Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh > Rotterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh Offices
Blaak 555
3011 GB Rotterdam
Netherlands
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3
The Rotterdam-based restructuring and insolvency group at Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh ably assists its clients through the processes surrounding liquidation and insolvency and is well regarded for its ‘customer-first mentality’. The team also advises clients in recovery from or prevention of such issues. The group is led by specialist in financial mismanagement of companies Richard le Grand, who is described as ‘a savvy litigator with good tactical thinking’.Practice head(s):
Richard le Grand
Other key lawyers:
Ruben Leeuwenburgh; Mark Mouthaan; Richard le Grand; Marcel Windt
Testimonials
‘The team provided an experienced litigation lawyer to us to help us determine a strong strategy.’
‘Ruben Leeuwenburgh is an experienced litigation lawyer who assisted us determining a strategy without unnecessarily complicating matters.’
‘Windt are reponsive, calm under pressure and know the Dutch insolvency process well.’
‘Richard le Grand is a savvy litigator with good tactical thinking. Ruben Leewenburgh is very good to work with and has a busy practice but always finds time to speak. He is calm and measured during difficult times. Mark Mouthaan is thorough and across the details.’
‘A customer-first mentality. Richard Le Grand is very capable of quickly understanding the matter and asks all the right questions.’
‘Richard Le Grand is responsive and really understands the matter at hand. He is able to act as if he is part of our company – knowing our interests and acting on them. Richard has the ability to relativize with us to ensure we make the correct decisions.’
‘A hands-on approach combined with in-depth knowledge. They are effective and efficient.’
‘Ruben Leeuwenburgh is one of the top in his field – approachable and creative.’
Key clients
Steinhoff Recovery Foundation
Quality Plants Europe B.V.
IHC
International Metal Trading B.V. (“IMT”)
Allegion
SDBGroup
Work highlights
- Advised Marcel Windt, appointed as Chairman of the Steinhoff Recovery Foundation, in relation to the global settlement for the €7bn insolvency of Steinhoff International.
- Appointed as liquidator in the €200m insolvency of Dutch shipbuilder IHC.
- Assisted SDB Group with its purchase of a distressed medium-sized software company on the verge of insolvency.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh has a four-partner-strong dispute resolution team, with Irene Tax, Richard le Grand, Ruben Leeuwenburgh, and Bart Gerretsen all spearheading the practice. Gerretsen is well respected in the commercial litigation space, while founding partner and corporate litigator Leeuwenburgh handles insolvency, directors’ liability, and shareholder disputes. Co-founding partner Le Grand specialises in the heavylift and vertical transport sector. Tax focuses on complex commercial and corporate litigation, as well as handling arbitration.Practice head(s):
Irene Tax; Richard Le Grand; Ruben Leeuwenburgh; Bart Gerretsen
Testimonials
‘A well-rounded team of highly experienced partners and ambitious talent.’
‘Richard le Grand has excellent knowledge of our specific industry. He is easy to reach and provides us with the advice we need at the time, whether it be a short discussion on a specific matter or more extensive legal advice. Excellent litigator.’
‘Ruben Leeuwenburgh is an experienced litigator with a good strategic perspective. He is pleasant and reliable to work with.’
‘Highest quality standards. Outstanding professional and analytical skills, respond very quickly and very realistic and practical approach.’
‘Profound knowledge and skills, well established team, healthy client base.’
‘Irene Tax is a very smart, quick and experienced procedural law expert. She has a great and reliable team to work with.’
‘This team has a practical approach, stating clearly the pros and cons of any dispute. They are easily approachable and fast in their responses.’
‘They give clear insights into disputes and they give good advice on how they would approach the matter – no woolly language.’
Key clients
Tennor Holding B.V.
Republic of India
Ad hoc group of creditors
Restaurant Groep Topholding
Founder of EasyHotel Benelux Group
BB Capital Management B.V.
Staples Nederland B.V.
Former D&Os of Darion Capital Management
L. Baars Beheer Sliedrecht B.V.
SRK Rechtsbijstand
Work highlights
- Representing BB Capital Investments in its successful defence of an appeal, which finally brought its long-running dispute with a trustee in bankruptcy to a close.
- Representing the Republic of India in the Dutch piece of a complex, cross-border, $1bn+ dispute arising from the 2012 revocation of telecoms licences by the Supreme Court of India.
- Representing Tennor Holding in multiple high-stakes cases with an aggregate value of around €5bn.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 4
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh's ‘creative and hands-on team’ handles the full spectrum of soft IP disputes before the Dutch, Benelux and EU courts, covering issues of copyright, trade mark and design infringement, in addition to advising on matters pertaining to parallel imports. Practice head Timme Geerlof is sought after for his litigation experience, and also assists with the drafting of commercial contracts. Gerard van der Wal has extensive experience pleading cases before the ECJ, acting for luxury, pharmaceutical and agriculture clients, while ‘legal eagle’ Shaharzaad Said maintains a litigious practice, in addition to advising on the drafting of IP agreements.Practice head(s):
Timme Geerlof
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Timme Geerlof has excellent knowledge of the latest trade mark laws and lawsuits, and knows how to use and explain this to all stakeholders in the cases we have together.’
