Allen & Overy LLP combines its corporate, banking, funds and tax expertise to act for leading private equity houses across the Benelux region and internationally on structuring, establishment and investment mandates. Karine Kodde, whose client roster includes 3i, Egeria and IK Investment Partners, among others, jointly leads the team alongside Jasper de Jong, who is noted for his capability in handling upper mid-market transactions. Other key contacts in the group include managing partner Justin Steer, Gijs Linse, who focuses on cross-border deals, and senior associate Kayleigh Sanders, who regularly represents private equity investors.
Private equity in Netherlands
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Karine Kodde; Jasper de Jong
Other key lawyers:
Gijs Linse; Justin Steer; Kayleigh Sanders
Key clients
3i
Egeria
IK Investment Partners
Parcom
Bencis Capital Partners
Advent
Exponent Private Equity
Waterland
CVC
Bridgepoint
Clifford Chance
The private equity practice at Clifford Chance handles high-end transactions across sectors including technology, healthcare and life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and infrastructure, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to assist with cross-border deals. Mark-Jan Arends, who leads the ‘highly dedicated and agile team’, has been kept busy with strategic and portfolio acquisitions, as well as divestitures, while Gregory Crookes has experience in both buy-side and sell-side transactions, particularly in the TMT sector. Jan-Hendrik Horsmeier is also noted for his expertise in the technology arena, in addition to handling energy and infrastructure-related transactions.
Practice head(s):
Mark Jan Arends
Other key lawyers:
Jan-Hendrik Horsmeier; Gregory Crookes; Jeroen Thijssen
Testimonials
‘Highly dedicated and agile team.’
Key clients
Tele2
Partners Group
KKR
DTCP
EQT Infrastructure III
Teslin
Roompot
ACT
CVC Capital Partners
AOC
Curaeos
Rivean Capital
EQT Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Tele2 on its agreement with Deutsche Telekom to sell T-Mobile Netherlands to funds advised by Apax Partners and Warburg Pincus, a private equity consortium, for an enterprise value of €5.1bn.
- Advised Partners Group in relation to the buyout of enterprise cloud software company Unit4 by private equity firms TA Associates and Partners Group in a deal value in excess of $2bn.
- Advising a consortium led by KKR and consisting of Teslin on the public offer for all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in Accell Group.
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
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:
Arne Grimme; Pete Lawley
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.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff advises on the entire private equity cycle, from fund structuring and formations to transactional structuring, add on acquisitions, buy-out mandates and fund liquidation. Housing a team of lawyers, notaries and tax specialists, key clients include domestic private equity houses and international players in the Dutch market, including 3i Group, EQT Partners and Summit Partners, among others. Herman Kaemingk, who focuses on management and leveraged buyouts, jointly leads the team alongside Harmen Holtrop, who also acts for private equity firms and other financial investors on leveraged buyouts, in addition to investments and exits. Anke van Holthe tot Echten was promoted to partner in December 2022 and Antoinette van der Hauw, who advises on both buy-side and sell-side transactions as well as matters concerning management participation, is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Harmen Holtrop; Herman Kaemingk
Other key lawyers:
Antoinette van der Hauw; Roel Fluit; Freek Hilberdink; Anke van Holthe tot Echten
Key clients
Main Capital Partners
Egeria Capital Partners
EQT Partners AB
Towerbrook
3i Group plc.
Rivean Capital
Motive Partners
Gimv
Platinum Equity Advisors
Keensight Capital
Bregal Unternehmerskapital
Summit Partners
Work highlights
- Assisted EQT AB on the acquisition of Life Sciences Partners.
- Advised The Student Hotel (TSH) on the agreement with GIC and APG to acquire a substantial stake in The Student Hotel (TSH).
