Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Tax

Key contacts Robert Havenga, Wiet Crobach and Erik Swaving left Houthoff in October 2020 to establish HCSD Tax Advisors. The boutique firm acts for large and mid-sized enterprises, as well as private equity firms and promising tech scale-ups, on matters concerning corporate income tax, M&A, international tax structuring, VAT, wage tax and equity incentive plans.
Advising clients across the spectrum of EU, Dutch and international tax law, Hogan Lovells International LLP concentrates on its full service offering, in addition to its involvement in cross-border transactions. The practice is led by Alexander Fortuin, who was recently promoted to partner.

Firms in the Spotlight Tax

Taxand Netherlands

Taxand Netherlands logo

Taxand Netherlands is based in Amsterdam. We are an independent tax advisory firm offering a full range of tax services. Our focus areas are (international) tax disputes and transactions. Our tax department is very experienced in advising on international taxation, including transfer pricing, Country by Country reporting, EU state aid and OECD BEPS developments. We …

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Tax in Netherlands

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie houses a robust tax practice, with a strong focus on direct, indirect, transfer pricing and income tax. Jointly led by Juliana Dantas and Mirko Marinć, the team has experience acting for a range of clients across the TMT sector, including online businesses, data centres and fintech entities, in addition to the retail, healthcare, energy and infrastructure industries. The group has developed expertise in the tax-related aspects of SPACs, M&A and joint venture transactions, as well as reorganisations, cultivating cross-practice specialists to offer comprehensive advice. The practice handles matters concerning tax policies, contributing to the OECD, EU, UN and local tax authorities. Key transfer pricing practitioners, Margreet Nijhof and Antonio Russo, focus on US domestic and international tax planning mandates, with an emphasis on restructurings. Jan Snel has expertise in international VAT and customs law, acting for technology, e-commerce and medicare companies and Hub Stolker concentrates his practice on transfer pricing matters.

Practice head(s):

Juliana Dantas; Mirko Marinc


Other key lawyers:

Jan Snel; Margreet Nijhof; Antonio Russo; Don-Tobias Jol; Wibren Veldhuizen; Hub Stolker


Testimonials

‘They are able to build a trusted relationship with the client. They are very easy to work with and make the client feel cared and listened to.’

‘Antonio Russo is highly competent, very well connected with tax administrations officers, strong network with other tax directors and advisers.’

‘Don-Tobias Jol is a market leader in executive compensation and employee share schemes in the Netherlands.’

Key clients

Abbott


Adyen


Baxalta


Baxter


Deka Immobilien


Embraer


GATX


Johnson & Johnson


MyTheresa.com


Petrobras


Prime Focus


Work highlights


  • Assisted Prime Focus with all tax aspects surrounding the set-up of multiple special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

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:

Frank Pötgens; Henk van Ravenhorst; Maarten van der Weijden


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.

Loyens & Loeff

The tax department at Loyens & Loeff is divided into eight practice groups, covering international tax services in America, multinationals, investment management, family business and private wealth, indirect tax, benefits, transactional tax, and transfer pricing, demonstrating the firm’s breadth of expertise and sizeable offering across the Benelux region and Switzerland. Head of the investment management practice Marco de Lignie advises on the domestic and international tax aspects of fund formation and management, frequently acting as counsel in private equity and venture capital transactions, while Margriet Lukkien leads the international tax services group. Harmen van Dam focuses on transfer pricing and corporate transactional work, including M&A and restructuring. The practice has demonstrable experience across the energy, life sciences, real estate and fintech sectors and maintains a strong multi-jurisdictional approach to the broad scope of mandates handled by each team member.

Practice head(s):

Margriet Lukkien; Marja de Best; Marco de Lignie; Gerard Blokland; Ynze van der Tempel; Jan Bart Schober; Louis Lutz; Natalie Reypens


Other key lawyers:

Harmen van Dam


Testimonials

‘Technically strong and commercially focused.’

‘The team at Loyens & Loeff is one of the best in the Netherlands for international tax law and for EU tax law. They are very responsive and appear highly efficient due to the way they are organised. Also, they have good connections with legislators and the authorities which sets them into a position to know about planned law changes and future developments.’

‘Margriet Lukkien is a fantastic tax lawyer, who is very well recognised in the international tax law community and well connected in her home jurisdiction. In her advice, she is very clear and provides input right to the point of the matter.’

‘Excellent team and very good knowledge of the relationship with the tax authorities.’

‘The L&L tax team is reliable and provides high-quality advice in complex transactions.’

‘Margriet Lukkien is very knowledgeable, always responsive and nice to work with.’

‘Strength in the international tax area, multi-jurisdictional coverage in the Benelux region, close connections to tax agencies, and presence in New York city.’

‘Ability to translate technical tax rules into actionable business decisions, ability to collaborate across different firms, capacity to creatively brainstorm solutions and familiarity with working with multinational, publicly traded corporate clients.’

Key clients

VodafoneZiggo


Eni


Waterland Private Equity Investments


ING


Simon Property Group


Stellantis


First Reserve


Crédit Suisse


Round Hill Capital


Hunter Douglas


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Sonnenberg family as tax counsel in the sale of a controlling interest in Hunter Douglas N.V. to 3G Capital.
  • Advised Vivendi on the listing and distribution of Universal Music Group N.V. (UMG).
  • Advised the founding shareholder of Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma in relation to the accession of Parcom as a shareholder in the innovative construction business.

Stibbe

Full-service offering, pragmatic and solutions driven’, Stibbe offers transactional corporate tax and litigation advice on a range of mandates, including reorganisations, fund structuring, tax treaties, VAT and management schemes. The team, led by Michael Molenaars, has also been involved in tax arbitrations and controversies concerning tax authorities, and its client base includes multinationals, financial institutions, private equity and investment funds, often involved in large M&A transactions. Jeroen Smits specialises in Dutch and international tax, with a focus on M&A and private equity transactions, while Reinout de Boer is an expert in tax controversies and sits on the board of the Tax Litigation section of the Dutch Tax Bar Association.