‘Fantastic team, very diverse, always quick to respond.’
‘Excellent services.’
‘The IP team of Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is a diverse team in many senses. This applies to the background of the members of the team, to their characters and to the different fields of IP they advise on.’
‘Timme Geerlof manages his team well and leads by example in providing practical legal advice.’
Key clients
B.V. Rotterdamsche Producten Mij
Altunis-Trading, Gestão e Serviços LDA
F. Loendersloot Internationale Expeditie B.V.
Rhino Overseas Inc.
Kamstra International B.V.
Crazy Pianos On Tour B.V. – Mr. R.A.H. Bravenboer
Eureco-Pharma B.V.
Medcor Pharmaceuticals B.V.
M. Khodabakhsh
VISUfarma B.V.
Association Euro-Specialité (VES)
Spido B.V.
Bankruptcy trustee of Saleslution S.L.
Work highlights
- Acted for Altunis Trading Gestão e Serviços LDA in appeal proceedings before the Benelux Court of Justice concerning the use of Benelux trade marks of the Belmond Hotel Cipriani.
- Represented Rhino Overseas Inc. and VanDutch Marine in cross-border proceedings against Dutch and Italian companies in relation to a global dispute regarding the ownership of multiple trade mark rights for the famous VANDUTCH luxury yachts.
- Defended F. Loendersloot Internationale Expeditie B.V. in proceedings against Bacardi and MHCS Société en Commandite Simple concerning the use of trade marks by intermediaries.
Netherlands > Employment Tier 5
The employment practice led by Steven Palm at Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is known for its sector strengths in logistics, maritime, healthcare, and transport. The team regularly advises on payroll and temporary work issues, as well as assisting works councils with co-determination matters. Collective labour disputes are also a primary focus of the team. Sandra van Steekelenburg and Yente Bijloo provide advice on various employment issues.Practice head(s):
Steven Palm
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘At Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh, they understand that potential clients seek not only exceptional legal counsel but also a distinctive, personal approach that sets them apart from other firms. It is for this reason that we work closely with Steven Palm when we need employment law-related assistance.’
‘I recommend Steven Palm for his exemplary expertise. His astute legal counsel and strategic guidance have delivered favourable outcomes for us. Steven possesses an ability to navigate through complex employment scenarios, ensuring compliance and safeguarding client interests. His dedication, ethical approach, and both effective and down-to-earth communication makes him a valuable asset in employment law.’
‘Yente Bijloo is also highly recommended.’
‘Sandra van Stekelenburg stands out for her quick responses and pragmatic advice.’
‘Knowledgeable with regard to our specific business. Flexible, swift responses. Easy to reach.’
‘The team stand out for their level of experience and detailed knowledge. They are very accessible and easy to connect with.’
Key clients
Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum
Hunter Douglas
Vinçotte Nederland
Plantise
Work highlights
- Advising the executive board of the Erasmus University Medical Centre and the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres on co-determination and collective labour agreements.
Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 6
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh's corporate team has a strong track record in representing clients across the Benelux region on a broad range of matters, including general corporate matters, joint ventures and M&A. Environmental, IT and sustainability are key sector strengths for the group. Practice head Ep Hannema is a seasoned corporate and M&A specialist who frequently acts for venture capital and private equity companies. Counsel Joost Kooren is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Ep Hannema
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
ExpertDoc B.V.
Omnicals Pharma Ltd.
InnoGenerics B.V.
Wijsman Dental Clinics
Work highlights
- Advised Hunter Douglas on the acquisition of Unilux Nederland B.V., Unilux IP B.V. and Unilux B.V.
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh > Firm Profile
The firm: Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is a corporate law firm, based in Rotterdam, with ten partners specializing in transactions, litigation, IP and EU law, commercial contracts and restructuring. The firm’s main focus lies in assisting multinationals and large corporates in realizing their business targets. The firm has extensive experience in solving some of the most complex and escalated situations known in the Netherlands, including but not limited to financial crisis, state aid matters, corporate battles, shareholder disputes, large scale personnel reorganizations and in establishing (mid-market) M&A transactions. The firm’s litigators are involved in complex big ticket multi-jurisdictional litigation such as commercial contracts, corporate structures, sanctions, parallel (EU) import and intellectual property. The aim is to protect the client’s interests as a shareholder, buyer, director, trader, producer, supervisor, IP owner, partner; or as a member of an executive or non-executive board, finance party, fund, or government. Most international guides that chart the Dutch legal market rank both the firm and its lawyers as the top in their field.
