NautaDutilh > Luxembourg, Luxembourg > Firm Profile

NautaDutilh Offices

NautaDutilh
2 RUE JEAN BERTHOLET
1233 LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg
Visit website 352 26 12 291

NautaDutilh > The Legal 500 Rankings

Luxembourg > IP and IT Tier 1

The ‘knowledgeable, pragmatic and customer-focused’ team at NautaDutilh has excellent overarching knowledge across a myriad of IP and IT-related matters, including as it relates to trade mark litigation, commercial contracts and copyright matters. Team head Vincent Wellens encapsulates the firm’s wide-ranging expertise and provides ‘creative and practical’ advice to a range of clients including end-users and vendors in relation to IT outsourcing. 

Practice head(s):

Vincent Wellens

Other key lawyers:

Carmen Schellekens; Lindsay Korytko

Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive and available for the clients.’

‘The team is knowledgeable, pragmatic and customer-focused.’

‘NautaDutilh is a very nice law firm to work with. The lawyers are knowledgeable, open minded and customer oriented.’

‘Vincent Wellens is very knowledgeable about the areas of the law he practises in (IP, IT, competition law, data protection). He knows exactly what to do and plays with concepts like an artist juggler, without ever dropping the balls.’

‘Vincent Wellens is a pleasure to work with. He quickly understands the issues at stake and is very approachable and open for discussions. He has a good knowledge of IT matters and of the FSI Luxembourg sector.’

Key clients

Aperam

Auto1

BMW

Canal+

ENGIE

Facebook

Fedex

Fendi

Goodyear

Johnson & Johnson

Luxair

Luxembourg State (CTIE) Luxembourg State (Ministry of Defence) Luxembourg State (Ministry for Interior security) Luxembourg State (Ministry for mobility)

O’Neill

POST Luxembourg

RTL

Samsonite

University of Luxembourg

Work highlights

  • Assisting the French and Belgian associations of accidental Americans in several procedures to stop international transfers of personal data to the US tax authorities under the FATCA agreements between the individual EU member states and the US.
  • Drafted a vast report for the Luxembourg State on how the latter can still roll out solutions in the cloud after the Schrems II judgment of the CJEU.
  • Assisted on broadcasting regulations in the context of the envisaged JV between the Dutch broadcasting business of RTL and Talpa.

Luxembourg > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

Leveraging its Benelux presence and also deriving a considerable amount of US and UK-based instructions, where it is aided by established Luxembourg desks in London and New York, the ‘very responsive’ team at NautaDutilh excels in handling cross-border mandates for a varied mix of banks, asset managers and corporates. The team, which is headed by Josée Weydert, was strengthened by the arrival of Sara Gerling in October 2020 from Arendt & Medernach and also includes Margaretha Wilkenhuysen, who is adept at handling a broad spectrum of banking and capital markets mandates. Counsel Ann Blaton has been pivotal to the firm’s success in engendering strong ties with UK-based clients and she heads up the firm’s Luxembourg desk from London. Jad Nader joined Ogier in July 2020.

Practice head(s):

Josée Weydert

Other key lawyers:

Romain Sabatier; Margaretha (Greet) Wilkenhuysen; Sara Gerling

Testimonials

‘There is a high level of integrity throughout the entire team.’

‘I enjoy the firm’s continuing support as regards to Dutch law input to my German financing matters. They have a broad bench and are well accepted on the panels of my German clients.’

‘The team provides a personalised, yet competent approach to task and documentation.’

‘The lawyers are extremely responsive, knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with.’

‘Sara Gerling is excellent with regard to Luxembourg law. Sara speaks fluent German, which is of big support to my German lending clients.’

Key clients

Albacore Partners

Altisource Portfolio Solutions SA

Barclays Bank

Bawag Group

Credit Suisse

Deutsche Bank Securities

Goldman Sachs International

HSBC

Jefferies Finance LLC

Masonite International Corporation

Minerva Luxembourg S.A.

