according to client’s wishes.” (Insolvency client)
“Thijs Hekman and Rolf
Everhardus are approachable, very pleasant to work with and have impressive legal knowledge.” (Restructuring and insolvency client)
Panattoni, VolkerWessels, Bleckmann, Development company (Ontwikkelbedrijf), Greenport Venlo, Maersk, Vitec Software Group, KIC InnoEnergy EIT, Marlin Equity Partners,
Youfone, VDL, ILFA,
Newion,
Unzer Luxembourg
Bond Advocaten
Founded in 2018 in Amsterdam,
Bond
Advocaten is a finance law boutique. The firm is the first law firm in the Netherlands to exclusively have a focus on banking and financing and financial transactions. The firm is led by partners,
Jan – Joost van
Rijisbergen,
Joannes de Bont
and
Robert Steeg.
In banking and finance, the firm played a critical role in the project financing for
EBS
(Egged Bus System), a Dutch regionally operating public transportation company, in connection with EBS winning the Zaanstreek-Waterland
Concessie 2024-2038 in partnership between the Municipality of Amsterdam and several other municipalities across the Netherlands. Robert Steeg advised EBS on transaction documents and all other legal matters regarding the financing of the concession.
Ctac N.V., EBS Public Transportation B.V., ASN Bank, SHS Capital, QBuzz B.V.
Testimonials
Asset finance
"Proactive, flexible and nice to work with. Specialists and highly capable and always looking for
a practical solution."
Bank lending
"Bond Advocaten provided pragmatic and helpful advice and was very responsive throughout the process."
"Thinking along in solutions as if an employee of our company. Roll out lending via clear step-by-step plan. Calm communication and never complaining about explaining again even the 'easy' parts. Making complicated things easy."
"The firm is thorough in review, has good responsiveness, with a very timely response, good quality and forward thinking."
"The firm did an excellent job negotiating on our behalf and kept the process on track for an on-time closing."
Banking and finance
"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."
"Great people, who respond swiftly and had in-depth knowledge about the cases we did with them."
"They know the applicable rules and regulations, they have practical advice and the respond quickly."
"The firm has a small but proactive, pragmatic team with excellent lawyers in the field of banking and finance law."
"Responsive, excellent knowledge, practical."
"Leading and proactive with, of course, knowledge of the subject. Flexible and excellent in communication."
"In-depth knowledge with straightforward, no-nonsense approach."
"Very sophisticated yet hands-on approach, constructive in negotiations."
"Very skilled, experienced and teamwork."
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."
“Joannes de Bont is highly knowledgeable, responsive and pragmatic delivering good results in the most pleasant and efficient way possible”
"Very nice to work with always helpful."
"Thorough review, solid advice in negotiating, very responsive, reliable and a nice person to work with. "
"Thinking along in solutions as if he is an employee of our company. Rolls out lending via clear step-by-step plan. Calm communication and never complains about explaining something again, even the 'easy' parts. Making complicated things easy."
"Responsiveness, practical solutions, industry knowledge."
"He is a very hands-on lawyer, pleasant to work with, responsive and delivers within the agreed time frames."
"Joannes is very responsive and practical."
"Very skilled, flexible for client yet persistent in negotiations."
"He is a problem-solver and proactive thinker. He understands the process of closing a loan very well and knows where and how to negotiate the fine points of the deal. "
"Knowledge and experience regarding the subject. Excellent in communication and flexible (e.g. in meetings). Making life much easier for the company's finance director and legal counsel."
"Excellent lawyer, down to earth and very experienced."
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."
DVDW Advocaten
Established in 2004,
DVDW
Advocaten
is a boutique law firm with offices in The Hague and Rotterdam. The firm provides legal services in M&A, restructuring and insolvency, banking and finance, corporate governance and litigation and dispute resolution.
A recent notable example of the firm’s work includes assisting in the significant bankruptcy of Royal Imtech B.V. The firm was appointed as bankruptcy trustee as well as partner, Jeroen
Princen, appointed as curator. The team is advising on all aspects in connection with litigation against accountants, former attorneys of Imtech and several major banks.
“Down to earth experts on insolvency and restructuring” - (Financial restructuring client)
“Great expertise in an informal way” (M&A client)
Triple F Care B.V., PNO Group
Topholding B.V.,Breston Groep B.V., Forta Groep B.V., Shop TJC Ltd (UK), BNG Bank N.V.
FIZ advocaten
Founded in 2013, Rotterdam based
FIZ
Advocaten
is a highly
specialised Dutch boutique firm in financial service regulatory law, restructuring and structured finance.
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.
A notable example of the firm’s work in the Dutch mortgage sector is exemplified through advising Credit Management & Investor Solutions B.V. (CMIS) and its group companies
Selectief Hypotheken B.V. and Hyra Real Estate Investments B.V. on setting up two buy-to-let mortgage lending platforms for professional lenders and consumer borrowers.
“Agility and speed during the process, background information and knowledge of comparable deals within the business which could help us improving our deal documentation” - (Banking and finance client)
“FIZ Lawyers is a boutique law firm that is very experienced in capital market deals, asset sale, lending contracting, financial services regulatory law and any part of corporate law.” - (Financial service regulatory) N26 Hypotheken B.V.