- Acted as counsel to Kiwa N.V., a pan-European leader in the testing, inspection and certification (TIC) market, and its shareholders on the sale of Kiwa to SHV Holdings.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer handles high-end transactions, with particular expertise in the technology sector, as demonstrated by its advice to Apax Partners LLP and Warburg Pincus LLC on the €5.1bn acquisition of T-Mobile Netherlands. Other key sectors of focus include financial services, industrial, infrastructure and real estate. Following the departure of Shawn Der Kinderen to an in-house role in May 2022, Menno Verboom re-joined the firm from Vriman M&A Lawyers and has experience across a broad range of transactions and investment structures, competitive auction processes and management incentive plans. Verboom jointly leads the team alongside Alexander Doorman, who focuses on cross-border private equity transactions.
Practice head(s):
Alexander Doorman; Menno Verboom
Key clients
Permira
CVC Capital Partners
Advent International
Cinven
Vitruvian Partners
APG Asset Management
PGGM
PAI Partners
EQT / EQT Growth
Warburg Pincus
Apax
CPP Investments
Brookfield Asset Management
IK Partners
Oaktree Capital Management
Three Hills Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Apax Partners LLP and Warburg Pincus LLC on their €5.1bn acquisition of T-Mobile Netherlands.
- Advising funds managed by IK Partners on its acquisition of IG&H.
- Advising Oaktree Capital on its acquisition of the High Tech Campus Eindhoven.
Houthoff
Commended for its ‘pragmatism and constructive approach’, Houthoff’s private equity practice sits within the firm’s wider corporate group and continues to build on its presence in the Asian market, particularly in Tokyo and Singapore. The team, which is noted for its expertise in the technology sector, is led by Bram Caudri, who is ‘knowledgeable, hands on and quick in his responses’ when acting for domestic and international private equity houses on cross-border transactions. Michiel Pannekoek advises on management buy-outs and deals with restructuring elements, while Guillette van Grinsven, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, handles private equity investments. Alexander Kaarls remains a key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Bram Caudri
Other key lawyers:
Michiel Pannekoek; Guillette van Grinsven; Alexander Kaarls
Testimonials
‘The practice is unique in the pragmatism and constructive approach (both with us and the counter-party) in transactions.’
‘Bram Caudri is the driving force behind our local legal understanding. Bram has worked with us on all our transactions, and successfully so. Bram is pragmatic and constructive, with a focus on bridging potential gaps between our international approach and the local needs.’
‘The Houthoff PE team are excellent legal advisers, helping us manage the legal and commercial aspects of our acquisitions. They understand the peculiar needs and interests of PE-backed companies and have great international experience with all aspects of transactions, whether on the buy-side or the sell-side. They are exceptional transaction lawyers.’
Key clients
Apollo Global Management
BC Partners
Waterland
Navitas Capital
Equity Europe B.V.
Torqx Capital Partners B.V.
H2 Trading B.V.
Prime Ventures
Accel
Argos Wityu
Work highlights
- Advised and represented Argos Wityu on the acquisition of Schenk Tanktransport.
- Assisted Thoma Bravo, a private equity investment firm focused on the software and technology-enabled services sectors, in its €2bn+ public offer for all shares in Talend SA.
- Advised and represented Egeria on the sale of Dutch Bakery Group B.V. to investment manager 3i Group PLC.
NautaDutilh
Housing corporate and finance lawyers, tax advisers and civil law notaries, the team at NautaDutilh provides ‘high-quality and pragmatic’ advice on all aspects of private equity transactions across the Benelux and pan-European regions, as well as internationally. Joost den Engelsman is praised as a ‘great negotiator’ in auction sale processes and jointly leads the team alongside Gaike Dalenoord, who acts for private equity sponsors on cross-border transactions. Olaf Baks and Sophie van Lanschot were promoted to the partnership in April 2022 and advise on management incentive plans, as well as cross-border deals.
Practice head(s):
Joost den Engelsman; Gaike Dalenoord
Other key lawyers:
Olaf Baks; Sophie van Lanschot; Jeroen Preller
Testimonials
‘Joost den Engelsman is a complete pro. Highly respected in the market in his own right but also someone who works collaboratively with all parties involved, co-counsel and opposing counsel included.’