Morgan Stanley

Natixis

Nueva Elektra Del Milenio SA de CV

Onex Corporation

Orion Engineered Carbons

Postbank

SAF-HOLLAND S.A.

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.

U.S. Bank National Association

Wells Fargo

Work highlights

  • Advised Nueva Elektra del Milenio, a subsidiary of Grupo Elektra, in connection with the creation of a cross-border remittances securitisation programme and its first USD-denominated 144A/Reg S Senior Notes offering for $500m.
  • Advised the underwriter banks with regard to Altice France’s issuance of $475m aggregate principal amount of its high yield notes, guaranteed by, among others, YPSO Finance S.à r.l. and YPSO Finance BIS S.A.
  • Advised a mixed consortium of banks and an insurance company led by Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) on the financing of four construction phases of the Heidestrasse urban quarter.

Luxembourg > Private equity Tier 2

NautaDutilh provides ‘solutions-oriented and cost-effective advice’ directly for some major international sponsors, as well as in a referral context from numerous heavyweight law firms on the buy and sell-side on major multi-jurisdictional mandates. The team’s Benelux offices also enable the team to provide a co-ordinated and seamless service on deals with a nexus to the region. Romain Sabatier ‘is pragmatic and technically strong’ and alongside Margaretha Wilkenhuysen and Yoanna Stefanova is a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Margaretha Wilkenhuysen (corporate M&A partner); Jean-Marc Groelly (tax partner); Romain Sabatier (corporate M&A partner); Yoanna Stefanova (corporate M&A partner); Luc Courtois (investment funds partner)

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Notté; Aline Nassoy; Audrey Derep; Thibaud Herberigs; David Al Mari; Messaouda Benbouzid; Peter-Jan Smet

Testimonials

‘The team provides solutions-oriented and cost-effective advice.’

‘The team is very focused and helpful.’

‘Smart and proactive; good at finding commercial solutions.’

‘Romain Sabatier is pragmatic and technically strong.’

Key clients

Accelero Capital

Mérieux Equity Partners

Alchemy Partners

Oaktree

Argand Partners

Bridgepoint Services SARL

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (THL)

Darby

Silverfleet Capital

Apex Group Ltd

KBC Securities

Volta

Partners Group AG

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Thomas H. Lee Partners regarding the agreement between it, Autostore and SoftBank further to which Softbank acquired 40% of shares in AutoStore from funds affiliated with THL and EQT Private Equity, among other shareholders.
  • Advised Partners Group on its acquisition of Pharmathen.
  • Assisted Accelero Capital on the sale of the entire share capital of ACDC Holdings, the controlling shareholder of SUPERNAP Italia, to IPI Partners.

Luxembourg > Tax Tier 2

Regularly working alongside practitioners from across the firm's Benelux network, and also benefiting from strong ties with many high-profile international law firms, NautaDutilh has a particular focus providing the tax input pursuant to cross-border corporate (including private equity-led) and finance transactions handled by other firmwide departments. Team head Jean-Marc Groelly is at the forefront of the most significant work handled by the practice and is best-known for his tax expertise pursuant to alternative investment funds and structured finance.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Marc Groelly

 

Other key lawyers:

Audrey Derep

Key clients

RiverRock European Capital Partners LLP

ARA Venn (formerly Venn Partners)

Accelero Capital ACDC Fund

Work highlights

  • Assisted RiverRock European Capital Partners LLP to acquire, in consortium with Willis Towers Watson, a multifunctional building complex for ice skating, events and catering located in Nijmegen (The Netherlands) from T&L Vastgoed B.V.
  • Assisted Accelero Capital on the sale of the entire share capital of ACDC Holdings, the controlling shareholder of SUPERNAP Italia, to IPI Partners.
  • Assisted Venn Partners LLP with the set-up of the Cartesian 5 RMBS securitisation transaction.

Luxembourg > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

The ‘smart and proactive‘ three-partner team at NautaDutilh is ‘good at finding commercial solutions‘ for corporate and funds clients across a range of transactions, as well as on day-to-day operational work. The firm works particularly well with other complementary practice areas, including banking and tax, and is able to leverage the expertise of its international offices to provide a seamless service on Benelux matters. Romain Sabatier is ‘pragmatic and technically strong‘ and co-heads the team alongside Margaretha Wilkenhuysen and Yoanna Stefanova.