Practice head(s):

Michael Molenaars


Other key lawyers:

Jeroen Smits; Reinout de Boer; Maarten de Bruin; Johan Vrolijk


Testimonials

‘Strong involvement and commitment of the team to comply with our timeline and expectations.’

‘Ability to support equity incentive schemes for Dutch-based multinationals with an international employee base. Full service offering, pragmatic and solutions driven.’

‘Jeroen Smits is exceptionally able, fast, clear and pragmatic in his approach. Has a broad understanding of approaches taken to equity incentive schemes in other jurisdictions.’

Work highlights


  • Advises 3G Capital, the Brazilian-American investment firm, on the $7.1bn acquisition of a controlling interest in the publicly listed company Hunter Douglas.
  • Advises Adevinta on the acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group for a value of approximately $9.2bn.
  • Advised Investindustrial on the sale of its stake in the Reichold Polynt group, an Italian vertically-integrated specialty chemicals manufacturer, to the existing management and Black Diamond Capital Management, LLC.

Allen & Overy LLP

Specialising in corporate and financial tax law, Allen & Overy LLP advises on the tax aspects of M&A, capital markets, structured finance, and real estate transactions, as well as advising banks and companies on corporate direct and indirect taxes, and tax litigation and controversies. The practice offers strong multi-jurisdictional advice, leveraging the firm’s global network of offices, and integrated cross-practice expertise. Godfried Kinnegim and Rens Bondrager jointly lead the practice. Kinnegim focuses on M&A and real estate transactions and investment funds, while Bondrager specialises in domestic and international tax law, focusing on private equity, restructuring and employment benefits.

Practice head(s):

Godfried Kinnegim; Rens Bondrager


Testimonials

‘The tax team provides a high level of expertise.’

‘They are client-oriented, very reactive, and reliable with a high level of competence.’

‘Godfried Kinnegim has outstanding expertise in Dutch tax law and international tax law. He is technically excellent and is able to make complex issues easy to understand.’

Key clients

Engie


APG


DSM


Aegon


Nuveen Real Estate


Seagate Technology


Nationale Nederlanden


PAI Partners


ILX


AES Corporation


Atlas Tax Lawyers

Tax boutique firm Atlas Tax Lawyers has ‘strong technical knowledge combined with pragmatism’ and houses a team of specialised practitioners, with demonstrable experience advising on the tax-related aspects of M&A, corporate tax, transfer pricing, global indirect taxes, and private client work. The firm has developed experience acting on digital services taxes, assisting online platforms across multiple jurisdictions, and has exposure with the Dutch tax authorities. The practice is collectively led by Roelof Gerritsen, Matthijs Wierenga, Boudewijn Niels, Frank Schwarte and Johan Visser.

Practice head(s):

Roelof Gerritsen; Matthijs Wierenga; Boudewijn Niels; Frank Schwarte; Johan Visser


Testimonials

‘Very good availability, extremely quick follow up, patience when there is a need to show patience and strong technical knowledge combined with pragmatism.’

‘Knowledgeable, combined with easygoing-ness.’

‘They have an outstanding practice in fund structuring and the structuring of carried interest arrangements and management participation plans.’

‘Matthijs Wierenga absolutely stands out, he is very creative and able to give pragmatic advice on complicated tax challenges. It is a pleasure to work with Matthijs and his team.’

Key clients

Waterland Private Equity Investments


Helios Investment Partners


Bridgepoint


Quadrum Capital


EuronetWorldwide


VW


Saab


Cellnex


Egeria


Stek


European Dental Group


Ipsos


SSAB


Ingenico


Work highlights


  • Acted as tax counsel to Enexis on their sale of Fudura for sale for an approximate amount of EUR 1.3bn in the energy transition market.
  • Advising Standard Investment, a Dutch based private equity firm, on their acquisition of the Riedel business from Friesland Campina, several years ago.
  • Representing Wish on all the initiatives to be taken and on how Wish should react to the ongoing tax challenges in Europe, and to proactively manage its EU tax (CIT, VAT and DST) position and mitigate possible risks.

Clifford Chance

Combining corporate transactional tax advice and tax litigation expertise, Clifford Chance houses an integrated team, equipped to advise on matters concerning employment tax benefits, banking and finance, structured debt tax, funds and real estate tax. Key clients include international corporates, private equity firms, banks and pension funds. Michiel Sunderman, who is praised as a ‘extremely bright, creative and solution-driven adviser’, leads the practice and focuses on the tax-related elements of M&A transactions, restructurings and fund structurings. Counsel Nolan Groenland has experience in transactional corporate tax, specifically financial products, tax controversies and capital markets, while associate Stern Flik has gained familiarity with a variety of financing transactions, with particular expertise in acquisition finance, real estate finance and corporate lending.

Practice head(s):

Michiel Sunderman


Other key lawyers:

Stern Flik; Nolan Groenland


Testimonials

‘Michiel Sunderman stood out for his guidance and advice, even in the moments where there was a lot of pressure.’

‘Technically strong team, in particular on finance and M&A transactions.’

‘Michiel Sunderman is a very strong practitioner. Intellectually excellent, and sharp but a fair negotiator.’

‘Out of the box thinking, very solution driven, reliable.’

‘Michiel Sunderman is an extremely bright, creative and solution driven adviser, who understands the needs of his clients very well.’

‘Their advice is practical, easy to understand even though the tax matters can be quite complicated, and really help solving matters. Great availability and very knowledgeable team.’