‘The level of dedication of the team is very high. They make you feel like their only client. They are very much in tune with what we need as a company both in general, and on a case by case, transaction by transaction basis.’
‘Our transactions are extremely fast paced, but the team stays hands-on and sharp, even when available 24/7. Their advice is high-quality and pragmatic at the same time.’
‘We work with Joost den Engelsman on all our transactions with a Dutch or Benelux dimension. He is a great negotiator who does not argue for argument’s sake. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty, even at ungodly hours, getting the deal to the finish line.’
Key clients
Advent
Apax Partners (France)
Apollo
Astorg
Bain Capital Private Equity
Bay Grove Capital
BC Partners
Blackstone
Bridgepoint
CapVest
Capvis
Centerbridge Partners
Cinven
CPP Investment Board
Findos Investor
HAL Investments
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
iCON Infrastructure
Keensight Capital
KLAR Partners
Leonard Green & Partners
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners
Madison Dearborn Partners
MBK Partners
NPM Capital
One Rock
Ramphastos Investments
Silver Lake
SHV
TA Associates
The Carlyle Group
TPG Capital
Vista Equity Partners
Work highlights
- Assisted NPMCapital N.V. with its acquisition of Otolift B.V.
- Assisted Inflexion Private Equity Partners with the acquisition of enviolo.
- Assisted global investment firm The Carlyle Group on the sale of Hunkemöller to a group of leading Dutch investors including Parcom and Opportunity Partners.
AKD
The ‘pragmatic and knowledgeable’ team at independent Benelux firm AKD acts for domestic private equity funds, family offices and Dutch ventures on mid-market transactions and is often instructed on big-ticket deals. The practice, which increasingly advises private equity clients on sustainable investment and governance matters, is frequently engaged by UK and US firms to assist with the Dutch law aspects of multi-jurisdictional transactions. Praised as an ‘excellent private equity adviser’, practice leader Nathalie Van Woerkom’s client roster includes 17Capital, De Hoge Dennen and Newion Investments. Other key contacts in the group include Carlos Pita Cao, Lennart Crain and Wouter Kros.
Practice head(s):
Nathalie van Woerkom
Other key lawyers:
Carlos Pita Cao; Lennart Crain; Wouter Kros; Rosanne Vlasveld
Testimonials
‘Lennart Crain is very responsive, commercial and solution oriented.’
‘Nathalie van Woerkom has a pleasant personality. She is open minded, creative and always looking for solutions. It is a great pleasure to work with Nathalie.’
‘Rosanne Vlasveld is creative and has a lot of experience. She is accurate and fast in delivering results.’
‘Wouter Kros is good with clients and will work hard to arrive at a solution that is out of the box.’
‘They have strengths across the transactional spectrum, particularly private equity.’
‘Pragmatic and knowledgeable, working for top tier clients.’
‘Carlos Pita Cao is sharp and efficient.’
‘Nathalie van Woerkom is an excellent private equity adviser.’
Key clients
Alpha Private Equity
Apollo
Berk
BioGeneration Ventures
Blackstone
Inkef Capital
De Hoge Dennen Capital
LSP
Newion Investments
PAI Partners
Value Enhancement Partners
Shareholders of Augusta Benelux B.V.
West Frisia Vastgoed B.V.
17Capital
CWS
FB Oranjewoud Participaties
Work highlights
- Acting for Neways on the defence against a hostile public takeover offer for Neways and on the recommended public offer for Neways by private equity firm Infestos.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper ‘goes the extra mile’ for its roster of clients, including private equity houses, management teams, debt providers and portfolio companies, and advises on all stages of the private equity lifecycle. The team is well-placed to collaborate with the office’s corporate, tax and finance departments on domestic deals, whilst also leveraging the firm’s global network to assist with cross-border transactions. Practice head Casper Hamersma acts for both local and international private equity houses, and ‘razor-sharp’ Jochem Beurskens focuses on mid-market deals.
