Lexence > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
Lexence Offices
AMSTEVEENSEWEG 500
1081 KL AMSTERDAM
PO BOX 75999 1070 AZ AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
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Lexence > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 3
The banking and finance practice at Lexence is well-known for its skills in structuring complex financing transactions, sought after by borrower clients who require assistance covering both the Dutch and wider European market. The team combines transactional and regulatory expertise to advise on matters involving asset finance, real estate finance and acquisition finance, as well as corporate lending. Practice head Charles Destrée combines his strength for borrowers with expertise in restructuring.Practice head(s):
Charles Destrée
Other key lawyers:
Bas Zandvliet; Max de Vreede; Nina Blanke
Testimonials
‘Collaborative, pragmatic, interactive, and able to manage time effectively.’
‘Max de Vreede is available and offers fast and reliable advice.’
‘Charles Destrée offers clear explanations of issues and concerns on the borrower side.’
‘Super proactive in terms of assessing the risks.’
‘Scarily smart, incredibly responsive and knowledgeable team. Their response to questions and solutions for various issues are insightful and accurate.’
‘Dedicated and skilled lawyers.’
Key clients
Bank of China (Europe) S.A.|Rotterdam Branch
Gencap Partners, Inc
Modern Dental Group
Waterland Private Equity
Flextronics International Europe B.V.
Kirloskar Brothers Limited
Uniface B.V.
Intertrust
Agro Merchants Group/Oaktree
MSREF
H2 Private Equity
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 3
The finance team at Lexence acts for various Dutch and international financial institutions, including banks, investment firms, private equity sponsors and payment-service providers. Practice head Charles Destrée is the first point of contact for advice on a multitude of regulatory issues, including PSD 2, MiFID 2, AIFMD and EMIR. He also has extensive experience of obtaining licences from the AFM and DNB. Also noted is associate Bas Zandvliet, whose further expertise covers business expansions, acquisitions of regulated entities, and investment fund structuring.Practice head(s):
Charles Destrée
Other key lawyers:
Bas Zandvliet; Max de Vreede; Nina Blanke
Testimonials
‘We have chosen Lexence because of its experienced team, commercial approach and objectivity.’
‘Charles Destree is easy-going, knowledgeable and able to move quickly within the firm to get a clearer picture for the client.’
‘Knowledgeable, detailed and thorough team, with a good understanding of business deals. It has vast experience in financing transactions.’
‘The individuals I dealt with were cooperative, responsive, resourceful, precise and displayed excellent problem-solving skills.’
Key clients
Bank of China (Europe) S.A.|Rotterdam Branch
Gencap Partners, Inc
Modern Dental Group
Waterland Private Equity
Flextronics International Europe B.V.
Kirloskar Brothers Limited
Uniface B.V.
Intertrust
Agro Merchants Group/Oaktree
MSREF
H2 Private Equity
Netherlands > Construction Tier 3
Lexence advises clients on commercial real estate, construction and development matters, including specific focus on zoning and planning, construction, leasing and tax. The practice also litigates across the stages of project development including tender and construction contracts, architectural agreements, extensions, hidden defects and failures to complete. The practice is led by Bob Bekker who specialises in real estate transactions and development.Practice head(s):
Bob Bekker
Other key lawyers:
Jan- Willem Raadgever; Bas Martens
Testimonials
‘Good and practical advice, delivered in a way we need and like.’
‘Very competent.’
‘Incredibly smart and business oriented.’
Work highlights
- Assisting Rizzani de Eccher with the construction of the Y-Towers in Amsterdam, including advising the client on all legal matters related to the construction, such as zoning, tax, and leasing.
- Assisted Bestseller with its project to build a large distribution centre in Lelystad, including assisting the client with the purchase, and advising on all legal aspects of the deal, particularly those related to zoning, construction, tax, and leasing.
- Assisting JYSK with its project to build a 25-hectare distribution centre on the Flevokust Haven industrial park in the city of Lelystad.
