De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Offices
Tripolis-Park
Burgerweeshuispad 201
1076 GR Amsterdam
Netherlands
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek’s finance and restructuring practice is widely recognised as one of the strongest in the Netherlands. On the borrower side, it has a standout reputation for handling multifaceted cross-border financing transactions for clients including state-owned enterprises, private equity sponsors, and highly leveraged and distressed corporates. Primarily, the team’s expertise is seen in matters involving acquisition finance, leveraged finance and project finance, as well as big-ticket refinancings and complicated restructurings. Practice head Ferdinand Hengst and newly appointed partner Bas Boutellier 'are very strong individuals for complex and international finance transactions'. Head of the firm’s London practice Niek Biegman is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Ferdinand Hengst
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is great at differentiating between important topics and not so important topics.’
‘Bas Boutellier is a great partner with excellent knowledge and great communication skills.’
‘Very strong borrower side counsel with a team that is highly knowledgeable, responsive and delivers quality with a pragmatic approach.’
‘Ferdinand Hengst and Bas Boutellier are very strong individuals for complex and international finance transactions.’
‘Deep knowledge and local knowhow to deliver the legal product and provide strategic advice when needed.’
Key clients
Royal Philips N.V.
Just Eat Takeaway N.V.
Royal Dutch Shell
Fugro N.V.
Goldman Sachs International
AkzoNobel N.V.
Royal BAM Group N.V.
Port of Rotterdam
The Dutch Railways and the Dutch State
Ministry of Economic Affairs (Dutch State)
National grid operator TenneT
Nuclear Reactor PALLAS
APAX Partners
BME Group
G Square Capital
Centerbridge Partners L.P.
Work highlights
- Advised Euronext-listed Fugro on a complex cross-border capital enhancing transaction (including debt and equity).
- Advised BME Group, the Blackstone-held building materials group, on an inaugural pre-IPO financing round.
- Advised Takeaway.com (now Just Eat Takeaway) on all financing aspects of their recent takeovers of Grubhub and Just Eat and its subsequent refinancing efforts, as lead counsel in a full US/UK financing deal.
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s practice is heavily involved in complex financial regulatory matters, acting for practically all major Netherlands-based financial institutions, as well as large national and international banking groups, insurance companies and investments firms, among others. Mariken Van Loopik leads the team, whose standalone financial regulatory expertise spans areas including licensing and market access, M&A banking requirements, governance and business structuring, capital and compliance issues, and recovery and resolution planning. Beyond instructions on a standalone basis, the group works seamlessly with other departments within the firm (including corporate and M&A, capital markets, employment, tax and litigation) to deliver further services to clients, such as advice on internal investigations and enforcement matters.Practice head(s):
Mariken van Loopik
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled, well-trained and hands-on lawyers.’
‘Regulatory team is able to advise at a top level through thorough knowledge of the Dutch and European financial sectors.’
‘Mariken van Loopik is a quick thinker whose advice goes well beyond just the legal aspects. She has thorough knowledge of the Dutch financial sector and is one of the leading partners in the Dutch regulatory space.’
‘Mariken van Loopik has the ability to convert very complex matters into pragmatic advice. She is a trusted advisor to our board in strategic matters.’
Key clients
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
ING Group N.V. / ING Bank N.V.
LeasePlan N.V.
Work highlights
- Advised on various matters for de Volksbank N.V. in proceedings against the Single Resolution Board at the EU Court of Justice. The proceedings concern the decision of the SRB regarding the calculation of de Volksbank’s 2018 contribution to the Single Resolution Fund.
- Acted as lead counsel to Bridgepoint on its minority investment in ACT, the leading provider of custom market-based solutions for reducing carbon footprints.
- Advised NN Group on the sale of its asset manager NN Investment Partners to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. for total cash proceeds of €1.7 billion. As part of the agreement, NN Group and Goldman Sachs Asset Management have entered into a ten-year strategic partnership under which the combined company will continue to provide asset management services to NN Group.
Netherlands > Capital markets: debt Tier 1
With the ‘ability to dive swiftly into a specific financing structure’, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek remains a go-to firm for a host of high-profile financial institutions and Dutch-listed companies. Regularly acting on both sides of the transaction, the practice’s strengths include convertible bond offerings and regulatory capital instruments. In one notable highlight from 2022, a team led by Bas Boutellier, who was promoted to partner at the beginning of 2023, advised TenneT on its issuance of a €3.8bn green eurobond. Practice head Niek Biegman, who splits his time between London and Amsterdam, excels in advising corporations, financial institutions, and private equity investors on cross-border transactions.Practice head(s):
Niek Biegman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ability to dive swiftly into a specific financing structure; very thorough and precise advice and research; high level of legal documentation.’
Key clients
AkzoNobel
Shell
Gasunie
TenneT
United Group (BC Partners)
Nomura Bank
NXP
Stellantis
Royal Philips
Work highlights
- Advised Dutch state-owned grid operator TenneT on the issuance of a €3.8bn green Eurobond.
- Advised Dutch state-owned Gasunie on designing its sustainability-linked bond framework and inaugural SLB issuance.
- Advised NXP on its $1.5bn dual-tranche bonds issuance.
Netherlands > Capital markets: equity Tier 1
The equity capital markets practice at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, which has considerable expertise in the space, counts a number of AEX-listed companies among its client portfolio. IPOs, spin-offs and refinancing transactions are part of the team’s strengths in addition to regularly being involved in cross-border matters. Jan Willem Hoevers and Gaby Smeenk jointly lead the practice, both advising clients on the full range of equity capital market concerns. Transactions with a multijurisdictional dimension are part of Féline Goyarts‘ specialisations, while Jaap Barneveld, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, frequently handles high-profile IPOs.
Practice head(s):
Jan Willem Hoevers; Gaby Smeenk
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Broad base of Dutch A-listed corporates gives them a unique perspective on the market. If it’s innovative, challenging or big-ticket in the Dutch market, this team is involved.’
‘Hands-on legal advice. Knowledge of the law is state-of-the-art. One key innovation is contact by the team before you realize you need it.’
‘Josse Klijnsma is 100% proactive, witty and sharp.’
‘Gaby Smeenk is a hands-on thinker who does not rest until a solution is found.’
‘De Brauw does not only focus on the legal technicalities but knows how to translate this into advice that is practical, whilst flagging the potential risks clearly.’
‘Gaby Smeenk is able to balance client requirements with applicable regulatory frameworks and keeps her team motivated and on its toes.’
‘Josse Klijnsma is very knowledgeable.’
‘The team always keeps an eye on the bigger picture.’
Key clients
Exor
SBM Offshore
AkzoNobel
ASML
AholdDelhaize
Bol.com
Fugro
Eurocommercial properties
Shell
Affimed
Fertiglobe
EPIC Acquisition Corp
CTP
CM.com
AMG
RelX
ABN Amro
Morgan Stanley
Work highlights
- Advising AholdDelhaize as lead counsel on the proposed sub-IPO of bol.com.
- Advised Shell plc on the simplification of its capital structure, as announced on 15 November 2021.
- Advised Fugro on its successful raising of €116m through an accelerated book build offering of new ordinary shares, as part of a new €516m comprehensive sustainability-linked financing.
Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
According to one client, ‘when it comes to large-scale transactions, no firm in the Netherlands can match’ De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek. Counting domestic and multinational companies, financial institutions and public entities among its key roster of clients, the team advises on M&A, divestments and joint ventures, and is noted for its expertise in the technology and manufacturing sectors. ‘Seasoned dealmaker’ and practice leader Arne Grimme advises on public and private transactions, in addition to leveraged buyouts, cross-border deals and corporate restructurings, while ‘pragmatic problem solver’ Gaby Smeenk focuses on M&A and capital markets transactions. Michael Schouten has experience in the regulated financial and energy sectors, and Klaas De Vries is well-versed in cross-border M&A. Other key members of the group include Yi Duan, who is ‘a safe pair of hands to have on the team’, and Jaap Barneveld.