Practice head(s):
Casper Hamersma
Other key lawyers:
Jochem Beurskens; Flip Kaptein
Testimonials
‘Able to support a very active international buy & build strategy with their international presence combined with single source of contact to coordinate multiple transaction processes and due diligence efforts at the same time (i.e. a truly integrated global solution, which only a very limited number of law firms can offer).’
‘Able to offer a broad range of legal services from tax structuring to leveraged finance support and from M&A to employment law advice, setting it apart from many of its competitors.’
‘Very collaborative mindset and high level of senior/partner involvement throughout the transaction process. Eager to go the extra mile, highly approachable and strong client-first mentality.’
‘The team goes the extra mile, highly approachable and strong client-first mentality.’
‘Jochem Beurskens is always available and on top of the deal. Razor-sharp focus on potential risks for the client, high attention to detail, continuously defending the client’s interest, tough in negotiations, strong and reliable process management skills.’
‘Flip Kaptein – Dedicated & committed, willing to go the extra mile, meticulous and good attention for detail, successfully taking on a more senior role.’
Key clients
Bencis Capital Partners
Egeria Private Equity
EMK Capital
Ergon Capital Partners
Newport Capital
Nordian Capital Partners
Oaktree Capital Management
Rabo Participaties
Sun Capital Partners
Synergia Capital Partners
Waterland Private Equity
Work highlights
- Advised on the competitive auction process by which Waterland Private Equity acquired Rotom Europe.
- Advising the management team of Ekaterra on its investment in Ekaterra’s Dutch holding structure alongside CVC, as part of CVC’s €4.5bn acquisition of Eketarra from Unilever.
- Acted for EMK Capital on the simultaneous acquisition of eight independent optical and hearing care retail chains in the Netherlands, namely: Bril In Mode, Briljant Group, City Lens Group, EyeCare, Iris Optiek, Saton Optiek, Van der Leeuw Optiek and Verhoeven Group.
Jones Day
The Amsterdam-based private equity practice at Jones Day handles a broad range of mandates, from MBOs, MBIs and LBOs to recapitalisations, exits and public takeovers, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to assist with cross-border transactions. The team is noted for its expertise across the TMT, life sciences and healthcare, food and beverages, consumer products, real estate and energy industries, and maintains strong relationships with clients in the financial services sector. Floris Pierik spearheads the team and regularly advises on deals with a wider European or US element.
Practice head(s):
Floris Pierik
Other key lawyers:
Mike Jansen
Key clients
Gimv N.V.
Aurelius Equity Opportunities
Smile Invest
SHV Energy
Irving Place Capital
Arsenal Capital Partners
Creadev (Mulliez family)
AGIC
Aurora Resurgence
Work highlights
- Advised Munich Stock Exchange-listed private equity investor Aurelius Equity Opportunities on the controlled auction sale of Office Depot Europe in seven European countries, to strategic buyer RAJA group.
- Advised Fortino Capital, Ventech, HenQ and founders on the controlled auction sale of Dutch Saas customer community platform Insided to Gainsight Inc., a portfolio company of Vista Private Equity.
- Advising real property fund manager Annexum, which offers real estate investment funds for private individuals, on the sale to a consortium of private equity investors.
Lexence
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%.
Stek
Praised for its ‘flexibility and responsiveness’, Stek counts domestic and international private equity funds, as well as portfolio companies and management teams, among its key roster of clients. The practice is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s corporate, competition and regulated markets, finance and dispute resolution departments to assist with investments in new portfolio companies, add-on acquisitions and commercial matters. Eelco Bijkerk leads the practice alongside Ruben Tros and Maarten Van De Graaf.
Practice head(s):
Eelco Bijkerk; Ruben Tros; Maarten van der Graaf
Testimonials
‘Flexibility and responsiveness.’
‘Enjoyable to work with.’