Netherlands > Employment Tier 3
Led by Mark Keuss, Judith Schulp, Floor Damen and Frank ter Huurne, the employment practice at Lexence is described as ‘knowledgeable, intelligent and decisive’. Keuss has handled several high-profile matters including terminations and reorganisations, specifically in the healthcare sector, alongside ter Huurne, who has experience in collective labour agreements and industrial action. Schulp is experienced in corporate employment law and has advised on the employment aspects of several transactions, including restructurings, acquisition deals and transfers of business. Damen supports clients in reorganisations, TUPE matters and dismissal cases.Practice head(s):
Mark Keuss; Judith Schulp; Floor Damen; Frank ter Huurne
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable, intelligent and decisive. They contribute constructively, keeping their eyes and ears open to the possibilities and opportunities in the case instead of focusing on legal roadblocks or limitations.’
‘Judith Schulp is distinguished by her broad perspective, high degree of expertise and straightforward approach. Judith knows the details, but does not lose sight of the bigger picture. She shows that she also feels the client’s issue is her issue, but she does not hesitate to indicate the limits of what is achievable. Judith acts as a real business partner.’
‘Deep knowledge of legal issues. Friendly firm.’
‘They think in terms of practical solutions and do not only think about the object of the case but also take into account the human side. They have a practical way of working and a quick response rate.’
‘The people stand out for their professional and personal approach. They are always open to finding a solution and have a positive way of working, thinking in terms of solutions, not problems. They are flexible: it feels like they have always time for me, even though I know that isn’t the case.’
‘They always have time to answer my questions and are always open to practical solutions. They understand the client’s business and their advice fits that business and is legally correct.’
‘Easy to communicate with. Creative in terms of solutions and their way of working. Understand the business we work in.’
‘Judith Schulp is fantastic!’
Key clients
Apollo Tyres
IMC
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
Ballast Nedam
Bilthoven Biologicals
I-SEC
Shin-Etsu
YER
ECP Factoring
DAS Nederlandse Rechtsbijstand Verzekeringsmaatschappij N.V.
DSV Solutions
Future Group
CleanLease
BE Semiconductor Industries N.V.
Pon/A-Point
Royal A-ware Food Group
Sensata Technologies Holland B.V.
Schiphol
SUEZ
Stork (a Fluor company)
VION
Henkel-group
Netherlands > Environment and planning Tier 3
The ‘hands-on and skilful‘ team at Lexence is well regarded for its work on the environmental, zoning and planning aspects of real estate projects. Renowned practice head Michael Klijnstra is active in matters including permitting, compliance and enforcement advice, and litigation.Practice head(s):
Michael Klijnstra
Other key lawyers:
Pelin Oztürk
Testimonials
‘Flexible, practical, great expertise.’
‘The in-depth relevant professional knowledge, clear language, pragmatic way of working, and above all good direct accessibility are a great advantage.’
‘Hands-on and skilful team.’Â
‘Lexence is an organization, not too big and not too small, that supports real estate activities in the broadest sense. Always contact within 24 hours, quick link to specializations. Always keep appointments. No omissions in the field of the environment and public law proceedings. It’s great that notarial activities and taxation are also part of the group.’
‘Practical, passionate, sincere. Clients’ interests come first. No promises that cannot be kept.’
‘Michael Klijnstra and his team are highly professional, knowledgable, and as a result effective. At the end, only one thing counts: did you win and get out of it what you wanted? The results speak for themselves.’
‘The knowledge of Michael Klijnstra is very high, his personality very good to work with, and his way of working in court sublime. He has a great overview of cases and knows how to handle court cases better than others.’
‘Michael Klijnstra is still very passionate about his workfield after all these years. For years he has been a stable factor to fall back on within the practice. Pelin Oztürk is eager and hardworking.’
Key clients
The Big Company Building Company B.V.
De Geus Bouw B.V.
Cementbouw B.V.
CZP Investmnents B.V.
BTE Nederland B.V.
Koopman International B.V.