‘The team has been extremely effective in handling our complicated tax matters. They are immediately responsive, flexible, well equipped and keep track of the priorities. Their in-depth tax knowledge results in an outstanding quality of work.’

‘Working with Stern Flik has been an excellent experience. His in-depth tax knowledge is very impressive and the same applies to his negotiation skills. His problem solving ability has been of crucial importance for transactions Also Michiel Sunderman is an outstanding, well experienced tax lawyer who has provided exceptional tax analysis in various transactions. Sunderman is highly dedicated and understands the need of the client.’

Key clients

Morgan Stanley


Rabobank


Vattenfall N.V.


ACT Commodities Group B.V.


Prosus N.V.


Connected Capital & Partners Management B.V.


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LLP (KKR)


Digital Infrastructure Vehicle (DIV)


CVC Capital Partners


Curaeos


EQT Partners


Tele2


3i Infrastructure


Diamond Generating Europe B.V.


Tele2


3i Infrastructure


Oiltanking


Work highlights


  • Advising Royal DSM on the agreement to sell its Protective Materials business to Avient Corporation for an enterprise value of EUR 1.44bn.
  • Advising KKR and Roompot on real estate tax related matters of the envisaged acquisition of Landal GreenParks from Platinum Equity.
  • Advising Vattenfall in relation to the agreement with BASF on the sale of 49.5% of the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid, including tax aspects of the sale and of the ongoing venture between Vattenfall and BASF and various commercials contracts between the parties.

Dentons

Dentons’ Amsterdam-based tax department has a strong international focus, often assisting in high-value, cross-border matters. The team has gained experience in transfer pricing rules, real estate investment fund management, international tax planning, and tax services for high-net worth individuals. Jurjen Bevers and Heico Reinhoud jointly lead the practice and specialise in mandates concerning corporate tax activity and international tax planning. In September 2022, Sebastiaan Wijsman joined the team from DLA Piper and advises on the tax aspects of real estate transactions, while Wesley Boldewijn was recently promoted to managing counsel and focuses on advising multinationals on new tax legislation.

Practice head(s):

Jurjen Bevers; Heico Reinoud


Other key lawyers:

Sebastiaan Wijsman; Wesley Boldewijn


Testimonials

‘Detailed, knowledgeable, smart, and available.’

‘Partners, as well as counsels, are very much knowledgeable about the industry and our business, which makes it very efficient to work with them. The firm’s team is diverse in various ways, from background and nationality to fields of interest.’

‘Jurjen Bevers is an all-round international tax professional with great insights in the industry and who is capable of dealing with all foreign tax systems the company is faced with. He has good analytical skills and needs little time to oversee the consequences of the topics.’

‘Wesley Boldewijn has been contributing to our internal restructuring and has shown to be able to advise, steer, guide and close a process in a multi-disciplined arena. He has perfect social skills and good analytical skills.’

‘Strong technical knowledge. Hands on advice. Pragmatic approach. Thinking about what the client needs.’

‘Client minded. Good relationship with tax authorities. Industry knowledge. Jurjen Bevers and Wesley Boldewijn stand out for me.’

Key clients

AIG


ATAI Life Sciences


CBRE


Franklin Templeton


Heerema Marine Contractors


John Bean Technologies


Lighthouse Properties


MUFG Bank


Palmira Capital Partners


VKR (Velux)


Work highlights


  • Advising one of the wealthiest families in Portugal on the movement of their business to the Netherlands for tax purposes, facilitating an intra-group restructuring of the family’s holdings, which has involved transactions worth €11.5bn.
  • Advised clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company ATAI Life Sciences on the preparation of its initial public offering (IPO) with a team from the firm’s offices in Amsterdam, Germany and New York.
  • Advising Wajer Yachts BV on its tax and legal position and structuring its international arrangements for tax efficiency in a way that are compliant on a global level.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper specialises in international corporate tax, advising on a range of inbound and outbound investments, private equity deals, restructuring and real estate transactions, tax controversies, indirect tax and transfer pricing. The team has gained experience acting for clients across a range of industries, including retail, technology, life sciences, and mining. Daan Arends leads the practice and has experience in indirect taxation for multinational clients. Jian-Cheng Ku and Jean Paul Dresen advise on matters concerning international tax, with Ku focusing on advance pricing agreements and advance tax ruling, and Dresen advising on the tax aspects of M&A transactions. The firm recently lost Gabriël van Gelder to VanLoman in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Daan Arends


Other key lawyers:

Jian-Cheng Ku; Jean Paul Dresen


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive and always willing to help (even on short notice). They are all very easy to work with, and able to handle difficult conversations with a sense of calmness and kindness, which can be very beneficial in these situations.’

‘They are all very kind. I learn from them on a regular basis on how to handle potentially uncomfortable conversations in a straightforward yet accommodating way. Also, their ability to problem solve for difficult transactions is very valuable.’

Key clients

Aberdeen Standard Investments


Avalara, Inc.


Aviva Investors


Box Inc.


Crocs Inc.


Deckers Outdoor Corporation


Dept


Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited


Hugo Boss AG


Juniper Networks, Inc.


Pfizer, Inc.


Ralph Lauren Corporation


Rituals B.V.


ServiceNow, Inc.


Snowflake, Inc.


TESLA, Inc


The Carlyle Group


The Hilton Group


Uber Technologies Inc. / Uber B.V.


Zoom Video Communications, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Blackfin in all tax-related aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Blauwtrust Groep B.V. including setting up the acquisition and additional investment structure and acquisition financing structure.
  • Advised the management team of Ekaterra on the carve out of the business to CVC Capital Partners Fund VII , including the key management on their Management Incentive Package and the way to structure such MIP in the most tax-efficient manner in 6 countries.
  • Advised the independent board of Hunter Douglas with respect to the acquisition of the shares by 3G Capital.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s tax practice is comprised of advisory, transaction-focused, and tax dispute practitioners. Led by Eelco van der Stok, the team is integrated within the firm’s wider corporate finance practice and is able to leverage the firm’s international tax expertise. With experience across the TMT, real estate, and financial services sectors, the team acts for private equity firms, specifically those based in the US, as well as Dutch multinationals and international investment funds. Stok has considerable transactional experience, with a focus on M&A and financing deals.