Key clients
3i Infrastructure
Bencis Capital Partners
BlackFin Capital Partners
Dynamica
Egeria
Gebhardt Stahl
Indufin
Jedlix
M80 Partners
Nordian Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advising private equity fund Egeria on the auction sale of Dynniq Energy to Heijmans Group.
- Advising BlackFin Capital Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in Blauwtrust Groep.
- Advising the management team of TBAuctions on the sale of TBAuctions to Castik Capital.
Baker McKenzie
Praised for its ‘excellent technical knowledge’, Baker McKenzie counts private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, strategic investors, portfolio companies and management teams among its key roster of clients. Mohammed Almarini leads the practice and is noted for his expertise in the technology, manufacturing, agri-food and energy sectors, while Koen Bos focuses on structuring private equity deals.
Practice head(s):
Mohammed Almarini
Other key lawyers:
Koen Bos; Joost Polman
Testimonials
‘Team Baker is very efficient and pleasant in the collaboration, and have always been (quickly) available for our projects. The team delivers the highest quality for us in terms of legal due diligence and transaction documentation.’
‘Excellent technical knowledge. Very strong problem-solving approach, which results in efficient collaboration. Positive energy and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
APG Asset Management
Arcus Infrastructure Partners
Bluegem Capital Partners
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Egeria
Ergon Capital
FSN Capital
KeBeK
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR)
Qmulus Invest
Ufenau Capital Partners
Wagram Equity Partners
Work highlights
- Acted for APG in respect of (i) its joint venture (Glaspoort) with KPN which will speed up the process of the rollout of fiber and faster digitalization across the Netherlands and (ii) a subsequent add-on transaction between KPN and Glaspoort for 170k fiber connections.
- Acted for FSN Capital VI in connection with the investments in OptiGroup and Hygas to create a European Champion in business-to-business distribution.
- Assisted Wagram Equity Partners in the sale of 100% of its shares in the Edelman Group through a competitive auction to EDCO.
BarentsKrans
BarentsKrans is noted for its ‘strong capabilities’ in domestic private equity and venture capital transactions, in addition to assisting overseas private equity funds with cross-border mandates, namely inbound investments. Harry Rek leads the practice and has demonstrable experience advising regional development companies looking to invest in start-ups and SMEs, particularly in the technology, biotechnology, safety and security sectors. Rhamsey Croes is another key contact in the team.
Practice head(s):
Harry Rek
Other key lawyers:
Rhamsey Croes
Testimonials
‘Strong capabilities and broader in-house disciplines.’
‘No nonsense and down to earth approach. Solution driven and pleasant personal style.’
Key clients
InnovationQuarter
ENERGIIQ
ROM Utrecht
Foreman Capital B.V.
MVGM Vastgoedmanagement B.V.
Wagram Private Equity (shareholder of MVGM)
KPN Royal Dutch Telecom
Particon
Quintes Holding B.V.
Sole Source Capital
ABP
Van der Velde Packaging
Borealis Hotel Group BV (PE invested)
Quadrum Capital
Gimv
Work highlights
- Advised sellers and management of a wide range of Dutch mid-market business enterprises on the sale of the company to foreign PE funds.
- Advised foreign PE Funds and PE portfolio companies on the acquisition of Dutch life science and technology companies.
- Advised Dutch regional development companies (state funded venture capital funds) on their governance and their investments in innovative businesses.
BJTK
Clients value BJTK’s ‘expertise combined with a personal approach and timely delivery of work’ concerning private equity and venture capital. Quirijn Biesheuvel, whose client base includes private equity houses and foreign investors, leads the practice alongside Wouter Brugma and counsel Suzanne Beijersbergen, who focuses on venture capital investments. Rutger Jansen remains a key contact in the team.
Practice head(s):
Quirijn Biesheuvel; Wouter Brugma; Suzanne Beijersbergen
Other key lawyers:
Rutger Jansen; Babette Waltman
Testimonials
‘BKTJ has a great team and are very knowledgeable about M&A and private equity. We enjoy their agile way of working, prompt reactions and useful and practical advice.’