Practice head(s):
Arne Grimme
Other key lawyers:
Gaby Smeenk; Michael Schouten; Klaas De Vries; Yi Duan; Jaap Barneveld; Frank Hamming
Testimonials
‘Jaap Barneveld is knowledgable and pragmatic.’
‘Arne Grimme and his team work together seamlessly, providing constant and hands-on advice on all aspects during a transaction. With creative solutions to challenging problems, Arne is able to smoothen out the most complex of challenges.’
‘Michael Schouten is a fast and analytical M&A lawyer, with excellent skills.’
‘The De Brauw M&A team delivers top-quality advice. They are very pro-active and they have good project management.’
‘Arne Grimme is a seasoned dealmaker, with valuable tactical advice beyond the legal issues but on the overall tactics on how to run the process. Yi Duan is on top of the deal. He is always available and very nice to work with it. A true safe pair of hands to have on the team.’
‘When it comes to large-scale transactions, no firm in the Netherlands can match De Brauw. Quality of work is extremely high and there appears to be no limit to the amount of talented associates which can be made available.’
‘Gaby Smeenk is a fantastic partner to work with. She is a pragmatic problem solver who never looses her cool and always keeps an eye on the bigger picture.’
‘Michael Schouten is a shining star in the M&A space. Ability to explain complex matters to people less familiar with the project was outstanding.’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Grandvision
Leaseplan
Just Eat Takeaway
Stonepeak Partners LP and EQT Infrastructure V
NN Group NV
Ralph Sonnenberg
Intertrust N.V.
Bridgepoint
CM.com
Pon.Bike
CTP
Exor
Westlake Chemical Corporation
SQCAP
Qogita
Backbase
G-III Apparel Group Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted GrandVision N.V. as sole counsel in relation to the recommended mandatory public offer launched by EssilorLuxottica S.A.
- Advised Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V.’s US subsidiary, Grubhub, Inc. in entering a commercial agreement with a subsidiary of Amazon, whereby Amazon receives warrants (exercisable at a minimum price) over 2% of Grubhub’s fully-diluted common equity.
- Advised NN Group on the sale of its asset manager NN Investment Partners (NN IP) to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. for total cash proceeds of €1.7bn.
Netherlands > Construction Tier 1
The multidisciplinary team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek offers comprehensive advice covering the lifecycle of construction matters from contract management, project development, projects in distress and litigation. The firm is particularly active in the infrastructure, utilities and energy sectors, particularly energy transitioning and sustainable LNG projects. The cross-practice team offers clients full-service advice covering a range of construction-related issues including financing, compliance, procurement and disputes. Practice head, Bommel van der Bend, is experienced in international arbitration and specialises in public procurement law, as well as contracting strategies. Sebastien Davys-Brown, lead associate, is focused on project set up, project distress and litigation, particularly within the infrastructure sector, including the high-profile dispute pertaining to Schipol airport.
Practice head(s):
Bommel van der Bend
Other key lawyers:
Sebastien Davys-Brown; Alexandra Crisan; Edward van Guens
Testimonials
‘This practice has a considerable depth of knowledge due to its international reach giving it a pool of knowledge not available to other firms. The practice responded quickly and was agile in bringing the necessary expertise to bear on the challenges we faced.’
‘It is the balanced approach which impressed the most, throughout there was an openness and a willingness to discuss issues with, and seek views from the wider team where the long term implications and strategies could be developed, accounting for wider business considerations.’
‘If I need assistance on construction matters in the future I would be delighted to work with key advisors Edward van Geuns and Sebastien Davys-Brown, they have been approachable, available, and prepared to work through issues considering all aspects of the issues before giving clear advice and setting out options with pros and cons.’
‘Top quality legal services, highly skilled professional lawyers.’
‘Sebastien Davys Brown; quick and smart thinker, excellent and thorough analysis of the problems at hand, creative solutions and much appreciated hands-on attitude.’
‘We have an excellent team from de Brauw, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. They are quick to respond at all times, and are always accessible.’
‘Very efficient to have a native English speaker as lawyer, knowledgeable in construction contracts, as part of a broader team, that also takes Dutch law into account. Both Sebastien Davys-Brown and Micheline de Graaf are of great service to us. Bommel van der Bend contributes an important part as specialist in public tendering.’
‘Broad and deep understanding of the business of the the customer. Efficiency and effectivity. Demonstrate commitment to their customer and the case. Make the extra step. Great culture.’
Key clients
Schiphol Airport
TenneT
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
Foundation Preparation PALLAS-reactor
EDGE Real Estate B.V
PJSC Nolipetsk Steel
T Mobile Netherlands
Egeria
HEMA
Nordian Capital
Gasunie Nederlands N.V
Novolipetsk Steel Company (NLMK)
Royal Dutch Shell
VOPAK
Work highlights
- Advising Schiphol Airport in relation to the upgrading of airport facilities through the construction of a new pier and terminal building, critical pieces of infrastructure to upgrade the capacity and future proof the asset.
- Instructing Gasunie on the construction and set up of the Eems Energy Terminal, involving the construction and connection of a natural gas floating regasification unit (“FSRU”) in Eemshaven, the Netherlands.
- Advising PALLAS with the construction of a new multifunctional nuclear reactor and health center to provide a source of radioisotopes to be used in medical, industrial and research and development applications.
Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s full-service privacy, data and cybersecurity team forms a major part of the firm’s regulatory enforcement and litigation practice. The team, led by Geert Potjewijd and recently promoted partner Axel Arnbak, defends international clients in enforcement actions by supervisory authorities and in mass data infringement claims. Supporting clients in international cybercrime, data breaches and potential post-breach litigation adds an additional dimension to the practice. Litigator Arjan Kleinhout, who made partner in March 2022, and associate Mirjam van Dam are key members of the team, taking on data infringement cases.Practice head(s):
Geert Potjewijd; Axel Arnbak
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They bring a sophisticated, inclusive approach to the litigation. They show their experience on the legal questions, as well as on matters of policy, technology, and business concerns.’
‘A strong point of the DBBW Data Protection team is that if needed, experts in other areas of law that might be relevant can be added to the team on a need-to-need basis, which is efficient and cost effective.’
‘We have a long and good working relationship with Axel Arnbak, he is our key contact on data protection matters.’
‘The support is very professional, dedicated and great on a technical and strategic level. Commits itself to pro bono support.’
‘All team members are supportive and competent.’
‘Geert Potjewijd is a strong leader. He knows the law and thinks strategically to achieve the best possible results. Axel Arnbak is very knowledgeable about privacy issues and policy. Mirjam van Dam is a standout senior associate who is knowledgeable and capable.’
‘The team has a superb knowledge of both data protection & privacy as well as procedural & administrative law. This combination is hugely relevant in cases of investigation & enforcement as well as litigation, including mass claims.’
‘Sharp minds which are able to tune in to our fast pace and even go beyond that, while maintaining a very high level of quality and consistency.’
Key clients
Salesforce, Inc.
Meta
Uber International B.V.
TikTok Technology Limited
Public Interest Litigation Project
Work highlights
- Acted as lead counsel for Salesforce in a high-stakes unprecedented mass claim proceeding against Salesforce and Oracle for alleged GDPR infringements.
- Represents Meta in mass claims litigation for alleged data protection violations related to Facebook, initiated by a claims foundation and the Dutch Consumer organisation.