Kroonenberg Groep B.V.
Midvast B.V.
Termaaten B.V.
Vereniging van Eigenaars Winkelcentrum Zuidplein
Wibaut B.V.
1828 B.V.
Frasers Property Investments B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised on the consequences of soil and groundwater pollution for Heembeton, a company specialising in building materials, since the pollution also applies to its grounds.
Netherlands > Private equity Tier 3
Noted for its ‘strong foothold in the Netherlands’, the private equity team at Lexence focuses on mid-market transactions and is well-placed to collaborate with other firms in the Benelux region to assist with cross-border deals. Luc Habets acts for key clients, including Waterland Private Equity, Egeria Capital and Standard Investment, on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, while Joost Kolkman is recognised for his expertise in the food and beverage, IT and education sectors. Wouter Helder, who advises on management buyouts and buy-ins, leads the practice together with Habets and Kolkman. Michiel van Schooten left the firm in January 2022.Practice head(s):
Luc Habets; Joost Kolkman; Wouter Helder
Testimonials
‘Firm that offers a broad in-house expertise, unburdening the customer in all aspects of complex and less complex legal issues. Strong foothold in the Netherlands.’
‘Great team, great to work with, very knowledgeable, broad-in house focus yet centrally organised (same partner remains in the lead) and highly trusted to take into commercial negotiations with third parties.’
Key clients
Egeria
Gryphion Capital
Endeit Capital
Dutch Greentech Fund
Antea Participaties
Avedon Capital Partners
Keen Venture Partners
Sirius Venture Partners
ING Bank
Triton Partners
DM Equity Partners
Fortino Capital
Connected Capital
Tiin Capital
Aegon growth Capital
Slingshot
Bolster Investments
HB Capital
Waterland Private Equity
Synergia Capital Partners
Standard Investments
Capital A
Work highlights
- Assisted Coöperatieve Synergia Fund V U.A. with its participation in Aannemers Inkoop Centrale (A.I.C).
- Advised the ICT Group on its acquisition of Yellow Star.
- Assisted with the establishment and the structuring of the joint venture Esro Food Group B.V., in which Rooijachers and Fayman (via a holding) will participate both for 50%.
Netherlands > Real estate Tier 3
With strength in construction, development, transactional, tenancy and corporate real estate law, Lexence fields practitioners specialised in both contentious and non-contentious real estate matters. Practice head Bas Martens focuses on development and construction disputes, while Tomas Steenmetser specialises in leasing law related to commercial premises. Michiel de Wit advises and litigates on the sale and purchase of commercial real estate.Practice head(s):
Bas Martens
Other key lawyers:
Tomas Steenmetser; Michiel de Wit; Jan-Willem Raadgever; Vincent Boumans; Hanna van Rijn; Arief van Rhee; Esther Vochteloo
Testimonials
‘I sense that there is good co-operation amongst the lawyers of the firm and that they provide competent and fast advice.’
‘Jan-Willem Raadgever gave excellent advice and service. He works efficiently, always answers promptly, is flexible and hard-working and knows his subject. Also, he was a good support in negotiations and stood firm.’
‘No-nonsense approach, partners with hands-on mentality, level of expertise meets our expectations.’
‘Vincent Boumans is a good lawyer and negotiator as well. Tomas Steenmetser has a direct approach and is an expert as well as an excellent advisor in the field of commercial leases.’
‘Jan-Willem Raadgever has very thorough know-how of all aspects of real estate legislation, and verdicts are readily available, seeking solutions, calm, never raises his voice and a super skilled negotiator remembering all the small details.’
‘Vincent Boumans and his team are highly professional and dedicated and belong in the top tier of Dutch real estate teams. Also worth mentioning, the proactive attitude to find the most suitable solution for each case, and the in-depth knowledge of commercial lease agreements.’
‘Vincent Boumans is a top professional and excels in being an additional set of brains for the client. He has the gift to translate complex legal material into a pragmatic solution that works for the client and the case. Besides, he is just a very likeable person. Hanna van Rijn is one of his young talented team members, who definitely deserves recognition.