‘Perfect team to work with. Very experienced and think along with you. Always go for the best structure and really help you take the next step.’
‘Quirijn Biesheuvel and Babette Waltman in particular are of great value to the team. They are firm on the one hand, but capable of getting the deal done on the other hand. Both very trustworthy and nice individuals to work with.’
‘Rutger Jansen is our “go-to” for the more complex deals. He really understands his client’s line of thinking and will approach and solve issues before they even reach us.’
‘Suzanne Beijersbergen is very capable of running her own deals from ‘A to Z’. Very dedicated to making sure that her client’s best interests are served and will gladly take up complex discussions with counterparties.’
‘BJTK lawyers is a boutique law firm with high level lawyers. I value their expertise combined with a personal approach and timely delivery of work to be done and for a correct fee.’
‘Quirijn and Suzanne are both experienced lawyers who stand out in their personal approach and dedication to get the job done in time. They are pleasant people to work with and take the extra mile for the client.’
‘Quirijn Biesheuvel is a sharp and educated negotiator. Babette Waltman is a strong debater and negotiator.’
Key clients
CapitalT
Carbon Equity
Delta Equity Partners
Energie Fonds Overijssel
Gate Invest
Globitas Investments
Holland Capital
Patronale Solar
Pacifico Energy Partners
Philips Healthtech Ventures
Slingshot Ventures
Standard Investment
Trigentis
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Investment on its buy and build strategy for Digital Playgrounds, with the acquisition of (among others) the LiveWall Group, a Dutch digital production agency with more than 120 employees.
- Advised Lepaya, a Dutch provider of power skills training that combines online and offline learning, with raising $40 million (€35m) in a Series B investment round.
- Advised Aeves Groep on its acquisition of Boer & Croon, a provider of management solutions, executive search and interim management in the Benelux.
deBreij
The ‘sharp and knowledgeable’ team at specialist corporate firm deBreij advises on private equity and venture capital transactions, with demonstrable experience across the technology, construction and consumer goods sectors. Based in Amsterdam, Laura Overes leads the practice alongside the ‘excellent’ Wytse Huidekoper, Maurice Dudink and the ‘outstanding’ Gaston Freijser.
Practice head(s):
Laura Overes; Wytse Huidekoper; Gaston Freijser; Maurice Dudink
Testimonials
‘Responsiveness of the team and its creative approach to solve legal issues.’
‘Quick response and availability. Sharp and knowledgeable.’
‘Wytse Huidekoper is a very good negotiator, without losing the connection with the other party.’
‘Strong team with high performing and high quality people, who are also nice to work with on challenging deals.’
‘Sharp, quick and efficient. They understand how we work and what is important for us. We can count on them.’
‘Wytse Huidekoper is an excellent partner to have on your side during negotiations. He can be quite firm, but will also provide fair advice on what is reasonable or not. Wytse can help you get the deal done.’
‘Laura Overes is sharp and no nonsense. She has a pragmatic approach and focuses on the essentials of a transaction. She is business-like, yet pleasant to deal with. Both for her client and for the other party.’
‘Gaston Freijser is an outstanding lawyer who is able to close any deal.’
Key clients
Newport Capital
Nobel Capital Partners
Active Capital
Bolster Investment Partners
LB Equity
One Two Capital
Intersaction
Mentha Capital
Opportunity Partners
CNBB Venture Partners
Capital A
Gate Invest
AUCTUS Capital Partners
Rabo Investments
Volpi Capital
Committed Capital
Peakbridge
BioGeneration Ventures
Innovation Industries
365 Capital
Connected Capital
NIBC Mezzanine & Equity Partners
Karmijn
LIFCO
IMEC
Work highlights
- Advised Forbion Ventures, venBio, Novo Seeds, BGV, Sofinnova and New Science Ventures on the participation in an $80m Series C Financing round of NorthSea Therapeutics, co-led by Ysios Capital and Forbion Growth.