Practice head(s):

Eelco van der Stok


Other key lawyers:

Bob van Kasteren


Key clients

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.


Warburg Pincus


Apax


Universal Music Group


Oaktree Capital Management


CVC


Talpa Holding


E.On/Essent


CPP Investments


EQT / EQT Growth


Iveco Group / CNH Industrial


Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize and its subsidiary bol.com


Royal Boskalis Westminister


IK Investment Partners


Macquarie


Cargill


Permira


Advent International


Cinven


Vitruvian Partners


APG Asset Management


PGGM


PAI Partners


Brookfield Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advising WP/AP Telecom Holdings IV B.V., an entity jointly controlled by funds advised by Apax Partners LLP and Warburg Pincus LLC, on the acquisition of T-Mobile Netherlands, the Dutch fixed and mobile communication services business.
  • Advised Universal Music Group N.V. in its separation from Vivendi SE and the listing of its shares on Euronext Amsterdam.
  • Advised CVC Capital Partners VIII on its €4.5bn agreement to acquire ekaterra, the holding company of the Unilever Teas business.

Houthoff

Houthoff‘s ‘tax team is top-notch in the Dutch market’, with demonstrable capability in international restructurings, M&A, real estate, tax litigation, transfer pricing and investment management. Counsel Chantal Presilli focuses on tax disputes, while Alexander van der Voort Maarschalk left the firm in November 2022 to join the tax division of the Supreme Court. The practice is led by Jeroen van Mourik, who is sought after for his expertise in tax treaties and BEPS, with a focus on Asia and US companies. Sylvia Dikmans advises multinationals, financial institutions and private equity firms on a multitude of corporate transactional tax issues, specialising in both Dutch and Luxembourg tax laws. One client highlights that Rezan Öktenstands out as one of the best transfer pricing professionals in the industry’.

Practice head(s):

Jeroen van Mourik


Other key lawyers:

Rezan Ökten; Chantal Presilli; Sylvia Dikmans


Testimonials

‘Houthoff’s multidisciplinary tax team is top-notch in the Dutch market.’

‘Sylvia Dikmans is technically outstanding, very responsive and pleasant to work with.’

‘The team is very professional and creative. They understand the business, which makes their advice very pragmatic.’

Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Volker Wessels


Attestor Capital


ASR


Heimstaden


BC Capital/Dummen Orange


Argos Wityu


Work highlights


  • Assisted Swedish resident real estate company, Heimstaden, with its first acquisition of 10,000 residential units thereby becoming one of the largest private residential investors in the Netherlands.
  • Advising Apollo on its investment in $2.2bn (Endemol Shinesale) and other recent Dutch acquisitions.
  • Advising listed company, Crystal Cruises, on all legal and tax aspects of the operational support company for the luxury river cruise business in Europe.

NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh houses a robust transactional tax practice, with expertise in securitisations and covered bonds, as well as debt structuring and capital market transactions, focused on SPAC listings and de-SPAC transactions. The practice is closely connected to its US office, offering cross-border capacity to multinationals, private equity firms and financial institutions. Managing partner Chris Warner and Nico Blom jointly lead the practice, specialising in the tax aspects of public and private M&A transactions, and structured finance and securitisation, respectively. Nina Kielman also advises on M&A transactions, as well as auctions and corporate reorganisations, while senior associate Sjuul Jentjens focuses on transactional tax matters, advising on acquisition financing, debt and equity offerings and exchange listings.

Practice head(s):

Chris Warner; Nico Blom


Other key lawyers:

Sjuul Jentjens Nina Kielmann; Pieternel Nauta


Testimonials

‘Top quality and efficient team.’

‘Strong, capable and easygoing, but serious M&A tax team, high ‘on the spot’ knowledge of tax legislation. Always available, clear roles within the team and good internal cooperation in- and outside tax department. Because of this, also an efficient team.’

‘Pieternel Nauta stands out because she is very capable and easily approachable. This attitude helps to get ‘the job done’ when you need the cooperation of the tax authorities. She does not avoid or fear discussions with the tax authorities but first inclination is to find a compromise that works for both parties.’

‘Very experienced tax team with a broad bench. Always provide excellent advice in a timely manner. My go-to firm in the Netherlands.’

‘Nico Blom and Sjuul Jentjens in particular are excellent and user friendly. Clients love them and they always deliver.’

‘Nina Kielmann has excellent knowledge of Dutch tax law and considers customer proposals next to her own thoughts about the best way of proceeding.’

‘The team has broad knowledge of the M&A tax practices and is very professional and at the same time practical in the working relationship with us.’

‘Very knowledgeable and creative in solving M&A-related tax issues for transaction documentation. Fast and responsive in providing tax advice, which is really tailor-made and coordinated with their colleagues from other disciplines working on the transaction documentation.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO


Accell Group


Achmea Bank


AerCap


ASR


Apollo


ENGIE


Grubhub


HAL Investments


Lineage


Louis Dreyfus Company


McDermott


Neste


Nouryon


NPM Capital


Playa Hotels & Resorts


PZEM


Rabobank


RTL Group


SHV Holdings


Syntrus Achmea


The Carlyle Group


Work highlights


  • Advised HAL Investments on its intended EUR 4.2bn public offer for all outstanding ordinary shares in Royal Boskalis Westminster.
  • Advised Pegasus Entrepreneurs on its EUR 210m IPO on Euronext Amsterdam and the subsequent EUR 7.2bn business combination with FL Entertainment.
  • Advised ALD Automotive and its majority shareholder Société Générale on the proposed EUR 4.9bn acquisition of LeasePlan from a consortium led by TDR.

