Netherlands

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - At HVK Stevens, we have successfully advised the internationally renowned American fast-casual chain Five Guys LLC on two landmark cross-border transactions involving intellectual property migration and innovative debt financing structures. Strategic IP Migration to the Netherlands We acted as Dutch counsel for tax and legal purposes concerning the migration of Five Guys’ intellectual property from Hong Kong to the Netherlands in a strategic “IP onshoring” transaction, involving highly valued assets. For the onshoring, our team advised on several unique structures to facilitate the migration whilst also ensuring alignment with the planned future securitization. The matter required the HVK Stevens tax and legal team to produce an extensive and highly technical tax risk analysis to determine which alternative structures would be the most robust and efficient for onshoring. This enabled us to and significant value to the client with respect to the restructuring and implementation of the onshoring, including transfer pricing analyses, drafting rulings for submission to the Dutch tax authorities, preparing advance pricing agreements (APAs), and acting as day-to-day counsel for Five Guys. The transaction, completed in January 2025, was led by tax partner Paulus Merks. Pioneering whole-business securitization structure In a parallel development, HVK Stevens advised on a highly complex business restructuring and securitization structure for Five Guys, forming, again, a highly valued transaction. In recent years, many of the largest restaurant brands in the United States have utilized securitization techniques to secure financing, specifically in the form of “whole-business” securitization of franchise royalties and company-owned store revenues and other related assets both nationally and internationally. For the Netherlands, however, this way of financing whereby an originator or owner entity transfers its interests in certain revenue-generating assets, principally existing and future franchise agreements relating to the franchised business, to one more wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities, is new. The HVK Stevens team has been at the forefront of this area, drawing upon the expertise of its professionals across multiple practice areas and multiple jurisdictions. Cross-border complexity Both matters required coordination across multiple jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, United States, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, and Singapore, demonstrating the increasingly international nature of modern corporate restructuring transactions. Multidisciplinary team approach The transactions showcased our integrated approach to complex matters, combining tax, legal, and VAT expertise. The team was led by partners Paulus Merks and Aldo Schuurman, with support from partners Arco Bobeldijk, Willem Gerbers, Maarten Edie, Stan Stevens, along with managers, Volodimir Toetsja, Mathijs Zwiers, Mike Hagendoorn, Savvas Atzemoglou and Tamara Hirsch. The firm worked alongside international advisers including King & Spalding (US counsel), Nauta Dutilh (legal adviser), Deloitte (tax adviser and accountant), Guggenheim, and White & Case Conclusion These matters demonstrate our capability to handle sophisticated, cross-border tax and legal matters at the highest level, combining technical excellence with practical, business-focused solutions, the successful completion of the IP migration and ongoing securitization work positions HVK Stevens as a leading adviser on innovative financing structures and international tax planning in the Netherlands. For more information, please contact Anne de Bie, Marketing & Communications Specialist, via [email protected], or +31 (0)6 13 78 12 86. HVK Stevens, Apollolaan 150, 1077BG Amsterdam, https://www.hvk-stevens.com/en  

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - At HVK Stevens, we have successfully advised the internationally renowned American fast-casual chain Five Guys LLC on two landmark cross-border transactions involving intellectual property migration and innovative debt financing structures. Strategic IP Migration to the Netherlands We acted as Dutch counsel for tax and legal purposes concerning the migration of Five Guys’ intellectual property from Hong Kong to the Netherlands in a strategic “IP onshoring” transaction. The matter involved assets valued at more than €1 billion. For the onshoring, our team advised on several unique structures to facilitate the migration whilst also ensuring alignment with the planned future securitization. The matter required the HVK Stevens tax and legal team to produce an extensive and highly technical tax risk analysis to determine which alternative structures would be the most robust and efficient for onshoring. This enabled us to and significant value to the client with respect to the restructuring and implementation of the onshoring, including transfer pricing analyses, drafting rulings for submission to the Dutch tax authorities, preparing advance pricing agreements (APAs), and acting as day-to-day counsel for Five Guys. The transaction, completed in January 2025, was led by tax partner Paulus Merks. Pioneering whole-business securitization structure In a parallel development, HVK Stevens advised on a highly complex business restructuring and securitization structure for Five Guys, valued between €500 million and €1 billion. In recent years, many of the largest restaurant brands in the United States have utilized securitization techniques to secure financing, specifically in the form of “whole-business” securitization of franchise royalties and company-owned store revenues and other related assets both nationally and internationally. For the Netherlands, however, this way of financing whereby an originator or owner entity transfers its interests in certain revenue-generating assets, principally existing and future franchise agreements relating to the franchised business, to one more wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities, is new. The HVK Stevens team has been at the forefront of this area, drawing upon the expertise of its professionals across multiple practice areas and multiple jurisdictions. Cross-border complexity Both matters required coordination across multiple jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, United States, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, and Singapore, demonstrating the increasingly international nature of modern corporate restructuring transactions. Multidisciplinary team approach The transactions showcased our integrated approach to complex matters, combining tax, legal, and VAT expertise. The team was led by partners Paulus Merks and Aldo Schuurman, with support from partners Arco Bobeldijk, Willem Gerbers, Maarten Edie, Stan Stevens, along with managers, Volodimir Toetsja, Mathijs Zwiers, Mike Hagendoorn, Savvas Atzemoglou and Tamara Hirsch. The firm worked alongside international advisers including King & Spalding (US counsel), Nauta Dutilh (legal adviser), Deloitte (tax adviser and accountant), Guggenheim, and White & Case Conclusion These matters demonstrate our capability to handle sophisticated, cross-border tax and legal matters at the highest level, combining technical excellence with practical, business-focused solutions, the successful completion of the IP migration and ongoing securitization work positions HVK Stevens as a leading adviser on innovative financing structures and international tax planning in the Netherlands. Date: 10 February, 2026 For more information, please contact Anne de Bie, Marketing & Communications Specialist, via [email protected], or +31 (0)6 13 78 12 86. HVK Stevens, Apollolaan 150, 1077BG Amsterdam, https://www.hvk-stevens.com/en