- Advised investment company Intersaction on the sale of its portfolio company Schaffelaarbos.
- Advised Intersaction, a Dutch private equity firm, and PQR, a Dutch IT system house with a focus on hybrid cloud environments, on the sale of PQR to Bechtle, a German IT services provider.
Dentons
Dentons has a strong track record advising on tax-driven private equity structures, and is well-placed to assist with transactions with a US and pan-European element, with demonstrable experience in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Kuif Klein Wassink, who acts for global private equity funds and financial institutions, jointly leads the practice alongside Marnix Veldhuijzen, who advises on the set-up of funds, due diligence and tax issues arising from buyout transactions. Casper Haket focuses on the W&I insurance aspect of deals and is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Kuif Klein Wassink; Marnix Veldhuijzen
Other key lawyers:
Casper Haket
Key clients
5CS Capital Partners
Astorg
Egeria
Franklin Templeton
Gilde
KKR
Lighthouse Capital
Torqx Capital Partners
TriWest Capital Partners
Vendis Capital
Volpi Capital
Montana Capital Partners
Capita
TreviPay (Corsair Capital portfolio company)
Work highlights
- Advising Astorg on its acquisition of a majority stake in Avania from Kester Capital.
- Advising TreviPay in the sale of MSTS Tolls to Shell.
- Advising Franklin Templeton Investments on its Dutch corporate law and tax activities.
HSA Lawyers B.V.
Boutique firm HSA Lawyers B.V. acts for domestic and international private equity houses on investments, joint ventures, buyouts and management incentive plans, with demonstrable experience in the TMT sector. Harm Van Efferink, who advises on private equity fund structures, management buyouts and shareholders’ agreements, jointly leads the team alongside Gert-Jan van Dalen, who acts for private equity clients on both the buy-side and sell-side of mandates.
Practice head(s):
Gert-Jan van Dalen; Harm van Efferink
Key clients
Main Capital Partners
Holland Capital
Pride Capital Partners
Bid Equity
Headwall Photonics (backed by Arsenal Capital Partners – US PE)
Muller BBM
Valantic
Zig
Exxellence
Myneva
Daily Logistics Group
Anavo Therapeutics
Work highlights
- Advised Bid Equity on its (platform) acquisition of FarMedvisie.
- Advised Holland Capital on its (platform) acquisition of Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions.
- Advised ZigWeb, backed by its majority shareholder Main Capital Partners, on the buy and build strategy of ZigWeb and acted as lead counsel in the acquisitions by ZigWeb of (i) Skarp Sector Intelligence, (ii) ValueData and (iii) Casix.
Orange Clover Law
Boutique firm Orange Clover Law continues to see a steady flow of private equity mandates and buyouts, particularly in the technology sector, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s corporate and financial regulatory expertise in domestic and cross-border transactions. Located in Amsterdam, Pien Van Veersen leads the team and focuses on deals concerning management participation and W&I insurance. Christopher Parker, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Pien van Veersen
Other key lawyers:
Machiel Galjaart; Mark Loefs; Marcel van den Nieuwenhuijzen; Christopher Parker
Testimonials
‘Marcel van den Nieuwenhuijzen is very knowledgeable about the needs of foreign clients in the context of international transactions.’
Key clients
Rivean Capital
Waterland Private Equity
Andlinger & Company
Fortino Capital
Capital A Investment Partners
Avedon Capital Partners
Ludgate
Gimv
PAI Partners
Ponooc
Borski Fund
Royal Ten Cate
Evonik Industries
NorthC Data Center
Oaktree Capital
NIBC Bank
APG
Nimbus
Hexagon AB
Legia Capital
Gilde Healthcare
Vitruvian Partners LLP
Aterian Investment Partners
Holland Capital
Apeiron Investment Group
Work highlights
- Advised Belville and its shareholder Waterland on its acquisition of Warenhuys, a specialist in the sale, installation and sale of kitchens, sanitary ware and tiles to buyers in building projects and consumers.