Simmons & Simmons

Led by René van Eldonk, the tax practice at Simmons & Simmons acts for asset and hedge fund managers, as well as banks and other financial institutions, with a focus on energy projects and corporate real estate mandates. The team's wider sector expertise covers investment funds, financial institutions, life sciences and technology. The firm advises on transfer pricing, M&A tax planning, restructuring, employment and indirect taxes. Monique van Herksen is experienced in transfer pricing, multi-jurisdictional audits and tax dispute management.

Practice head(s):

René van Eldonk


Other key lawyers:

Monique van Herksen; Robert Jean Kloprogge; Hans Galavazi; Toon de Ruiter; Clive Jie-A-Joen


Key clients

BlackRock


BancaIMI


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA)


BlueCrest


Savills


Morgan Stanley


Goldman Sachs International


Mason Capital


90 North Real Estate Partners


Redbird Capital


Achmea


Hines


Adidas


BlueBay Asset Management


Hunt Oil Company


Lightsourcebp


90 North Capital Partners


Triginta


JAB Holding Company


Work highlights


  • Advising Enel on its EUR 2.75bn Sustainability Linked Bond Offering, significant due to the importance of this offering for purposes of meeting their ESG targets.
  • Advised Symrise AG on its acquisition of Schaffelaarbos, a Dutch-based producer of egg protein in pet food in the EU.
  • Advised Office Depot International on its sale by Aurelius to Raja, prior to completion of the sale, the debts of Office Depot International were restructured by way of the new introduced Dutch scheme of arrangement.

AKD

AKD advises a broad range of multinational companies, private equity funds and financial institutions on corporate income and tax advisory matters, with a focus on transfer pricing and tax compliance. The team has a strong portfolio of high-profile clients and acts predominantly in an advisory capacity, though it also has frequently been instructed on a transactional basis. The practice is led by Huub Laauwen, who is an experienced practitioner in restructuring and M&A work, in addition to acting for high-net-worth clients on tax management.

Practice head(s):

Huub Laauwen


Other key lawyers:

René van der Paardt; Ivo Vreman; Eric Vermeulen; Milja Bormann-Bakker; Jan-Willem Beijk; Anton Akimov; Ludo Luijks


Key clients

Braskem


Credit Agricole


Credit Suisse


Santander


Unicredit


AT-PAC


Benson Elliot


Clarins


United Phosphorus


Tate & Lyle


Bird & Bird

Specialising in technology, communications, life sciences and energy and utilities, Bird & Bird leverages its sector expertise to advise start-ups and industry specific companies on tax-related matters, including M&A transactions and cross-border projects, utilising the firm’s multi-jurisdictional capacity. The practice is led by Willem Bongaerts, who has experience in the TMT and life sciences industries and focuses on the tax aspects of M&A, corporate finance and structuring mandates. Bongaerts has dual bar admission in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, in addition to experience in the US and being a member of the American Chamber of Commerce tax committee.

Practice head(s):

Willem Bongaerts


Other key lawyers:

Ashraf Abdirizak; Arnoud Knijnenburg


Testimonials

‘Precise analysis of the situation and very attentive collaboration with the client.’

‘Willem Bongaerts is calm and offers very pondered analysis. Searching for a well-balanced solution. Quick response in urgent matters. Ashraf Abdirizak always gives all needed information for the current topics. His help is very precious to organise and solve the topics.’

‘Bird & Bird has provided us guidance on working outside of the US. On two different occasions with two different companies we have consulted with B&B to understand how to manage risk across borders for business opportunities in the EU and Asia Pacific.’

‘We have dealt primarily with Willem Bongaerts. I trust Willem and he is my first call for doing business outside of the US. I trust that Willem has my back and has shown himself to be knowledgeable but also have access to resources in other countries and subject matter where he might not be an expert.’

‘The firm has offices in all the geographic areas we do business outside the US in. As a US non-profit, this is an invaluable service.’

‘Arnoud Knijnenburg is truly top-notch with deep expertise on Netherlands issues, but also a strong commercial sense that comes through even on global deals.’

‘Arnoud Knijnenburg is an expert in his field, with tremendous ability to simplify issues that may be quite complex in nature. He also has excellent communication skills and is highly effective in negotiation contexts.’

Key clients

DXC Technology


Repsol


Harvest Minerals


Cellnex Telecom S.A.


Connectria


Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.


Wolfspeeds, Inc


Secure 24, Symmetry Global


Meridiam


Preceyes


Veloxis


ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd


Orlen Upstream


Live Kindly


Solo Brands


NIO


Electronics For Imaging, Inc.


Dayco


Iberica Partners


Sorensen


Total Energies


Visor Investmentd


BloomReach Inc.


Unisun Energy Group


Qblox


Eargo, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Cellnex on tax issues in multiple jurisdictions, and several different tax technical aspects (e.g. real estate transfer tax, corporate tax, corporate income tax, fund taxes- therefore different tax colleagues involved), and tax and legal integrated approach.
  • Advised a new US electric car manufacturer on several tax leading topics, including determining locations.
  • Advised Chinook on tax discussions and corporate legal assistance following a merger in the US.

Buren

With offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, The Hague, Luxembourg and Shanghai, Buren houses tax advisers and civil-law notaries, offering integrated services with experience in the life sciences and healthcare, technology, real estate and energy sectors. The practice is jointly led by Cees-Frans Greeven, who specialises in corporate and private equity transactions, and Peter van Dijk, who focuses on setting up corporate structures for foreign investors. Associate IJsbrand Uljée advises clients on the Dutch tax aspects of corporate transactions, including M&A, debt restructuring and de-mergers.