Areas of practice: Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh provides legal services in the practice areas restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution, IP-general, competition/European law and employment.
Restructuring and insolvency: A substantial component of the firm is its insolvency practice, acting as a curator and administrator by appointment of the Rotterdam District Court and the Amsterdam High Court Enterprise Chamber. Additionally, the firm has a glowing reputation for its ability to restructure businesses and thereby obtaining top end referral work (Oi Telecoms, Abengoa, Steinhoff) alongside high profile national work including CRO’s, banks and interim management examples include the restructuring of Varova (Sissy Boy, Open 32 and Tumble n Dry), Men at Work and a successful bid for AMST on Boeing/Airbus flight simulator business of Simteq.
Contact: Marcel Windt Tel: +31 6 5365 4222
Email: m.windt@windtlegal.com
Employment: Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh has a high quality personnel reorganization and labour law practice. The practice mostly acts for sizeable employers or for inbound crossborder work on claw back claims, governance and collective dismissals.
Contact: Steven Palm Tel: +31 6 3024 7774
Email: s.palm@windtlegal.com
Dispute resolution: With five partners in corporate and commercial litigation, this is the largest and strongest section of the firm. Richard Le Grand is the all-round commercial litigator with an exceptional stronghold in the Dutch heavy lifting business and takes appointments from the Enterprise Chamber. Ruben Leeuwenburgh and Irene Tax lead complex commercial disputes and defend directors, investors and restructuring offers before the Enterprise Chamber and the civil courts. Partner Gerard van der Wal takes cases to the ECJ and industry veteran Bart Gerretsen captains some of the most substantial corporate and (international) commercial pending litigations and arbitrations.
Contact: Richard le Grand Tel: +31 10 2617 507
Email: r.legrand@windtlegal.com
IP-general: With the appointment of the young equity partner Timme Geerlof, the firm has further developed a sophisticated IP practice for its corporate clients, with a focus on parallel import/EU matters and specializing in medicine/pharma/repackaging issues. Senior Statesman Gerard van der Wal has been involved in most landmark cases before the CJ EU that have formed the current legal landscape.
Contact: Timme Geerlof Tel: +31 6 1335 3032
Email: t.geerlof@windtlegal.com
Competition/ European law:The firm has the privilege of housing Gerard van der Wal, a well respected and reputable figure in his area of work. Gerard van der Wal and senior associate Doortje Ninck Blok, a former legal advisor of the Dutch government in state aid matters, have teamed up at Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh to assist amongst other Dutch cities and counties vis-à-vis the European Commission in state aid matters. Since the introduction of the single market Gerard van der Wal, formerly residing in Brussels, has been involved in free trade matters before inter alia the EU courts.
Contact: Gerard van der Wal Tel: +32 475 418 532
Email: g.vanderwal@windtlegal.com
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restructuring & insolvency | Marcel Windt | m.windt@windtlegal.com | |
| Restructuring & insolvency - Corporate litigation | Richard Le Grand | r.legrand@windtlegal.com | |
| Restructuring & insolvency - Corporate litigation | Ruben Leeuwenburgh | r.leeuwenburgh@windtlegal.com | |
| Banking & Restructuring - Financial Restructuring | Michiel Bindels | m.bindels@windtlegal.com | |
| Intellectual property & Commercial litigation | Timme Geerlof | t.geerlof@windtlegal.com | |
| EU, state aid & competition law - IP & Pharma | Gerard van der Wal | g.vanderwal@windtlegal.com | |
| EU, state aid & competition law - IP & Pharma | Doortje Ninck Blok | d.ninckblok@windtlegal.com | |
| Corporate litigation | Bart Gerretsen | b.gerretsen@windtlegal.com | |
| Corporate litigation | Irene Tax | i.tax@windtlegal.com | |
| Employment & Reorganisation | Steven Palm | s.palm@windtlegal.com | |
| Corporate / M&A | Joost Kooren | j.kooren@windtlegal.com |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Michiel Bindels | Partner | View Profile |
|
Timme Geerlof | Partner | View Profile |
|
Bart Gerretsen | Of Counsel | View Profile |
|
Mr Ep Hannema | Partner | View Profile |
|
Ruben Leeuwenburgh | Partner | View Profile |
|
Steven Palm | Counsel | View Profile |
|
Irene Tax | Managing Partner | View Profile |
|
Marcel Windt | Partner | View Profile |
|
Peter de Waal | Partner | View Profile |
|
Richard le Grand | Partner | View Profile |
|
Gerard van der Wal | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 9 Number of lawyers : 35Languages
Dutch EnglishDiversity/Community
From the outset our firm has a certain cooperative, open-minded nature and focusses entirely on first tier quality of its corporate and litigation services as well as the legal work product for our clients.
In striving for these eminent services we do that with a team of female and male professionals, including management, support staff and partnership with various (international) backgrounds regardless of religion or ethnicity.