Practice head(s):

Margaretha Wilkenhuysen; Romain Sabatier; Yoanna Stefanova

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Notté; Aline Nassoy; Thibaud Herberigs; David Al Mari; Messaouda Benbouzid

Testimonials

‘They are always ready to take time with the client to achieve their target in the most efficent manner, but not foregoing quality and duty of care for the client.’

‘They not only focus on the task at hand but consider the overall impact on the client for the long term.’

‘The team is smart and proactive; good at finding commercial solutions.’

‘Romain Sabatier is pragmatic and technically strong.’

Key clients

Accelero Capital

Schwarz Group

Mérieux Equity Partners

International Automotive Components (IAC)

Alchemy Partners

Oaktree

Argand Partners

RTX

Bridgepoint Services SARL

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (THL)

Mid Europa Partners

Darby

Silverfleet Capital

Goodyear

IBM

Shell

Otis

Apex Group Ltd

KBC Securities

Volta

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)

RTL Group

Merck

Work highlights

  • Provided local law advice to Schwarz Group in the acquisition from Suez by PreZero (the environmental division of German retailer Schwarz Group) of the recycling and recovery operations – excluding plastic recycling and hazardous waste treatment activities – in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and Poland.
  • Advised Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) regarding the agreement between THL, Autostore and SoftBank further to which Softbank acquired 40% of shares in AutoStore from funds affiliated with THLand EQT Private Equity, among other shareholders.
  • Assisting RTL Group as lead counsel in connection with the contemplated combination of RTL Nederland’s and Talpa Network’s broadcasting and affiliated media businesses in the Netherlands.

Luxembourg > Dispute resolution Tier 3

The ‘responsive, hardworking and user-friendly’ team at NautaDutilh provides a ‘pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach’ across a range of commercial litigation and contentious insolvency. Antoine Laniez is an ‘excellent technical lawyer and provides a terrific client service’, including as it relates to international litigation/arbitration involving sovereign states. Vincent Wellens specialises in IP and IT disputes and co-heads the overarching litgation team alongside Laniez.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Laniez; Vincent Wellens

 

Other key lawyers:

Florence Remouchamps

Testimonials

‘The team is responsive and provides clear, crisp and commercial advice.’

‘Very professional team, dedicated and solutions oriented.’

‘Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and proactive approach.’

‘Great team – very responsive, hardworking, user-friendly and sharp.’

‘Antoine Laniez is all-round, an excellent technical lawyer and provides a terrific client service.’

Key clients

Stati

A leading engineering & construction company

Intelsat

ABN AMRO

Zurich Insurance

Leidos

Bahlsen

Engie-Cofely

Luxembourg State (ministry of public works and mobility)

Goodyear

Dussman

Volkswagen / Skoda

Aperam

Work highlights

  • Assisting two foreign investors in the enforcement of a $500m arbitral award rendered against Kazakhstan and in securing attachments in Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and other jurisdictions in relation thereto.
  • Assisting Zurich Insurance in a dispute regarding the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce construction involving a dozen parties, that is pending before the Luxembourg courts.
  • Representing Bahlsen in three appeal procedures before the Luxembourg administrative courts against three decisions of the Luxembourg Competition Council.

Luxembourg > Investment funds Tier 3

The ‘responsive’ team at NautaDutilh provides ‘timely and high-quality advice‘ to US, UK and EU-based fund managers structuring their Luxembourg funds and/or expanding their activities in Europe. Team head Luc Courtois ‘knows the investment services industry in Luxembourg well‘ and provides ‘business friendly’ advice, particularly in the context of UCITS.

Practice head(s):

Luc Courtois

 

Other key lawyers:

Peter-Jan Smet

Testimonials

‘Their strengths and capabilities include: knowledge of the subject, keeping to timelines and availability when needed.’