Practice head(s):

Cees-Frans Greeven; Peter van Dijk


Other key lawyers:

IJsbrand Uljée


Testimonials

‘Solid, multi-language team with a great level of cooperation, providing an effective and efficient response to client’s needs.’

‘Highly educated and knowledgeable individuals who share innovative solutions to solve client’s needs. Proactive in looking ahead in the future to anticipate potential changes in the legislation that could have an effect on client’s goals. Cees-Frans Greeven in particular has provided an exceptional advice in those projects on which we worked together, easy to reach and communicate and always looking for practical solutions.’

‘The Buren team members I work with should be praised for their availability, great expertise in issues discussed. They are always up-to-date with any developments in law and able to provide high quality advice taking into account also commercial aspects of the case at hand.’

‘Peter van Dijk presents a “can do” approach with great level of availability and very high level of expertise on field of law and knowledge of the business.’

‘We are working together with Cees-Frans Greeven, a well known and highly appreciated partner in the law firm.’

‘Personal approach, easy to reach, fast reaction and accurate advice. Young and professional team.’

‘Good team, with very professional and practical approach on the matters addressed.’

‘Peter Van Dijk is the partner we refer to in case of any Dutch tax matters we have. He’s open minded and gets to the point fast.’

Key clients

Supernova


Bitdefender


Bausch Health


Clarios


Vannin Capital PCC


Antler U.A.


Suncor Energy


Evonik


Modus Group


Azerion


Work highlights


  • Advised Bonum Group on the acquisition of Adfinitas Group, a philanthropy agency dedicated to fundraising, marketing and digital campaigns to non-profit entities, NGO’s and foundations with locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.
  • Appointed as UMA Wealth management’s trusted legal advisors for all Luxembourg questions, including the creation of several SPFs for their clients, implementation of private wealth management structures, together with tailor made articles of association considering the different types of investors and the preparation of shareholders agreements.
  • Assisting Bausch Health with global spinoff operations of its medical aesthetics business and planning an initial public offering for Solta Medical, its medical aesthetics business.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

The tax department at Greenberg Traurig LLP has experience advising on the tax-related aspects of M&A, private equity and real estate transactions, with additional expertise in tax litigation, VAT, customs matters and transfer pricing. Co-managing partner of the Amsterdam office, Thomas van der Vliet leads the practice and focuses on corporate income tax and multinational tax planning, leveraging his international connections between US and EU jurisdictions. Erik de Bie, who advises on international trade, EU customs and VAT mandates, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Thomas van der Vliet


Other key lawyers:

Reinier van de Steenoven; Erik de Bie; Richelle Baptiste


Testimonials

‘Rapid and quality response.’

‘Thomas van der Vliet is an outstanding tax lawyer.’

‘Reinier van de Steenoven has advised me for more than ten years on tax and legal matters and is very competent is his field.’

‘Both Reinier van de Steenoven and Richelle Baptiste are pleasant to work with and are both very competent on tax and legal matters.’

Key clients

Nostrum Oil & Gas Plc


Dream Industrial REIT


747 Capital


BLVG Ontwikkeling


MessageBird


Vena Energy Pte. Ltd.


Creative Clicks


InterXion Holding NV


Amsterdam Commodities


Heitman International LLC


Amundi


Jamestown


Work highlights


  • Represented Nostrum Oil & Gas Plc in the restructuring of its external debt, involving a cross-border debt for equity swap, in which bonds are issued by a Dutch issuer, and new shares will be issued at Plc level.
  • Providing tax advice for the acquisition of industrial real estate (asset deals and share deals), and assisted in at least 7 acquisitions of real estate assets for Dream in the Netherlands in 2021.
  • Advised private equity firm 747 Capital on Dutch tax and provided legal advice with regard to the fund formation work for 747 Capital’s 5th co-investment buy-out fund 747 Hudson V and its 8th buy-out fund of funds, 747 Stuyvesant VIII, LP.

Hamelink & Van den Tooren

Hamelink & Van den Tooren is an independent tax boutique based in The Hague, providing advisory services to investment funds, as well as medium and large-sized companies with cross-border operations. The firm conducts discussions with national tax authorities and its main areas of expertise include fund structuring, tax due diligence, transfer pricing and VAT indirect taxation. The practice, led by Jan van den Tooren, Servaas van Dooren and Wouter Vosse, advises on the tax elements of M&A transactions, international private wealth tax planning and other operational tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Jan van den Tooren; Servaas van Dooren; Wouter Vosse


Other key lawyers:

Robert Wintgens; Maarten Edie; Volodimir Toetsja


Testimonials

‘The people in the group, and their attentive, detailed and diligent approach is really great. Always appreciate that they take the time to speak about the matter, and then reply in detailed written form.’

‘Robert Wintgens is brilliant, smart, has profound knowledge and is ethical. Can only give the strongest possible recommendations.’

‘The firm has a good ability to understand us and our requirements. The individuals in the firm go the extra mile for us with regard to assistance with Dutch tax matters.’

Key clients

Kuehne+Nagel


Fortum Corporation


Climate Investor 1 and 2


DTEK


Certa Insurance Partners


Metinvest


Robertson Marketing Group


Ghabbour Auto Group / MNT Investments


Headlands Technologies


BioQ Pharma


Galaxy Digital / Blue Fire Capital


Work highlights


  • Assisted in setting up the new Climate Investor 2 Fund and related companies including obtaining an advance tax ruling from the Dutch tax authorities, as well as day-to-day tax advice.
  • Advising Kuehne + Nagel in their Dutch related international tax structuring as well as their Dutch tax position concerning its local operational business and support the group with meeting their tax compliance obligations in the Netherlands and representing the company in a cross-border transfer pricing.
  • Assisting Galaxy Digital on a variety of Dutch tax matters concerning its Dutch trading operations, including VAT, employment tax and international tax matters (such as anti-hybrid rules, withholding taxes and financing arrangements).