Credit Management & Investor Solutions B.V. and its group companies
Adaxio B.V.,
ESGood B.V. (‘Impact Hypotheken’),
Fenerantis B.V. (‘Merius Hypotheken’),
Vesting Finance (part of the Arrow Global Investments group),WebFin
Leningen and
Webfin
Financieringen (‘SprayPay’)
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. The firm is particularly strong in banking and capital markets work and has a robust corporate and restructuring offering.
Deal
highlights include advising
Barclays in connection with a significant
cross-border and multi-currency-based asset backed securitisation for Einride AB as the originator of its lease portfolio. The securitisation is recorded to be the biggest asset – backed facility in heavy duty electric transport to date.
In the banking and finance, the firm
advised a pool of lenders, consisting of over 20 banks and fund lenders in 18 jurisdictions, in connection with the
€2.3 billion English law financing arrangement for the TIP Trailer Group. This transaction is reflective of the firm’s capability to coordinate and lead complex multijurisdictional transactions for leading multinational financial service institutions.
KLAR Partners, Rabobank,
ABN Amro Bank, CVC Capital Partners, High Tech Campus, JP Morgan, RNHB,
Haleon, Channel Capital Advisors,
Intertrust
argenx SE,
Lilium, Permira, Blackstone,
Allfunds
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.
In the M&A space, deal highlights include advising large multinational corporations on complex
cross border transactions. In banking and finance, the firm is also notably active on multijurisdictional transactions representing
both lender and borrower side of deals on
structured financing, note issuance and
assistance
on credit facilities.
“Great industry knowledge, easy and quick communication and effective negotiators.” - (M&A client)
“There is a lot of experience and a personal touch” (M&A client)
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited,
Essity AB,
KidsFoundation/Partou,
Perstorp Holding AB,
Tenaz Energy Corp., Amari Metals
Stibbe
Founded in 1911, Stibbe is a full-service Benelux law firm with offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, London, and New York. The firm is recognised for
a strong reputation in financial and corporate services across the board in the Netherlands.
The firm advised on the
merger between Swiss corporation
Firmenich International SA and Dutch publicly listed
Koninklijke DSM N.V. to create DSM-Firmenich.
In project development, the firm continues to
demonstrate its leadership in the sector advising on major projects including
assisting the Municipality of The Hague, Housing Association
Staedion, and Heijmans on a major inner city restructuring in the Dreven, Gaarden and
Zichten areas of The Hague. The restructuring involves the renovation of 2,000 social housing units and the construction of an estimated 3,500 new houses. This project is reflective of the firm's direct market and social impact through significantly shaping environmental and social landscapes in the Netherlands.
“Advice is to the point, clear, complete and pragmatic.” (M&A client)
ING, NIBC, Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, Q-Park FL Entertainment, DSM-Firmenich,
InPost, The Coca Cola Company and Coca Cola Beverages Africa, FC Barcelona, NIBC, J.P. Morgan, Crédit Agricole, ABN AMRO, Bain Capital
Van Doorne
Established in 1930,
Van Doorne is an independent domestic Dutch firm with a base in Amsterdam and an office in London. The firm consists of over 230 lawyers and legal professionals led by managing partner Sjoerd
Kamerbeek.
The firm is well
recognised for its presence in the Dutch market focusing on
mid-market banking, project finance, M&A and restructuring and insolvency work.
The firm advised
on the refinancing of the real estate portfolio of ‘The Social Hub’ for the group of lenders including
Aareal Bank,
Rabobank and another financial services institution. The uniqueness of this deal is highlighted through the hybrid structure of ‘The Social Hub’ which caters to a new form of hospitality for co-working, events, hotel, extended-stay
rooms and student accommodation. The deal was challenging in its multijurisdictional nature in the
finanicng of existing properties and new properties.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm
advised
Fuite Meat B.V. on the financial restructuring and acquisition of the
Gosschalk Group through the
relatively new Dutch Scheme (WHOA).
Havenbedrijf Rotterdam, Aareal Bank AG,
Mogelijk
Vastgoedfinancieringen, Rothsay Life,
BentallGreenoak,
Fuite Meat,
Centerbridge,
Madison Pacific, Vue Cinemas, AIG
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is a boutique Dutch firm. It was formed in 2016 and is based in Rotterdam. The firm has a strong presence in restructuring and insolvency and regularly advises on market leading restructurings for creditors and debtors in the Dutch Market. The firm also has a reputable M&A practice often advising Dutch clients in the mid M&A market across multiple
jurisdictions.
Highlights
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.
Deal highlights including advising on the global settlement for the €
3.4
billion loss value in the listed shares of Steinhoff International. The highly public and controversial scandal of Steinhoff International faced extremely difficult global settlement proceedings in which the firm and Marcel Windt played a crucial role in resolving.
“Great expertise” (M&A client)
Hunter Douglas, Marine Inspection Logistics,
InnoGenerics,
LumiraDx, Aranea
Care, Steinhoff Recovery Foundation, International Metal Trading,
Tennor Holding,
Energieplaza B.V.
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."
A&O Shearman
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.”