- Acts as lead counsel for Uber before the Amsterdam Court concerning access to personal data, related information about automated decision making and the right to data portability under the GDPR.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek leverages its large team to focus on complex, cross-border and landmark cases. The firm is sought out by sovereign states and multinationals for representation in disputes that are highly sensitive. Albert Marsman is a lead counsel in Netherlands’ investment treaty arbitrations and in insurance disputes. Martje Verhoeven-De Vries Lentsch is known for representing clients in commercial arbitration in the field of energy and technology. Verhoeven-De Vries Lentsch also works on disputes concerning joint ventures, shareholder’s interests and post-arbitral award proceedings, such as annulments and enforcements. Marnix Leijten and Edward Van Geuns remain key figures for clients in energy disputes. Matthias Kuscher specialises in international disputes in the energy, infrastructure, construction and IP spaces. Head of the ESG group Davine Roessingh has notable experience in execution and enforcement actions as well as technical acumen on corporate governance issues.Practice head(s):
Albert Marsman; Martje Verhoeven-De Vries Lentsch; Marnix Leijten; Edward Van Geuns
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Hands-on with excellent industry knowledge’
‘Martje Verhoeven-de Vries Lentsch has excellent communication, negotiation and matter management skills; she is available and responsive. She also works on a high strategic level, easily switching to a practical facts level.’
‘DBBW’s team is very practical, client focused and aimed at achieving the best result possible.’
‘Matthias Kuscher is inventive and always ready to dig into complex questions.’
‘De Brauw has a great arbitration team and is without doubt a Tier 1 firm in this field.’
‘I have worked with Martje Verhoeven-de Vries Lentsch, Albert Marsman, Marnix Leijten and Eelco Meerdink. They are all outstanding and great to work with. Marnix is in a league of his own.’
‘De Brauw’s arbitration team is top of the market. They operate in an efficient manner and deliver top quality work. They do outstanding, and unprecedented work and it is clear they enjoy their work thoroughly. Their strategic thinking stands out and seems to maintain a real cooperative atmosphere amongst teams. All are very knowledgeable on arbitration law, and they know their procedural game well. I highly recommend and am impressed with their creative thinking.’
‘Davine Roessingh is a talent to watch. She is a strategic thinker and someone who takes responsibility over the case in a calm and thorough manner. She is on top of things, knows the file and is able to think outside the box, combining academic knowledge with practical advice.’
Key clients
Yukos Oil majority shareholders
Just-Eat Takeaway N.V.
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Republic of Kazakhstan
PJSC Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK)
Nouryon Industrial Chemicals B.V.
Royal Duyvis Wiener B.V.
NN Group N.V.
Amlyn Holding B.V.
GasTerra B.V.
The Arab Republic of Egypt
Shell
ExxonMobil
Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij B.V. (NAM)
Work highlights
- Advising Yukos Oil’s majority shareholders in their dispute with the Russian Federation.
- Advising Nouryon Industrial Chemicals B.V. in its high-stakes M&A dispute under Spanish law with Iberpotash S.A.
- Advised JustEat Takeaway.com N.V. in a highly sensitive ICC arbitration under Dutch law against its global competitor Delivery Hero S.E. in order to force Delivery Hero to comply with its contractual obligations.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek leverages its large multi-disciplinary group to advise high-profile clients from a range of sectors on complex landmark cases. Eelco Meerdink represents large corporations in reputational and financially critical cases, including handling major shareholder disputes, defending investment banks against human rights violations, and acting in contentious matters involving the oil and gas sector. Described as a ‘force in the field of mass claims’, Machteld De Monchy is sought out by corporations for representation in class actions. Jeroen Van Der Schrieck is the key name for corporate clients which require representation before the Enterprise Chamber in Amsterdam. Head of the insurance law department Dennis Horeman acts for financial institutions in times of financial distress, while recently promoted partner and ESG expert Davine Roessingh is the key contact for enforcement actions and assistance with ESG regulations, corporate sustainability work and value chain responsibility issues. Jan de Bie Leuveling Tjeenk also contributes to the practice.Practice head(s):
Eelco Meerdink
Other key lawyers:
Machteld de Monchy; Jeroen van der Schrieck; Dennis Horeman; Davine Roessingh; Jan de Bie Leuveling Tjeenk
Testimonials
‘The DBBW team combines first-class technical legal advice and litigation strategy with a genuine understanding of the commercial realities and pressures their clients face.’
‘Eelco Meerdink is an outstanding litigator. He is an excellent strategist; understands and addresses the commercial pressures his clients are facing and never loses sight of the ‘end game’ in the cut and thrust of a tough dispute.’
‘Dennis Horeman is an excellent litigator, who is very skilled, strategic, inspiring, a team player and trustworthy.’
‘Dennis Horeman is an incredibly fast thinker, which allows him to cut into the complexity of a case with more ease than his peers. His down to earth mentality makes him a very pleasant sparring partner for clients.’
‘Machteld de Monchy is a force in the field of mass claims. She shapes the international debate by means of her visible presence on all relevant panels. Under her wings a strong team is developing, ready for all future cases.’
‘The support is very professional, dedicated, and great on a technical and strategic level.’
‘Davine Roessingh is a talent to watch. She is a strategic thinker and someone who takes responsibility over the case in a calm and thorough manner. She communicates clearly, and quickly, and is always willing to function as sparring partner.’
‘Very invested team, with strong legal but also strong social skills. Additional expertise would be sought inside the firm whenever needed.’
Key clients
Yukos Oil majority shareholders
Group companies of Yukos Oil
PACCAR and DAF Group
COFCO Coöperatief U.A.
COFCO International Limited
Centerbridge Partners Europe LLC
Shell
Just Eat Takeaway.com
Sunweb Group
SRH N.V., de Volksbank N.V.
Bureau Clara Wichmann
Transgender Netwerk Nederland
Airbnb Inc.
TenneT B.V.
ENNIA
Conservatrix
PrivatBank
Robert Bosch GmbH
Work highlights
- Acting for Yukos Oil’s majority shareholders in proceedings relating to the expropriation of Yukos Oil, including the landmark setting-aside proceedings of the $50bn arbitral awards.
- Advising DAG group as lead counsel in 20 jurisdictions regarding mass claims in Europe.
- Advising COFCO, a Chinese state held international food production and trading company, in post-M&A arbitration claim, concerning an accounting fraud in a South American jurisdiction, and a major court litigation against EY as the target’s former auditor in the Netherlands and Brazil.
Netherlands > Employment Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s employment practice is well regarded for Supreme Court litigation, as well as for representing clients in high-profile cases relating to industrial action, mass claims and #MeToo matters. The firm also handles individual dismissal cases, particularly involving executives and board members, and offers employment advice related to transactions. The practice also covers employee benefit schemes, reorganisations, collective bargaining, pension agreements and co-determination matters. The practice is led by Stefan Sagel and Barbara Kloppert; Sagel, described by clients as ‘an iron fist in a velvet glove‘, has a focus on Supreme Court litigation, as well as acting in dismissal, collective bargaining, TUPE and co-determination cases, and Kloppert has expertise relating to works council matters, dismissals, remuneration and pensions.Practice head(s):
Barbara Kloppert; Stefan Sagel
Testimonials
‘Barbara Kloppert is excellent and quick.’
‘We routinely work with De Brauw on a variety of employment-related issues including complex cross-border transactions that require a high level of expertise. Their team of skilled lawyers are always able to provide quick and effective responses.’
‘Barbara Kloppert and Stefan Sagel have the ability to put themselves in their clients’ shoes and deliver practical solutions to any issues that arise. The depth of Stefan’s legal knowledge and Barbara’s knack for handling complex situations are particularly impressive. It is a pleasure to collaborate with and learn from such talented professionals.’
‘Here you have a team that is exceptionally good, both in terms of legal quality but also litigation.’
‘Stefan Sagel is a unique combination of a legal genius and an outstanding litigator. He has truly impressive knowledge of Dutch employment law and, as a professor, is also leading in the development of Dutch employment law.’