Linklaters

Advising on the tax-related aspects of cross-border private equity, M&A, capital markets, and financing deals, Linklaters has a broad transactional practice, as well as covering regulatory capital issuances by financial institutions and corporate issuances by multinationals. The team’s client roster includes large private equity funds and financial institutions, and counts SPAC transactions in its workload. The practice is led by Dick Hofland, who is praised as having ‘a rare blend of technical expertise and business judgement’, and advises on the transactional elements of the firm’s offering.

Practice head(s):

Dick Hofland


Other key lawyers:

Joost Rompen; Jurian van der Pas; Kyra van Wereld


Testimonials

‘I have used Dick Hofland for 20 years and would follow him anywhere. He is what makes their Dutch practice unique.’

‘Dick Hofland is the rare blend of technical expertise and business judgement that is fairly unique in that market.’

‘The best Dutch team I work with.’

Key clients

Lincoln TopCo Pte Ltd


VAM Investments Group S.p.a


TDR Capital LLP


Abu Dhabi Investment Authority


Unilever


ING


UBS


JP Morgan


Merrill Lynch International (BofA)


ABN AMRO Bank


BofA Securities Europe SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted Unilever on the tax aspects of the unification of its group legal structure, moving to a single parent company, Unilever PLC, after over 90 years in its previous dual-parent company legal structure, one of the last UK cross-border mergers under the EU regime.
  • Advised on five SPAC transactions, including VAM Investments SPAC B.V.’s on the EUR 210m SPAC IPO and listing on Euronext Amsterdam.
  • Advising the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on its investment in TMF Group B.V., alongside CVC.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright’s team regularly assists the firm’s M&A, banking and infrastructure departments on the domestic tax aspects of transactions, as well as boasting a strong independent client roster seeking exclusive and recurring advice on taxation. The practice has seen an increase in mandates concerning W&I insurance, in addition to acting for clients in emerging markets, such as Latin America and Africa. The team provides niche transfer pricing services, with practice co-head Bart Le Blanc as a key contact in this arena, while team co-leader Remco Smorenburg brings expertise across the renewable energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.

Practice head(s):

Remco Smorenburg; Bart Le Blanc


Testimonials

‘The team, especially Bart Le Blanc, is proactive, hands-on and pro-business.’

‘The team is highly skilled, professional and always available for unplanned calls whenever needed. Developments on topics that might have an impact in our business are shared with us upfront.’

‘Bart Le Blanc is the partner assisting our group. He is always available and truly understands our business, so any discussion is fluid and objective.’

Key clients

CAE Inc


AIG


Appian Capital Advisory LLP


Canadian Tire Corporation


Commerzbank AG (UK branch)


DNV


Energizer Inc.


ICTSI


BNP REIM


Riskpoint


Daimler AG


BMW Nederland


WarnerMedia Inc/AT&T Inc.


Allianz Nederland Groep NV


Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance


Royal Bank of Canada


Work highlights


  • Advised Appian Capital Advisory Ltd on the intended $1bn disposal of two Brazilian mines to Sibanye and we continue to represent Appian with several new investments, but also on the litigation aspects of the Sibanye transaction.
  • Assisting 12 Dutch PPP SPVs in a claim for compensation filed against the Dutch State based on the fact that the introduction of certain tax legislation leads to a compensation event under the PPP contracts.
  • Assisted Banco Santander SA on the specific tax aspects of its Facilities Agreement that it entered into with Damen Shipyards for the financing of a confidential project.

Van Doorne

The tax department at Van Doorne has wide-ranging corporate expertise, covering cross-border M&A, joint ventures, venture capital and private equity transactions. With demonstrable experience in the healthcare and life sciences, TMT and real estate sectors, the team is well-placed to handle matters concerning corporate income tax, dividend withholding tax, VAT, and real estate transfer tax. The practice frequently collaborates with the firm’s banking and finance group to advise on the tax aspects of various financial products. Team leader Rob de Win focuses on indirect and real estate tax-related matters, and Jan Roeland is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Rob de Win


Other key lawyers:

Jan Roeland; Sjoerd Stokmans


Key clients

Care Property Invest NV


Cofinimmo NV/SA (Belgium) – Superstone NV (Netherlands)


Corre Energy


Holland Food Compounds Beheer B.V.


Crossroads Real Estate


EasyPark AB


Deen Holding Hoorn B.V.


TPG Real Estate


Blue Wonder


Raben Group


JPI Hospitality Investors Club


Xior Student Housing NV


Work highlights


  • Advised Care Property Invest NV on all aspects of its tax and corporate structuring (mainly CIT and DWT), and also on the tax aspects of the acquisition and development of its investments in the Dutch market over the course of 2021.
  • Advising DEEN on an agreement with Albert Heijn, Vomar Voordeelmarkt and DekaMarkt, relating to the proposed sale of 80 store branches of DEEN Supermarkten to these three parties.
  • Acted for Raben Group, a European all-round logistical service provider, on its acquisition of Bas Group.

HVK Stevens

Boutique firm HVK Stevens counts entrepreneurs, corporations, private equity funds, charities and private wealth clients among its key roster of clients. The firm actively participates in the settlement negotiations with Dutch tax authorities and assists with subsequent disputes. Other key areas of expertise include advising on the tax aspects of asset structuring, M&A and governance matters. The practice is collectively led by Stan Stevens, Wouter Lunstroo, Paulus Merks, Joost van den Berg and Edwin Veele.

Practice head(s):

Stan Stevens; Wouter Lunstroo; Paulus Merks; Joost van den Berg; Edwin Veele


Other key lawyers:

Remco Keij; Wilbert van Vliet


Testimonials

‘Wide experience in the field of cross-border mergers and all the juridical and fiscal consequences. The team is pro-active and flexible when needed.’