‘The investment management team is responsive and provides timely and high-quality advice.’

‘Professional; technical knowledge; excellent contacts with regulatory authorities, reactivity and business oriented.’

‘Luc Courtios is very professional in his approach, knows the investment services industry in Luxembourg well, is willing to work and most of all, he is available when needed.’

‘Luc Courtois always provides business friendly legal advice that is practical and reflects market practice.’

Key clients

Danske Invest Management

Ersel Gestion Internationale

Nextam Partners

Farringdon Capital Management

Tages International

ASR

Alicanto SGR

Aqa Capital

Prime Properties

Banque Transatlantique

Goleta Fund

La Mancha

Work highlights

  • Assisted Danske Invest Management with their two UCITS platforms.
  • Assisted Ersel Gestion Internationale with the creation and merger of sub-funds.
  • Assisted Farringdon Capital Management with the launch of a new hedge fund to be marketed to retail investors in the Netherlands.

NautaDutilh > Firm Profile

The firm: NautaDutilh is an international law firm specialising in Luxembourg, Belgian and Dutch law. The firm was founded in 1724 and is one of the largest in the Benelux. More than 400 lawyers, notaries and tax advisors work at the firm’s offices in Luxembourg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, London and New York.

NautaDutilh Avocats Luxembourg is a key player on the Luxembourg legal market, providing high-quality advice and services in the areas of banking and finance, corporate and M&A, investment funds, taxation, insurance and reinsurance, dispute resolution and intellectual property and ICT law. Recommended by the world’s leading legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers, the firm’s team of 55 lawyers serves a range of national and international clients, from key local players to global market leaders.

Adaptive thinking is the firm’s tool of choice when it comes to staying relevant for clients. This subtle art is all about learning how to think instead of being taught what to think. It allows lawyers to deal with change, learn from new situations, and think on their feet when faced with problems. This approach enables the firm to foster long-term client relationships.

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: NautaDutilh is recognised as a leading banking and finance law firm. Its team has outstanding expertise in the full range of banking and finance services, including capital markets (both debt and equity), structured finance, securitisation structures, financial products, securities legislation, international finance, leveraged lending, acquisition finance, fund finance, and insolvency and restructuring. In the area of debt capital markets, the team has extensive experience dealing with a wide range of complex high value senior and high-yield note programmes as well as covered bond issues. On the equity side, cross-border IPOs involving Luxembourg issuers are an area in which it is particularly strong.

Corporate and M&A: NautaDutilh handles all aspects of corporate M&A and private equity deals including (leveraged and management) buy-outs, public to-private transactions, exits through IPOs, secondary and other private transactions, and acquisition finance. The firm is regularly involved in major multi-jurisdictional deals, acting for investors, finance providers, sellers and management, complex migrations, mergers and internal reorganisations for multinational groups.

Dispute resolution: NautaDutilh is the law firm of choice in the Benelux for all types of high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration. It advocates a multi-disciplinary approach and has an excellent track record representing clients at all levels of the judicial system. It has handled cases involving professional liability, intellectual property, insurance, commercial contracts, restructurings in the context of and outside bankruptcy, and class actions.

Investment funds: NautaDutilh has extensive experience advising on all aspects of investment funds, including fund structuring, regulatory compliance, investor negotiations and fund due diligence (when acting for the LP side). Its team advises fund managers and promotors on the structuring and launch of RAIFs, SIFs, SICARs, SCSs or SCSps without a wrapper and UCITS.

IP and ICT: NautaDutilh’s IP and technology team assists clients in all areas of intellectual property law (in particular trademark, copyright, patent, design and trade name matters), advertising, unfair competition and trade secret disputes, as well as in IP and technology-driven transactions and with the negotiation and drafting of IT and outsourcing contracts.

Taxation: taxation is a key practice of NautaDutilh. Its tax team has a strong transactional focus and provides invaluable support to the firm’s other departments. The team advises on all aspects of Luxembourg and international tax law, with a particular focus on the tax aspects of M&A, structured finance (securitisation), real estate and private equity deals.