Key clients
Marathon Asset Management
Rubens Capital Partners
Volker Wessels
NSI
Klépierre
Kroonenberg Groep
Achmea
Goodman
BPD Ontwikkeling
MEAG Munich ERGO REIM
Steigenberger
Schiphol Airport
Frasers Property
Hannover Leasing
Forma Fund
Orange Capital Partners
Amvest
Work highlights
- Assisting Rizzani de Eccher with the construction of the Y-Towers in Amsterdam, including advising the client on all legal matters related to the construction, such as zoning, tax, and leasing.
- Advising Rizzani de Eccher/Besix with all legal issues related to the construction of the Post Tower in Rotterdam, consisting of a 155-meter high-rise building with hotel accommodations, retail spaces, 305 residential apartments, and a parking garage.
Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
Specialist real estate, corporate and commercial firm Lexence handles domestic and cross-border mid-market transactions, with experience in the financial services, technology, food and agriculture sectors. Luc Habets ‘rolls up his sleeves’ when acting for Dutch companies on cross-border acquisitions and Joost Kolkman is noted for his expertise in the food and beverage, retail, IT and education industries. Habets and Kolkman lead the practice alongside Wouter Helder, who advises on management buyouts.Practice head(s):
Joost Kolkman; Wouter Helder; Luc Habets
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Beukeveld; Diederick de Boer
Testimonials
‘Luc Habets is an outstanding lawyer, works hard and rolls up his sleeves.’
‘Great all-round corporate M&A practice.’
‘Broad service offering, yet highly approachable. Truly acting as one firm and putting clients’ needs first.’
‘Likeable team with in-depth knowledge, approachable and deliver outcomes in the promised time-lines. Also commercially savvy.’
Key clients
Post NL
Avantium
Invivo
Waterland Private Equity
Synergia Capital
EBRO Foods
Netcompany
Endeit Capital (Joop van der Ende)
A-Ware Food Group
Cordier/Invivo
Modern Dental Group
RTL Netherlands
ICT Group
Hibernia Worldwide Hotels)
Intelligent NV
Agro Merchants Netherlands BV
Glaspoort (KPN/APG)
Greenlane LLC
Dutch Greentech Fund
Antea Participaties
Truffle Capital
Avedon Capital Partners
Sirius Venture Partners
ING Bank
ABN AMRO Participaties
Triton Partners
International Wellness Resort
DM Equity Partners
Dental Clinics
Normec Group
Carepay International
Hewlett Packard Bank Plc
HSO
Carlyle
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4
Lexence's practice is led by Timo Jansen, who is an expert in preventing and resolving corporate law issues, contractual conflicts and professional liability cases, and all-round litigator Bram Thomas Craemer, who deals with fraud cases, trade disputes, failed joint ventures and issues with software implementation. Arnout Schennink is a key contact for disputes involving individuals in the Enterprise Chamber. The firm also handles bankruptcy disputes for companies and frequently defends individuals in mismanagement proceedings.Practice head(s):
Bram Thomas Craemer; Timo Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Arnout Schennink; Mattias Kik
Testimonials
‘What impressed me was the very profound study of all details of the history of the case. They proceeded with the case only after knowing and understanding every detail of the past. I have never experienced this diligence in a law firm.’
‘Bram Thomas Craemer has a pleasant combination of relevant knowledge, humour, tranquility and empathy.’
‘Bram Thomas Craemer is the most brilliant lawyer I know. He has a clear and straight forward approach. His calmness and reliability makes Lexence a partner.’
‘Timo Jansen and Bram Thomas Craemer form the rock-solid base of the team. Both are a pleasure to work with – very practical and hands on.’
‘Timo Jansen is a client focused partner, a good listener and not afraid to push back if this is in his client’s best interest. Provides balanced advice on settlement or litigation based on thorough analysis.’