‘Personal attention to the clients’ wishes and knowledge of the clients business and therefore a better understanding of what needs to be done.’

‘I’ve worked with Stan Stevens, who is an excellent partner.’

‘HVK is very pro-active, and helped us make the right decisions. They offered smart steps to take, and collaborated with our team extensively and were open to our suggestions as well.’

‘We worked extensively with Remco Keij and Wilbert van Vliet. They were pro-active, gave us a broad spectrum for solutions.’

Key clients

Maersk – (A.P. Moller – Maersk)


Lorax Capital Partners


Royal Ingredients


Stichting ScriptAcademy


Work highlights


  • Advising Maersk both strategically as well as day-to-day advice on the global restructuring of the Maersk group.
  • Provided several alternatives to Lorax Capital Partners, a fund manager facing higher taxable profits in the Netherlands, to alter their current structure to prevent this problem, requiring an extensive tax and risk analysis to verify which alternative structure would be the most robust and efficient under the new Dutch arm’s length rules.
  • Assisted in all tax and legal advice on the $90m restructuring of DSquares and Lucky App, two portfolio companies of Lorax Capital Partners (an Egyptian-focused private equity firm).

Jones Day

Based in Amsterdam, the tax team at Jones Day is regularly sought after by high-profile clients to advise on tax-related issues concerning fund formation, fund reviews, M&A and joint ventures. The practice services US-based multinational corporations, and frequently assists the firm’s investment and fund management groups on tax issues faced by long-standing clients. Praised as an ‘exceptional, business-orientated adviser’, team leader Lodewijk Berger is noted for his broad experience in international tax planning.

Practice head(s):

Lodewijk Berger


Other key lawyers:

Stef Plouvier


Testimonials

‘The team at Jones Day demonstrates clear understanding and knowledge of client businesses, providing for bespoke advice and support. Depth of knowledge and extensive business networks ensure the team is aware of, and often involved in forthcoming developments, providing forward-facing advice.’

‘Lodewijk Berger is an exceptional, business-orientated adviser, collaborative and direct. I value his collaborative, casual, yet professional demeanor.’

‘The team at Jones Day is extremely well-set up for complex transactions and handles these with a high-level of efficiency.’

‘Lou Berger is a not only smart and clever, he is also creative and able to look at the same issue from a number of angles in order to find a solution.’

Key clients

The Coca-Cola Company


Chevron


Abbott


Verizon


Humanscale


Laureate


VanLoman

VanLoman’s tax team is increasingly familiar with indirect tax work, including VAT and property transfer taxation, and continues to consolidate its expertise in this arena across the financial services real estate and e-commerce industries. The team advises on the tax aspects of M&A transactions and fund formations, in addition to the implementation of management participation plans and structuring of multinational corporations. Practice leader Jochem Kin focuses on tax issues associated with M&A transactions, while Gabriël van Gelder joined from DLA Piper in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jochem Kin


Other key lawyers:

Marc Oostenbroek; Laurens Lor; Gabriël van Gelder; Olaf van Grieken


Testimonials

‘Laurens Lor and Olaf van Grieken are excellent tax lawyers. Very practical and entrepreneurial.’

‘Great team. Good mix of high quality partners and a sufficient number of associates to do a large volume of work efficiently.’

‘Jochem Kin is a class act and stands out in all M&A-related matters. Always calm and collected, but on the ball and available as well. No matter the complexity, Jochem is able to offer an immediate and digestible solution.’

Key clients

CABKA NV


Lithium Werks BV


Perpetual Next BV


Axeco Participations BV


Bunge Group


OCI NV


Gold Fields Group


In Ovo BV


Cérélia Group


Holland Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised on the sale of Lithium Werks BV to Reliance New Energy Limited, developing a strategy to utilise the tax losses of the seller.
  • Advised on the set up of a feeder investment fund for investment in PE funds in Germany, the UK and the US, avoiding tax leakage.
  • Advised on the business combination between CABKA GmbH and Dutch Star Company TWO NV.

Kraaijeveld Coppus Legal (KC Legal)

Based in Amsterdam, boutique firm Kraaijeveld Coppus Legal (KC Legal) covers international tax planning, debt strategies, tax due diligence and compliance, and is a member of the international referral networks, IR Global and Nextlaw Global, offering multi-jurisdictional reach to clients. The practice is jointly led by Friggo Kraaijeveld and Ceriel Coppus.

Practice head(s):

Ceriel Coppus; Friggo Kraaijeveld


Key clients

Playkids


Sinch


Tosaf Benelux


Stone City Energy


Amandi


Norfund


General Catalyst


MNK Partners


Yandex


Holland & Barrett


Archipelago Analytics


Efarmer BV


Work highlights


  • Advised Amandi Investment Ltd on €215m agreement to finance two major hospital projects in Ghana.
  • Advised Holland & Barrett on tax compliance matters.
  • Advised MNK Partners on their first property acquisition in the Netherlands.

Osborne Clarke

The close-knit team at Osborne Clarke has experience advising on an array of tax matters relating to M&A, investment and financing. The practice is noted for its capability in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, as demonstrated by its advice to Victory Group on the Dutch tax issues associated with the sale and leaseback of ABN AMRO bank’s headquarters. Job van der Pol leads the team and focuses on the tax aspects of M&A and real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Job van der Pol


Other key lawyers:

Cees Graafland


Key clients

Victory Group


DKV Mobility Services Holding GmbH + Co. KG


Cairn Real Estate B.V.


Management of BauWatch


Ready Education (Canada) Inc.


Phoenix Holding


Ancora Finance Group and Wellington Partners


Atradius Insurance Holding NV


Banking Circle