Main Contacts

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Taxation Jean-Marc Groellyjean-marc.groelly@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 95
Dispute Resolution Antoine Laniezantoine.laniez@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 17
Corporate and M&A, Insolvency and Restructuring, Private Equity Romain Sabatierromain.sabatier@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 47
Investment Funds Luc Courtoisluc.courtois@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 74 21
Intellectual Property, Information and Communication Technology, Litigation and Arbitration, EU and Competition Vincent Wellensvincent.wellens@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 34
Banking & Finance, Capital Markets Josée Weydertjosee.weydert@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 97
Corporate and M&A, Capital Markets, Insolvency and Restructuring, Private Equity Margaretha Wilkenhuysengreet.wilkenhuysen@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 32
Corporate and M&A, Private Equity Caroline Nottécaroline.notte@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 91
Banking & Finance, Capital Markets Sara Gerlingsara.gerling@nautadutilh.com+352 26 12 29 74 52

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers : 433
At this office : 55

Languages

Dutch
English
French
German
Luxembourgish
Italian
Romanian
Russian
Arabic

Other

Other offices : Amsterdam
Other offices : Brussels
Other offices : London
Other offices : New York
Other offices : Rotterdam

Diversity/Community


At NautaDutilh, we aim to meet our clients’ needs, contribute to their success and create an inspiring and challenging working environment for our employees. We embrace independence and integrity towards our clients, employees, stakeholders and society at large.

Taking responsibility for the effects of our activities from a social, ecological and economic perspective is a fundamental part of how we think and act. We are firmly rooted in society and actively contribute to the way it functions, based on our specific competences and our diversity, in a way that is true to our character. That same mission was of equal importance to one of our founders, Tobias Asser, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1911.

Today, we are involved in and support a wide range of activities, such as the Lawyers for Lawyers Foundation where we sit on the board, and are the exclusive legal advisers to the SI² fund, which invests in innovative, socially responsible companies. We also participate in Pro Bono Connect and are among the 13 law firms that support the public interest clearinghouse. We set aside time to contribute to new legislation and regulations through consultation procedures, and encourage the relatively large number of academics in our ranks to take part in them. In addition to various internal initiatives, many of our people are active in political, social and/or cultural activities and events outside of work.

Sustainability
Sustainable development has always been high on NautaDutilh’s list of priorities. The Think Green Committee has played a key role in fostering environmental awareness within thefirm since 2004. The committee’s aim is to raise environmental awareness through actionswhich involve everyone, such as the reduce of paper and energy consumption and the useof public transport or bike.

Diversity Committee
We are firmly convinced of the benefits of a diverse workforce. It has been on our priority list since 2001. A more active approach was taken in 2005 by the establishment of a firmwide Diversity Committee. Together with other law firms, we’ve also created the Women in Law (WIL) Program, a training program for young female lawyers intended to improve their soft skills and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the legal profession.

Children and Law
We are especially dedicated to playing an active role in society for children who have poor access to ‘law’. One of the organisations we support in this light is KidsRights, which promotes the well-being of vulnerable children across the world and advocates for the realization of their rights. We also support JINC, giving young people a better chance for the future, and introduce children from underprivileged neighbourhoods to the concept of ‘law’ at the IMC Weekend School. We also provide legal services the Kindertelefoon (Child Helpline) on a pro bono basis.

US Capabilities


NautaDutilh’s New York office advises clients on the Luxembourg, Dutch and Belgian legal aspects of US-originated or US-coordinated cross-border banking, finance and corporate M&A transactions. We have excellent capabilities in the full range of banking and financial services, including (debt and equity) capital markets, structured finance, securitization structures, financial products, securities legislation, international finance, leveraged lending, acquisition finance, fund finance, and insolvency and restructuring. The clients of our New York office are mainly US-based financial institutions, asset managers, large and mid-sized corporates, private equity firms and fund sponsors. We also work closely with top US law firms, with which we have developed strong ties, on complex cross-border matters for their clients.