‘I was amazed by the way Bram Thomas Craemer was able to tune in to my needs while also connecting to the emotional part of my case and managing my expectations perfectly taking the emotions into account. Deep respect.’
‘It was a pleasure to work with Bram Thomas Craemer, who is a very bright and eager person – total dedication in obtaining a favourable result.’
‘During the negotiations, the team maintained good relations with the team from the other side and played the game with great perseverance. They were careful in managing our expectations.’
Key clients
Aqua Minerals
Fiscal Rep B.V.
Spyker Ltd.
Averline Holdings N.V.
Selten B.V.
RTL
Debuut Horeca
Bang! Media Group
Monticello
de Volksbank
AXON Neuroscience S.E.
M.F. Moreira Leite da Silva
Work highlights
- Representing the management of D-Reizen in high-profile injunctive relief proceedings initiated by its receiver in bankruptcy. The receiver demanded a release of pledged IP rights from the management.
- Appointed by the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal as an investigator or custodian of shares in mismanagement proceedings.
- Representing the supervisory and management board of the state-owned de Volksbank in a board room crisis involving multiple injunctive relief proceedings and a corporate investigation into board room dynamics.
Lexence > Firm Profile
The firm:Â Lexence is a leading Dutch law firm specialized in corporate and commercial law and real estate law. The firm provides legal services to both national and international companies who operate in the Dutch market. The firm’s professionals, including 95+ lawyers and civil law notaries, work in small teams directed by partners. The lawyers and notaries cooperate seamlessly in their areas of specialization. Quality, efficiency and service orientation always paramount.
Areas of practice
Corporate and commercial law: The Lexence corporate and commercial lawyers and civil law-notaries specialize in legal support regarding commercial and corporate dispute, employment and benefits law, financing, joint ventures, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, notarial services, private equity and structuring and restructuring. and venture capital transactions.
Real estate law: Lexence’s real estate lawyers and civil law-notaries handle cases related to: environmental law, area development, construction, purchase and sale, commercial hire, and management and financing real estate projects. The real estate projects the lawyers work on involve: large-scale urban development, development of logistic properties, shopping malls, office buildings and residential projects.
International: Lexence is an independent law firm with access to fellow international firms with knowledge and experience unique to a specific jurisdiction. Through our membership of the Meritas worldwide network, a highly-regarded legal network of law firms, we have easy access to those firms.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Employment law | Annejet Balm | ||
Real estate | Bob Bekker | ||
Corporate/M&A notarial services | Hendrik Bennebroek Gravenhorst | ||
Corporate/M&A | Diederick de Boer | ||
Litigation and arbitration | Bram Thomas Craemer | ||
Employment law | Floor Damen | ||
Financing | Charles Destrée | ||
Commercial contracts | Pieter van Dijk | ||
Corporate/M&A | Mathijs van Doormalen | ||
Corporate/M&A | Luc Habets | ||
Corporate/M&A; member of the management board | Wouter Helder | ||
Real estate notarial services | Jan Hockx | ||
Corporate/M&A | Joost Houtman | ||
Employment law | Frank ter Huurne | ||
Litigation and arbitration; member of the management board | Timo Jansen | ||
Employment law | Mark Keuss | ||
Real estate | Michael Klijnstra | ||
Corporate/M&A | Joost Kolkman | ||
Real estate | Bas Martens | ||
Employment law | Esther van der Meulen | ||
Corporate/M&A notarial services | Jurjen Mos | ||
Real estate | Jan-Willem Raadgever | ||
Employment law | Jordi Rosendahl | ||
Litigation and arbitration | Arnout Schennink | ||
Real estate | Marieke van Schie | ||
Real estate; founding partner | Ferry van Schoonhoven | ||
Corporate/M&A | Michiel van Schooten | ||
Employment law | Judith Schulp | ||
Real estate | Jip Spierings | ||
Real estate | Tomas Steenmetser | ||
Real estate notarial services | Stephan Westera | ||
Real estate | Michiel de Wit |