‘I have relied on De Brauw to advise on our more complex employment matters for the last six years. Their timely strategic advice is current, relevant and balanced, leading us in the right direction. The De Brauw team understands my goals and attitude and works with me to achieve the best results for the company.’
‘Stefan Sagel is an iron fist in a velvet glove, extremely knowledgeable, humorous and a great person to work with. Barba Kloppert is the doyenne of Dutch employment law – honourable in all aspects of her work and solution driven.’
‘The employment department is very knowledgeable and supportive. They are cooperative and provide hands-on advice.’
Key clients
Priceline.com
Optiver Holding B.V.
Tata Steel Nederland B.V.
Elof Hansson Fiber B.V.
eBay Inc.
Shell
SBM Offshore
BAM
Leaseplan
Hema B.V.
JustEat Takeaway.com
Friesland Campina
TPG Pace
Fugro
Unilever
Philips
NXP
Achmea
Work highlights
- Advised Nissan Mitsubishi in high-profile appeal proceedings against its former top executive, who is claiming millions in damages for his allegedly unfair dismissal.
- Advised LeasePlan on the employment and co-determination aspects of ALD S.A.’s acquisition of 100% of the LeasePlan shares from a consortium led by TDR Capital, for a cash and shares consideration of €4.9bn.
- Advising trade union FNV in a high-profile case currently pending before the Supreme Court against online food delivery platform Deliveroo concerning the employment status of Deliveroo riders.
Netherlands > Energy: regulatory Tier 1
The energy team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is competent across transactional, advisory, and contentious matters, with experience in areas including transmission tariffs, emissions trading, and disputes and arbitrations over gas prices. Made up to partner in March 2022, ‘sharp and fast' Arjan Kleinhout heads the practice and has broad expertise encompassing state aid, market regulation and enforcement. Menno Stoffer is another name to note, while significant support at senior associate level comes from Jasper van Uden and Claire Van Der Hoeven. Nicolien Van Den Bigelaar left the firm.Practice head(s):
Arjan Kleinhout
Other key lawyers:
Menno Stoffer; Jasper van Uden; Claire van der Hoeven
Testimonials
‘Honest advice that truly helps you as a client. Ability to combine interests of two clients and thereby lower costs.’
‘Knowledge and experience about public-private partnerships makes them unique. Arjan Kleinhout is one of a kind, is able to think one or two steps ahead without showing off or doing too much. He is able to efficiently make use of juniors who seemingly grow and outperform under his supervision.’
‘Unbelievable knowledge. Honest billing is also really a mayor plus point.’
‘Arjan Kleinhout really has the best knowledge of the energy sector, he is really sharp and fast.’
Key clients
Gasunie
Port of Rotterdam
Porthos – consortium of Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie and EBN
TenneT
Shell
GasTerra
Ørsted
Nobian
NAM
NEA/ Stichting voorbereiding PALLAS reactor
Foundation Preparation Pallas reactor (PALLAS)
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Varo Energy
Royal Vopak
Gate LNG Terminal
Cofra
EBN
Pertamina
Work highlights
- Advising on two projects concerning hydrogen: the H2 Backbone (Gasunie) and HyTransPort.RTM (Gasunie & Port of Rotterdam).
- Advising Porthos on an energy transition project, including advising on public law and planning and environmental aspects, the regulatory regime (including EU ETS impact), transactions aspects (for example, setting up the joint venture) and commercial contracting.
- Acting as lead counsel for TenneT, handling energy developments involving regulatory, planning and environmental matters as well as financing issues and extensive litigation.
Netherlands > Energy: transactional Tier 1
Promoted to the partnership in March 2022, Arjan Kleinhout heads De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s energy practice. The team works alongside the firm’s offices in Brussels, London, and Shanghai, in addition to the ‘best friends’ network of independent European firms, to provide support on complex and cross-border transactions in the energy sector. It draws on the expertise of lawyers experienced in M&A, regulation, financing, and environmental law, including finance specialist Menno Stoffer, and advises on matters concerning oil and gas, nuclear, and renewables, as well as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and LNG. Nicolien Van Den Biggelaar left the firm.Practice head(s):
Arjan Kleinhout
Other key lawyers:
Michael Schouten; Bernard Spoor; Jasper van Uden; Claire van der Hoeven
Testimonials
‘Upon request they work with a small and dedicated team which they can maintain throughout a long period of time. If needed they can enlarge, but will size down once possible again without any discussion. They are able to fluently combine knowledge and skills of main actors such as Michael Schouten and Arjan Kleinhout.’
‘Michael Schouten uses his experience as lawyer and partner to make true connections and deliver strategic legal advice. Extremely pleasant and accessible to work with on long-term M&A projects. In addition, Arjan Kleinhout always seems to be up-to-date and able to immediately and appropriately step in where needed.’
Key clients
Gasunie
Port of Rotterdam
Porthos – consortium of Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie and EBN
TenneT
Shell
GasTerra
Ørsted
Nobian
NAM
NEA/ Stichting voorbereiding PALLAS reactor
Foundation Preparation Pallas reactor (PALLAS)
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Varo Energy
Royal Vopak
Gate LNG Terminal
Cofra
EBN
Pertamina
Work highlights
- Advising on two projects concerning hydrogen: the H2 Backbone (Gasunie) and HyTransPort.RTM (Gasunie & Port of Rotterdam).
- Advising Porthos on an energy transition project, including advising on public law and planning and environmental aspects, the regulatory regime (including EU ETS impact), transactions aspects (for example, setting up the joint venture) and commercial contracting.
- Acting as lead counsel for TenneT, handling energy developments involving regulatory, planning and environmental matters as well as financing issues and extensive litigation.
Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 1
The multidisciplinary team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has vast expertise covering international competition litigation, including significant follow-on damages litigation, anti-competition and fraud investigations, and state aid, spearheaded by practice head Jolling de Pree. The firm also has experience in merger control, competition, consumer law and data protection as well as foreign direct investment, leveraging its multi-jurisdictional capacity across the EU. Bart de Rijke is a key individual in merger control and has experience in investigations, with a particular focus on technology-driven sectors. Helen Gornall specialises in merger control, cartels, dominance and vertical restraints, with robust experience in digital markets. Stephanie The specialises in EU and Dutch competition law and regulation, with a focus on representing multinationals before the EC and ACM.Practice head(s):
Jolling de Pree
Other key lawyers:
Bart de Rijke; Helen Gornall; Stephanie The; Machteld de Monchy
Testimonials
‘Very pragmatic and efficient team of competition law experts.’
‘Business savvy; smart; out of the box thinkers; great network; accessible.’
‘Bart de Rijke is very pragmatic, efficient team player with deep domain knowledge in the Healthcare and Technology industry.’
‘The competition team of De Brauw is a fantastically oiled machine. They made the whole process seem easy. When it comes to large projects, there is no other firm in the Netherlands which can match De Brauw’s competition team’s firepower.’
‘Machteld de Monchy is a stellar litigator: she is very bright, a great strategic thinker and always clear in her advice. She is tenacious, extremely client-focused and great to deal with.’
‘Jolling de Pree brings a wealth of experience to bear on his extensive competition practice. He is insightful, strategic and very good at seeing the big picture.’
‘Bart de Rijke is a highly intelligent and structured lawyer, who never appears to lose his calm. He is very accessible, smart as a whip and a lot of fun to work with.’
‘A very international team with excellent experience in big ticket competition investigations and disputes.’
Key clients
AkzoNobel
AholdDelhaize
Just Eat Takeaway.com
Booking.com
ASML
Philips
PACCAR/DAF Trucks
Royal DSM
SHV Group / Nutreco
NN Group
Parcom
Celanese
PON Holdings B.V.
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
EQT Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Work highlights
- Representing GrandVision in the global merger filings and remedies processes concerning the acquisition by EssilorLuxottica of HAL Investments’ 76.72% interest in GrandVision.