We distinguish ourselves by:

  • a primary focus on US transactional practice;
  • an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing our clients in the US business and legal environments;
  • availability for our clients in US time zones;
  • a full-service corporate, finance and capital markets team with tax and administrative support in New York, backed by specialists and additional staff in our Benelux offices, to meet our client expectations and deadlines;
  • serving as a gateway to full-service expertise in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Many of our Luxembourg banking and finance associates rotate through the New York office to obtain relevant “on the ground” experience in US transactions. Our lawyers are active members of key Luxembourg-US organisations for financial and legal sector professionals such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg (Amcham), the American Bar Association (ABA), the New York City Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, which allows them to stay informed of upcoming legislative and regulatory changes. Our lawyers are appreciated for their availability, experience, solution-driven attitude and proven legal expertise.

We advocate a multi-disciplinary approach and have an excellent track record representing US financial institutions and corporates. Representative transactions for our US clients include:

  • assisting international banks and direct lenders with leveraged lending (secured cross-border credit facilities), ABL transactions, subscription line financing transactions and structured finance;
  • advising major investment management firms on regulatory issues and the setting up of Luxembourg structures;
  • assisting international banks and corporates in major acquisition finance deals;
  • advising international banks and multinational financial services companies on regulated M&A, governance, financial and corporate issues;
  • assisting issuers and underwriters with the issuance and listing of bonds.

Press Releases

NautaDutilh appoints three new partners

1st April 2021

We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new partners as of 1 April 2021. These appointments further strengthen several of our practice groups, including our Data, Cybersecurity & IT law team, our Banking & Finance team and our Corporate M&A team. With a new partner appointed in each of our three home jurisdictions, NautaDutilh underlines its position as a leading Benelux law firm.


NautaDutilh welcomes new investment funds partner Luc Courtois

18th February 2020 On 3 February 2020, NautaDutilh strengthened its Luxembourg funds practice with the arrival of investment funds partner Luc Courtois. Prominent in his field, Luc has more than 25 years' experience on the Luxem-bourg legal market, with a strong focus on investment management. His practice covers the full range of Luxembourg-based UCITS and alternative funds as well as all legal aspects of investment funds, man-agement companies and their activities.

NautaDutilh Avocats Luxembourg establishes Insurance and Reinsurance practice

13th February 2019

NautaDutilh is pleased to announce the establishment of its Luxembourg Insurance and Reinsurance practice, another big step in the firm's ongoing expansion. The new practice group reflects increased client demand for legal services in the insurance field.


NautaDutilh opens Luxembourg Desk in New York

5th October 2017

NautaDutilh expands its New York office with a Luxembourg desk headed by Jad Nader, who recently has been named local partner. The firm's New York satellite team advises US clients on Dutch, Belgian, and Luxembourg law, particularly in regard to cross-border banking and finance and corporate M&A transactions. The arrival of a Luxembourg partner will increase the firm's capacity to handle Dutch and Luxembourg matters locally.


Outsourcing in the Financial Sector

13th April 2017

NautaDutilh Luxembourg is organising a breakfast seminar on outsourcing in the financial sector, which will take place on Wednesday, 10 May 2017.    


NautaDutilh defended Fendi against Coach

20th March 2017

NautaDutilh Avocats Luxembourg defended the interests of luxury fashion house Fendi in proceedings against US-based Coach for infringement by the latter of Fendi's EU design rights in its Peekaboo handbag.


Breakfast Seminar – The financing of Luxembourg Investment Funds – 6 April 2017

20th March 2017

NautaDutilh Luxembourg is organising a breakfast seminar on the financing of Luxembourg investment funds, to be held on Thursday, 6 April 2017 at the Waldorf Hilton.


NautaDutilh assisted Raizen Fuels Finance S.A.

17th February 2017

NautaDutilh assisted Raizen Fuels Finance S.A., as issuer on its USD 500 million 5.3% senior notes offering which successfully closed on 20th January. The issuer is part of the Brazilian Raizen group, the world largest individual producer of sugar cane. The Raizen group also operates a network of more than 5,800 Shell-branded stations in Brazil.