- Assisted Vitruvian Partners LLP on its acquisiton of Fotona Holdings (Netherlands) B.V. from AGIC Capital.
- Assisted Aterian Investment Partners on the combination of U.S. Zinc and EverZinc.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons advises on all stages of the private equity funding cycle, including fund establishment and deal structuring, as well as investment structuring, due diligence and tax issues. The ‘professional, approachable and knowledgeable’ team, which is well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s corporate, finance and tax departments, is led by Leo Verhoeff, who has demonstrable experience assisting private equity firms and management teams in buyouts.
Practice head(s):
Leo Verhoeff
Other key lawyers:
Rob Hendriks; Gijs ter Braak
Testimonials
‘The S&S team are second to none. Professional, approachable and knowledgeable in working with international clients and inventors.’
‘Their advice is balanced, commercial and focused on outcomes.’
‘Rob Hendriks is very experienced and exceptional at explaining the issues to the client and presenting a solution.’
Key clients
Gilde Equity Management (GEM) Benelux
Nimbus
Qualium Investissements
NIBC
Hines Global Income Trust
ING Corporate Investments
Kempen & Co
BlackRock
Atream SAS
L’Etoile Properties
Ramphastos Investments
Audacia Capital
SEDCO
Fidelity Investments
Arcus Infrastructure Partners
90 North Real Estate Partners
Savills Investment Management
Sidra Capital
Certitudo Capital
NIBC Equity Partners
ProVast
Eurus Energy
Visma
Platinum Equity
Morningside Ventures
Icelake Capital
CaseWare International Inc.
TransEquity Network
Work highlights
- Advised Gilde Equity Management with inter alia its new fund (v)’s multiple acquisitions of targets active in various jurisdictions, being: Andus Group B.V., DPA Group N.V. (public to private), VHZ Groep, Bruynzeel Storage Group B.V., Excluton and VDH Solar and the divestments of Ultimo and Avinty.
- Acted for LionsHome, backed by Waterland Private Equity, on the acquisition by Fashiola and kleding.nl.
Van Doorne
Noted for its expertise across the technology, food and beverages, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, real estate and retail sectors, Van Doorne’s ‘experience of representing management teams in private equity transactions is invaluable’. Onno Boerstra, who advises on management buyouts and cross-border transactions, is a key contact in the group.
Testimonials
‘The team is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also very pragmatic.’
‘Very well organised and coordinated team.’
‘Ability to think outside the box to achieve the results and good understanding of what is important to the client.’
‘Steffen Alleman is a standout partner.’
‘The PE practice at Van Doorne has been responsive, producing quality deliverables and are cost conscious.’
‘Good cooperation between the members of the team and with other law firms. Experience of representing management teams in private equity transactions is invaluable.’
‘Knowledgeable, aware of our key drivers and concerns, proactive and hard-working.’
Key clients
Apollo
AAC Capital
Atomico Ventures
AURELIUS Invest
BC Partners
Group Alpha
Charterhouse
Blackstone
Deutsche Privatae Equity
Lion Capital
Nedvest Capital
Altor Equity Partners
Nordic Capital
NPM Capital
Waterland
Nordian
Intermediate Capital Group
Nimbus
Invest NL
Estari Group
Quadia
Fidelio Capital
Navora Capital
Work highlights
- Advising Getir on (i) its $700m Series D fundraising backed by large private equity and technology investment funds, (ii) its $300m Series C fundraise let by Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global, (ii) its $128m Series B fundraise, and (iv) its $40m Series A fundraise.
- Advising CCL Industries Inc. on the acquisition of another horticultural market specialist for its Avery unit from HAL Invest.
- Advising Navitas Capital on its acquisition of Multi-Fix group (HQ in the Netherlands and operations in the Netherlands and China) and management’s roll-over.