- Advised Intertrust on all aspects of its sale process to move from public to private ownership.
- Appointed by PACCAR/DAF to act as lead counsel in the follow-on litigation arising from fines totalling €2.93bn imposed on five truck manufacturers, including DAF Trucks.
Netherlands > Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek leverages its vast resources in corporate governance, litigation, compliance, regulatory enforcement and data protection laws in order to devise effective strategies for corporates and financial institutions in international criminal and regulatory investigations. Regulatory, criminal enforcement, export controls and economic sanctions expert Marnix Somsen focuses on cross-border enforcement matters regarding bribery and corruption, and internal investigations for EU companies involving US or other foreign authorities. Roan Lamp is active in Dutch enforcement matters, including criminal trials. Counsel Marlies Heemskerk-de Waard specialises in economic sanctions and export controls. Patrick Ploeger departed for Allen & Overy LLP in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Marnix Somsen; Roan Lamp
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Marnix Somsen is very knowledgeable on white-collar crime globally. Large team with excellent skills’
‘Marnix Somsen – safe hands.’
Key clients
ABN Amro
Philips Brazil
FMO
GasTerra
Work highlights
- Representing ABN AMRO Bank in connection with a criminal investigation into the bank’s compliance with applicable AML requirements.
- Assisting Philips with an internal investigation in Brazil in relation to the so-called Car Wash bribery investigation.
- Conducted a large-scale internal investigation into the alleged involvement of a bank in indirectly financing criminal activity and human rights violations abroad.
Netherlands > Insurance Tier 1
Integrating insurance within other practice areas including M&A, fraud, dispute resolution and restructuring, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has a multi-disciplinary approach to handling the spectrum of insurance-related matters. The firm has specific expertise dealing with regulatory issues impacting the insurance sector and has a strong contentious capacity, handling matters including collective litigation and significant coverage disputes. The practice is led by Dennis Horeman, an ‘outstanding, hands-on litigation lawyer’ who specialises in disputes and acting for clients ranging from corporate insureds in product liability, and professional and D&O liability to fraud matters. Other key lawyers include Eelco Meerdink, a dispute resolution insurance practitioner, and senior associate, Gertjan Harryvan, who also focuses on insurance-related litigation. Mariken van Loopik, head of the firm’s financial markets regulation group, often advises insurers on regulatory and transactional matters.Practice head(s):
Dennis Horeman
Other key lawyers:
Gertjan Harryvan; Eelco Meerdink; Eva Schram; Mariken van Loopik
Testimonials
‘DBBW has an experienced insurance team with in-depth knowledge of the life insurance business and products. As a result, the team efficiently delivers excellent, practical and practicable advice. The team is eager, quick and an excellent strategic sparring partner.’
‘Dennis Horeman is a very knowledgeable and excellent lawyer. He is readily available, accessible and overall a pleasure to work with. Unparalleled partner engagement. He has been a trusted adviser to our company for many years.’
‘Excellent work, fully devoted to their cases, top notch quality.’
‘Eelco Meerdink assembled an extremely bright and hard-working team who passionately and relentlessly fight for the client’s success. He may be one of the best, creative and strategic lawyers I have worked with.’
‘Very capable, excellent knowledge on insurance matters.’
‘Dennis Horeman and Gertjan Harryvan are very goal driven, smart thinking and to the point.’
‘Tailor-made innovative legal advice on complex matters. The team has a deep understanding of the Dutch insurance market.’
‘Dennis Horeman: Outstanding, hands-on litigation lawyer with excellent track-record. Mariken van Loopik: Go-to lawyer in the Netherlands for complex transactions in the insurance and banking sector. Very well connected within the industry. Eva Schram: Expert on complex regulatory matters.’
Key clients
Nationale Nederlanden N.V.
Athora Netherlands
AkzoNobel
Rabobank
Central Bank of Curacao and St Martin
Achmea
NN Group N.V.
Conservatrix
Koninklijke AholdDelhaize
VodafoneZiggo
Work highlights
- Advising the Central Bank on emergency regulation for ENNIA and representing ENNIA in proceedings against the shareholder and former directors resulting in a judgment in excess of $500m.
- Advised NN Group on the sale of its asset manager NN Investment Partners to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. for total cash proceeds of EUR 1.7bn, entering into a ten-year strategic partnership under which the combined company will continue to provide asset management services to NN Group.
- Advise AkzoNobel and many other Dutch multinational companies on their insurance programmes and represent them in claims for coverage against insurers.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 1
Renowned Supreme Court IP litigator Tobias Cohen Jehoram leads De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s broad IP practice. Cohen Jehoram leads a robust team on a plethora of mandates, including ground-breaking cases before the Supreme Court, the European Court of Justice and on transactional work before the EUIPO as well as trade name, slavish imitation and advertising issues. Recently promoted counsels Selmer Bergsma and Roos Van Der Poel support on landmark cases pertaining to trade mark and copyright disputes as well as on transactional matters that include IP agreements and structures. Another notable senior associate is Bertrand ter Woort, a key name to note for TMT and life sciences clients for both patent and soft IP advice. Associates Yiyi Song and Irenah Klink are also notable team members. Since research concluded, Gertjan Kuipers left the firm.Practice head(s):
Tobias Cohen Jehoram
Other key lawyers:
Selmer Bergsman; Roos van der Poel; Bertrand ter Woort; Yiyi Song; Irenah Klink
Testimonials
‘The IP team of De Brauw is one of the strongest in the Netherlands when it comes to trade mark law. It is guided by Tobias Cohen Jehoram, who is one of the leading IP lawyers in the Netherlands. Tobias Cohen Jehoram is an absolute authority when it concerns Supreme Court proceedings.’
‘Tobias Cohen Jehoram is very hands on and makes excellent use of his team, particularly Yiyi Song and Selmer Bergsma, who are outstanding associates. They are extremely responsive and kind, and have hit the ground running on a very important matter for us.’
‘De Brauw is top notch when it comes to supreme court litigation!’
‘Tobias Cohen Jehoram is the leading partner for IP at De Brauw. He is highly respected for his knowledge on trade mark law, and he is recognized as one of the best Supreme Court litigators in trade mark cases in the Netherlands. He is easy to work with and is in all a pleasant person that gains his professional respect from the extensive knowledge and experience that he has.’
‘Tobias Cohen Jehoram and Roos van der Poel are truly a joy to work with. Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and a lot of fun. When it comes to trade marks, no one can match Tobias’ qualities. When the stakes are high, he is the first one we turn to.’
‘Roos van der Poel is a highly talented senior associate with a deep understanding of our commercial needs and the interests involved. She is indefatigable with a very keen intellect and a second to none work ethic.’
‘Tobias Cohen Jehoram is the rockstar of IP litigation before the Dutch Supreme Court. He knows it all and is also a true fighter.’
‘In depth knowledge in IP law.’
Key clients
Unilever
Amazon
Impossible Foods
P&G
Philips
JDE
NXP
PVH Europe
Tommy Hilfiger
Calvin Klein
Nolet Group
Disney
LVMH
AkzoNobel
Shell
adidas
Pepsico
FrieslandCampina
Gazelle
Danone
Schneider Electric
Converse Inc
Anne Frank Stichting
Heineken
DSM
Biomet
Coty
CIVC
Work highlights
- Represented Impossible Foods in pan-European litigation against Nestlé.
- Advised charitable foundation Anne Frank Stichting (AFS) on its research and publications relating to Anne Frank’s works, and assisting AFS in copyright infringement proceedings.
- Representing Shell in several complaints based on sustainability claims made by Shell.