Joost Fanoy appointed new Managing Partner of BarentsKrans The Hague, 5 January 2026 – BarentsKrans has appointed Joost Fanoy as its new Managing Partner, effective 1 January 2026. Together with Michiel Martin and operations director Cosima Stroeve, he will form the executive board. Joost succeeds Jesse Zijlma, who has led the firm since 2020. His leadership was characterised by continued professionalisation and growth, culminating in the opening of the firm’s second office in Amsterdam. Joost Fanoy has been with BarentsKrans since 2012. As a partner in the EU & Competition practice, he advises national and international companies on matters including cartels, abuse of (economic) dominance, distribution agreements and merger control. He also specialises in competition litigation (private enforcement) and public procurement disputes. “It is an honour to assume the chairmanship of the board,” says Joost Fanoy. “BarentsKrans has a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality legal services supported by a culture of professionalism and collaboration. Together with Michiel and Cosima, I look forward to further develop the firm, with an emphasis on quality, innovation and developing our talent.” Under Joost’s leadership, BarentsKrans aims to further broaden its offering, with the ambition to be the leading independent full‑service Dutch firm for the business market. In a legal sector where an increasing number of firms are merging on an international level, BarentsKrans deliberately chooses an independent position. This enables the firm to continue providing high‑quality legal services to national and international clients seeking a reliable Dutch partner.

The Hague, 9 December 2025 – As of 1 January 2026, BUREN Legal Tax Notary welcomes Valegis Advocaten to their firm. This step further expands BUREN’s legal services and strengthens its capacity to support clients effectively. The addition of Valegis aligns with BUREN’s strategy to deepen its legal practice and to strengthen both its national and international network. Valegis brings extensive experience in advising Dutch and international companies and institutions, with a focus on employment law, corporate law, commercial contracting, franchise matters and intellectual property law. These areas complement BUREN’s existing practice well. “The arrival of Valegis is a logical and strategic move,” says Martijn Vermeeren, Managing Partner at BUREN. “Valegis brings valuable knowledge and experience that support our ambitions and enable us to advise our clients even more effectively.” Carolien Brederije and Tim van der Maas, partners at Valegis, add: “BUREN’s national and international focus, high quality standards and integrated approach are an excellent fit for our practice. Together, we can apply our expertise and experience to the full benefit of our clients.” BUREN has offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, The Hague, Luxembourg and Shanghai, supporting clients worldwide. From this international foundation, the firm is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Your goal. Our drive. About BUREN BUREN is an independent full-service firm of more than 85 lawyers, tax advisers and civil-law notaries, with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, The Hague, Luxembourg and Shanghai. BUREN has a broad sector focus and offers multidisciplinary services. BUREN operates an internationally oriented practice. Through its own offices in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and China, as well as country desks (Germany (DACH), India, Japan, Latin America/Spain) and a carefully developed network of foreign law firms and advisers, BUREN supports both national and international clients in expanding, innovating or restructuring their businesses. Its clients include multinationals, medium-sized (listed) companies, institutions and investment funds that rely on receiving high-quality, pragmatic and cost-effective advice in achieving their goals. (www.burenlegal.com) Contact Sanne Hazenberg Marketing Manager BUREN [email protected] +31 6 2053 3532