Netherlands > Investment funds Tier 1
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek’s investment funds team works closely with teams in related practice areas, including M&A, corporate advisory, tax and regulatory enforcement. The firm leverages its Best Friend network to provide an international breadth to its investment funds practice, covering strategic jurisdictions across Europe and the US. The team acts for major domestic and international clients including private equity funds, real estate, venture capital and infrastructure funds, and has close connections with industry bodies including the NVP and DUFAS; it also represents NL in the Invest Europe legal and regulatory committee. The practice is led by Kees Groffen who is sought after for his expertise in asset management regarding regulators, governance and fund structuring. Senior associate Mariska Enzerink has strong corporate and regulatory knowledge, and acts for leading asset management clients.Practice head(s):
Kees Groffen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘De Brauw is excellent in the field of investment funds. Kees Groffen and the team oversee the full spectrum of regulated fund business in the Netherlands, with excellent knowledge of legislation and regulation, and outstanding capabilities to translate that in practical solutions.’
‘De Brauw’s international network ensures excellent services in other jurisdictions as well, coordinated for their client as if it were one firm rendering advice.’
‘Kees Groffen is excellent, he is in a league of his own in the regulated investment fund environment. He combines outstanding levels of knowledge of the regulatory framework and in-depth understanding of the fund business with the capability to give highly practical advice, appreciated both by inhouse counsel, other professionals and board members of the client. Highly efficient and highly pragmatic. His diplomatic approach ensures good working relationships with counterparties and, where necessary, regulators.’
‘Senior associate, Mariska Enzerink, is outstanding.’
‘DBBW is an exceptional firm, that is committed to helping move the industry forward.’
‘Kees Groffen and Mariska Enzerink are pleasant, flexible and have thorough insider knowledge about the private equity and venture capital industry. Their personal commitment is essential in our industry’s effort to advance our industry.’
Key clients
Athora Netherlands
DIF Management
Waterland Private Equity Investments
NN Group
APG Asset Management
Bouwinvest Real Estate Investors
Work highlights
- Acted as regulatory, corporate and strategic counsel for Athora Netherlands N.V. on its sale agreement of asset manager ACTIAM N.V. to Cardano Group.
- Advised DIF Management on the structuring and fund raising of a large infrastructure fund, DIF Infrastructure VI, which was offered globally, and has been actively involved in the structuring and raising of various co-investment structures alongside DIF VI.
- Acted as Dutch regulatory and legal counsel in the fundraising of Waterland’s eighth flagship fund, WPEF VIII, using fund vehicle structuring and had a significant role as both WPEF VIII and Waterland itself are governed by Dutch regulatory law under the AFM.
Netherlands > Private equity Tier 1
With demonstrable experience in the technology, financial services, healthcare and energy sectors, ‘top notch firm’ De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek sits at the ‘top of the market’ and handles the entire private equity lifecycle, from fund formations and initial investments to exit transactions. The team is also well-placed to leverage the firm’s expertise in acquisition finance, corporate advisory, tax, capital markets, fund structuring, competition and financial regulatory. ‘Exceptionally talented’ practice leader Lennard Keijzer acts for Benelux and international private equity houses on sell-side transactions and is noted for his expertise in W&I insurance and management participation mandates. Other key contacts in the group include Arne Grimme, who advises on leveraged buyouts and cross-border transactions, and Pete Lawley.Practice head(s):
Lennard Keijzer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Client centric, commercial, sharp and pragmatic.’
‘Lennard Keijzer is exceptionally talented. Hard working and dedicated. Commercial and solution-oriented, builds trust on both sides of a negotiation and leads teams to good outcomes.’
‘Pete Lawley is clearly very dynamic and has a lot of experience.’
‘Very big team and sophisticated. Clearly top of the market.’
‘Lennard Keijzer has a natural authority and is always accessible, despite busy schedules.’
‘Top notch firm in the Dutch market.’
‘Approachable, dedicated and pragmatic team with a good sense for prioritisation and dedication.’
‘Lennard Keijzer is engaged and devoted, has a strong sense for tactical calls, thinks creatively and is easy to work with. Lennard has a talent for creating clarity in complex situations.’
Key clients
Bain Capital
Parcom
Advent International
Waterland
Deutsche Telekom
Rivean Capital (formerly: Gilde Buy Out Partners)
Stonepeak Partners LP
EQT Infrastructure V
Triton Capital
Parcom
Leaseplan
CVC
Onex
Silverfleet
Bridgepoint
KSL Capital Partners
Paine Schwartz Partners
IG&H
Sembo Investments
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Telekom on the sale by Deutsche Telekom and Tele2 of T-Mobile Netherlands Holding B.V. to WP/AP Telecom Holdings IV B.V., an entity jointly controlled by funds advised by Apax Partners LLP and Warburg Pincus LLC.
- Advised Parcom on the investment in Hunkemöller together with other leading Dutch investors, including Opportunity Partners, the investment company of Dutch entrepreneur Robert van der Wallen.
- Advised LeasePlan on ALD S.A.’s acquisition of 100% of the shares in LeasePlan from a consortium led by TDR Capital, for a cash and shares consideration of €4.9bn.
Netherlands > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1
The finance and restructuring practice at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek offers a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with tax, M&A, litigation and regulatory departments. The team has experience advising on both US and UK bankruptcy and scheme of arrangement proceedings, acting as counsel for debtors specifically, and Dutch corporates. The practice is led Ferdinand Hengst and Reinout Vriesendorp. Hengst is recommended for his expertise in insolvency-related finance, particularly cross-border distressed finance and debt restructuring, while Vriesendorp has been active in the inception of the new Dutch Scheme legislative initiative, the WHOA. Litigation expert Davine Roessingh focuses on contentious insolvency matters, and senior associate Ryanne Elkerbout-Kok focuses on cross-border restructuring and leveraged finance transactions. Bas Boutellier was promoted to partner in January 2023 and advises on sustainability-linked corporate credit facilities, implementing acquisition financing arrangements and designing capital restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Ferdinand Hengst; Reinout Vriesendorp
Other key lawyers:
Ryanna Elkerbout-Kok; Davine Roessingh; Bas Boutellier
Testimonials
‘The team is uniquely placed for multi-faceted cross-border restructurings. Deep knowledge of not only Dutch law, but various other jurisdictions’ bankruptcy and restructuring laws and long and broad experience enables the De Brauw team to take on any such matter.’
‘The De Brauw R&I team has been and still is leading the market impressively. Their unique combination of first class expertise on all levels of seniority, their strong relationships with Dutch blue chips, multinationals and banks as well as their involvement in academia and new legislative developments are in our eyes unparalleled. And even more importantly, it is always fun and pleasure to work with them.’
‘Ferdinand Hengst is an outstanding strategic mind capable to manage the expectations and positions of all involved stakeholders even in the most complex and time-pressing restructurings. No doubt that he will lead the market for years to come.’
‘Bas Boutellier is an impressive rising star in the market, who combines great legal skills with a unique understanding of commercial complexities. A combination which is so important in this area.’
‘Reinout Vriesendorp is still one of the most renowned and decorated names in the market. His experience, knowledge and strategic thinking are more than outstanding.’
‘Ferdinand Hengst is very capable, creative thinker, strategic, flexible and has great involvement.’
‘The team’s exceptionally strong both in assessing all options, and execution/implementation of chosen routes. Creativity also by inclusion of other practices within DBBW supports out of the box scenario reviews. Equally, seamless cooperation with other/financial advisors, respecting each parties’ strength.’
‘Ferdinand Hengst combines creativity with reality and provides clients with a clear roadmap of options that are worthwhile to investigate and dismiss those that are unrealistic. Able to present to boards in a concise thoughtful way, making very complex legal structures or restructuring steps easy to grasp.’
Key clients
HEMA B.V.
The Hertz Company
Deutsche Telekom
Unilever plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Goldman Sachs International
CVC Capital Partners
Jet Airways
Etihad Airways
LyondellBasell Industries
AGCO Corporation
Premier Oil plc
Yukos Oil Group Companies
Oi Telecom Brazil
The Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten
Credit Suisse Brazil (Bahamas) Ltd
Providence Equity LLP
Centerbridge Partners
BC Partners
Royal Imtech N.V.
DeepOcean Group
APG Group
Bonprix Fashion / Otto Group Germany
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel in the comprehensive financial restructuring to de-lever and recapitalise the capital structure of HEMA, after facing an unsustainable level of indebtedness, instituted under previous ownership, which limited the ability to execute strategic plans and achieve further growth.
- Assisting in setting up a Cross-Border Insolvency Protocol for Jet Airways under which the Dutch bankruptcy trustee and the Indian Resolution Professional have been working to sell part of Jet Airway’s business in the Netherlands for the benefit of the creditors.
Netherlands > Tax Tier 1
Noted for its standout transactional capability, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has demonstrable experience in handling the tax aspects of M&A, SPACs, capital markets, and corporate restructuring matters, in addition to investment funds, transfer pricing, enforcement and dispute resolution with tax authorities. The practice leverages the firm’s wider expertise in corporate transactions and litigation to offer integrated multidisciplinary advice. Counting high-end Dutch multinational companies and financial investors, including private equity firms, among its key roster of clients, the team is led by Wiebe Dijkstra, who advises on Dutch and international tax planning, focusing on corporate transactions and investment funds. Henk van Ravenhorst has experience advising on transactional tax mandates and restructurings, while Frank Pötgens specialises in tax litigation. Seasoned practitioner Maarten van der Weijden concentrates on tax-related aspects of structuring and restructuring business transactions.
Practice head(s):
Wiebe Dijkstra
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable, hands on and practical.’
‘Henk van Ravenhorst is always available. He is very approachable and pragmatic when it comes to solving complicated tax questions and issues.’
‘We work with Wiebe Dijkstra and his team. Wiebe and his colleagues are very easy in their communication and clear in their advice.’
‘Wiebe Dijkstra really stands out. His communication is clear, direct and timely.’
‘De Brauw’s tax team renders in depth and highly professional tax advice in complicated matters and it does so in combination with strong M&A transaction skills.’
‘Henk van Ravenhorst personifies the modern M&A transaction lawyer. He is a very knowledgeable and highly professional tax adviser, with a great understanding of the financials underpinning transactions and Henk combines this with an excellent understanding of and grip on the overall M&A transaction. He gets the deal done.’
Key clients
Unilever Plc
Royal Philips N.V.
Shell Plc
Intertrust N.V.
Fugro N.V.
ABN Amro N.V.
Leaseplan N.V.
NN N.V.
Parcom
Friesland Campina
JustEat Takeaway N.V.
Zegna
Triton
Deutsche Telekom
Ahold Delhaize
Topicus.com
Bain Capital
PON
Bridgepoint
Unit4
Advent
Silverfleet capital
Work highlights
- Acted as lead Dutch counsel to Shell in the unwinding of its A/B shares structure and the relocation of Shell’s head office and tax residence to the UK.
- Advised Royal Philips N.V. on the separation and sale of its Domestic Appliances business to global investment firm Hillhouse Capital, minimising residual tax exposures for Philips and maximising the consideration received for transferring material tax attributes arising as a result of the separation.
- Acting as lead counsel to LeasePlan on ALD S.A.’s acquisition of 100% of the shares in LeasePlan from a consortium led by TDR Capital, for a cash and shares consideration of EUR 4.9bn.
Netherlands > Environment and planning Tier 2
The public law, planning and environment team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek has a particular focus on zoning and permitting for energy projects, including in the growing area of hydrogen. Arjan Kleinhout was promoted to the partnership in March 2022, and heads the practice since Nicolien Van Den Biggelaar left the firm in January 2023, with experience in state aid, market regulation and public enforcement. Also noted are senior associates Claire Van Der Hoeven and Jasper van Uden.
Practice head(s):
Arjan Kleinhout
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong team with excellent knowledge of the work field.’
‘Arjan Kleinhout and Jasper van Uden are not only very equipped for their job with excellent legal knowledge, but they have the ability to think further than just the legal context.’
Key clients
Schiphol Airport
Chemelot/Sitech
Shell
Gasunie
GasTerra
TenneT
Porthos
Varo Energy Netherlands B.V.
Eindhoven airport
Theo Pouw groep
Ronald McDonald House
Afvalfonds Verpakkingen
Nobian
Work highlights
- Acting as lead counsel (project counsel) in the Porthos CCUS project.
- Advising Royal Schiphol Group on the impact of a landmark ruling of the Council of State about the Dutch nitrogen policy under the Nature Conservation Act.
- Acting as lead counsel to Gasunie and the Port of Rotterdam in connection with the large-scale heat-distribution network known as WarmtelinQ.
Netherlands > Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s healthcare and life sciences practice covers a wide range of matters for clients including global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, health clinics and investors. Tobias Cohen Jehoram is sought out for expertise in Supreme Court patent litigation, dealing with landmark IP decisions in the life sciences field. Reinier Kleipool is the key contact for listed companies and large multinationals, who require advise on M&A, corporate governance, investments and anti-takeover responses. Lennard Keijzer specialises in complex private equity issues, including assisting specialist healthcare investment firms in investments and divestments in the health sector. Associate Bertrand ter Woort adds depth to the patent litigation practice. Since research concluded, Gertjan Kuipers and Carlos van Staveren left the firm.Practice head(s):
Tobias Cohen Jehoram; Reinier Kleipool; Lennard Keijzer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dedicated team.’
‘Dedicated and always available.’
Key clients
Synthon
Ferring
Biogen
Affimed
Pfizer
Byondis
Eli Lilly
Arya
Sandoz
Qiagen
Bayer Pharma
Teva
Triton
Parcom
Amgen (Shire)
Zimmer Biomet
Illumina
Forbion
Paine Schwarz Partners
Advanced Bionics
Bergman Clinics
Work highlights
- Advised Triton on investment in Bergman Clinics, a leading chain of independent clinics in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia.
- Representing Advanced Bionics, part of the Sonova group, in multi-jurisdictional complex patent proceedings against Med-El relating to a patent for cochlear implant systems.
- Assisting the US-based biotechnology company Illumina with its acquisition of the pharmaceutical start-up GRAIL.
Netherlands > Industry focus: telecoms Tier 2
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek‘s team routinely works on high-end, cross-border transactions and disputes in the telecoms space. The cross-practice group advises global network providers on demergers, IPOs and cross-border mergers. The wide range of work undertaken by the practice also includes Supreme Court patent disputes and assistance with governance structures and IP strategies ahead of potential M&A and funding rounds. Competition and regulatory law specialist Stephanie The advises on FDI and transactions. Tobias Cohen Jehoram is another key contact in the IP litigation space and Jolling de Pree represents clients in contentious matters concerning mergers, cartels, abuse of dominance and competition. Since research concluded, Gertjan Kuipers and Carlos van Staveren left the firm.Practice head(s):
Stephanie The; Tobias Cohen Jehoram; Jolling de Pree
Testimonials
‘Very technical team’
Key clients
Deutsche Telekom Netherlands
Deutsche Telekom AG
T-mobile
KPN
Fortino Capital Partners
Everynet BV
CM.com
Sonos
NXP Semiconductors
Sharp
Access Advance
GE Video Compression
Altice
Verizon
Disney
DELTA Fiber Nederland
EQT
TomTom
Work highlights
- Advised EQT Infrastructure V and Stonepeak on their acquisition of DELTA Fiber from EQT Infrastructure III.
- Represented Dutch telecoms giant KPN in litigation against High Point about alleged infringement of telecoms patents (UMTS). The case reached the Supreme Court.
- Assisted Deutsche Telekom AG on the sale by Deutsche Telekom and Tele2 of T-Mobile Netherlands to an entity jointly controlled by funds advised by Apax Partners LLP and Warburg Pincus LLC for an enterprise value of EUR 5.1 billion.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: Patents Tier 2
Supreme Court patent litigation for major telecoms and pharmaceutical companies concerning patent validity and infringements is a niche specialism of De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek. Tobias Cohen Jehoram leads the practice, advising and litigating for national and international companies in the technology, chemicals, electricals and pharmaceuticals sectors. Jehoram not only acts for clients before all national courts but also before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Senior associate Bertrand ter Woort works on high-profile life sciences matters and regularly advises on IP-heavy M&A transactions as well as complex R&D collaborations. Recently promoted counsel Roos van der Poel is sought out by clients for transactional IP advice. Since research concluded, Gertjan Kuipers left the firm, and Carlos van Staveren departed for Bird & Bird in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Tobias Cohen Jehoram
Other key lawyers:
Bertrand ter Woot; Roos van der Poel
Testimonials
‘The team is very strong in patent litigation and is able to provide services on a big scale if needed. The response time is always short. I regularly work with them and don’t want to work with somebody else.’
‘Irenah Klink is heavily involved in cross-border cooperation and litigation.’
‘Very good knowledge of cases.’
Key clients
Sharp
Biogen
Ferring
Access Advance
Sonos
Philips
LVMH (Tag Heuer)
JDE
KPN
Advanced Bionics
Pon
Huisman
NPS (Amgen (Shire))
GEVC
Tata
Support Casper
Work highlights
- Representing Sonos in pan-European patent proceedings before the Dutch courts affecting its smart speaker eco-system.
- Representing JDE in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation against Belmoca Bvba regarding aluminium Nespresso®-compatible coffee capsules.
- Representing LVMH (TAG Heuer) in patent entitlement proceedings against Flexous and its director.
Netherlands > Project finance and PFI Tier 3
The finance and restructuring team at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is active within the PPP transaction market, acting on behalf of investors, sponsor companies, and lenders. The practice integrates finance, public law, tax, real estate and corporate practitioners, ensuring a cross-sectional approach, and is active in the global energy transition and renewable sector, including hydrogen storage, biomass, carbon capture and nuclear healthcare. The practice is led by Menno Stoffer, sought after for his expertise in international energy and infrastructure projects, with emphasis on distressed situations.Practice head(s):
Menno Stoffer
Key clients
Royal Vopak
Royal BAM
Levvel B.V. – construction consortium consisting of Invesis, Van Oord and Rebel
Royal Schiphol
VTTI
Port of Rotterdam
TenneT Holding
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
PALLAS nuclear reactor
Volker Wessels
TBI
Porthos (consortium of Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie and EBN)
Ørsted Wind Power A/S
Impax Asset Management (AIFM) Ltd
Cofra
Work highlights
- Advising the Foundation Preparation Pallas reactor on the development of the nuclear power plant in Petten, including in respect of its financing arrangements.
- Advised Ørsted on its EUR 1.375 bn sale of 50% of its ownership share of the 752 MW Borssele 1 & 2 offshore wind farms to Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), including in respect of the stapled financing.
- Assisted Levvel B.V., the construction consortium that won the tender for the reinforcement of the iconic Dutch Afsluitdijk, on the complete overhaul of its project and financing arrangements in relation to a substantial contract change requested by the Dutch State.
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek > Firm Profile
The firm: De Brauw is a law firm with a global reach, a robust corporate practice, a centre of excellence in litigation and with an unparalleled team of regulatory experts. Big matters, big risks and big arenas require multidisciplinary and multinational teams composed of strong strategic thinkers willing to dig deep. De Brauw believes it is possible to strike a balance between rigour and pragmatism, especially when the stakes are high.
De Brauw puts business in a legal context, not the other way around. So the needs of the clients come first, legal expertise second. That’s why it goes out of its way to recruit graduates and hire people with a variety of interests, experience and nationalities. It takes the long view, leaving no stone unturned along the way. De Brauw practises the art and science of collaboration – across all disciplines and national borders – with both internal and external legal experts, with in-house counsel and with other specialists.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, De Brauw also has offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Shanghai and Singapore. The Best Friends network – composed of premier European law firms – and their system of informal contacts around the world mean De Brauw can always draw on the best local expertise as and when required.
Areas of practice: The firm’s practice covers a broad range of Dutch and EU law. This includes corporate, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, banking, equity and debt capital markets, asset and structured finance, project finance, financial markets regulatory, regulatory and criminal enforcement, corporate recovery and insolvency, restructuring, investment management, tax, corporate and commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, EU/competition, intellectual property, information technology and communication, public law, insurance, real estate, employment and employee benefits. The firm has cross-practice groups for, among others, energy, telecoms, financial institutions, private equity, public-private partnerships and transport.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate, M&A | Arne Grimme | ||
Corporate, M&A | Klaas de Vries | ||
Corporate governance | Reiner Kleipool | ||
Corporate governance | Martin van Olffen | ||
Corporate litigation | Davine Roessingh | ||
Corporate litigation | Jeroen van der Schrieck | ||
Banking and capital markets | Ferdinand Hengst | ||
Banking and capital markets | Jan Willem Hoevers | ||
Asset and structured finance | Bas Boutellier | ||
Corporate restructuring and insolvency | Ferdinand Hengst | ||
Corporate restructuring and insolvency | Bas Boutellier | ||
Investment management | Kees Groffen | ||
Tax | Wiebe Dijkstra | ||
Tax | Henk van Ravenhorst | ||
Employment and employee benefits | Stefan Sagel | ||
Employment and employee benefits | Barbara Kloppert | ||
Information technology | Axel Arnbak | ||
Information technology | Geert Potjewijd | ||
Intellectual property | Tobias Cohen Jehoram | ||
Energy | Anja Mutsaers | ||
Energy | Marnix Leijten | ||
Competition and EU law | Jolling de Pree | ||
Competition and EU law | Helen Gornall | ||
Private equity | Lennard Keijzer | ||
Arbitration | Marnix Leijten | ||
Arbitration | Matthias Kuscher |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Arne Grimme | Partner | View Profile | |
Nicolien van den Biggelaar | Nicolien van den Biggelaar is an experienced litigator and expert in public… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 350 at this office : 325Languages
Chinese Dutch English French German Russian SpanishOther
Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Frankfurt Other offices : London Other offices : Shanghai Other offices : SingaporeDiversity
Our purpose is to stand besides our clients, the world over – this is what defines De Brauw. We know that a diverse and inclusive workforce is sharper, and more insightful. This allows us to see our clients’ challenges and opportunities through different lenses, and adds value and builds trust for and with clients.
We recruit our people from a diverse range of experience, interests, and nationalities, and collaborate across all disciplines and geographical borders with our own and other legal experts, industry specialists and in-house counsel.
Trained leadership, D&I experts, and diversity committees all help to shape our business priorities, inform decision-making and continually develop best practices. We partner with our clients and other organisations to identify potential and provide equal opportunity for all.
We recognise that we are not there yet. But we are committed to pursuing and realising our aspirations for diversity and inclusion, for the benefit of our employees, and for our clients.
Legal Briefings
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The cumulative dismissal ground; a solution or just an illusion?
What to do for an employer that has a suboptimal relationship with an underperforming employee but that has not fully documented the underperformance and its efforts to improve performance, while there may still be a chance that the relationship gets better?
- Banking and finance: Borrower side
- Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory
- Capital markets: debt
- Capital markets: equity
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Construction
- Data privacy and data protection
- Dispute resolution: arbitration
- Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation
- Employment
- Energy: regulatory
- Energy: transactional
- EU and competition
- Fraud and white-collar crime
- Insurance
- Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights
- Investment funds
- Private equity
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Tax