Firm Profile > Stibbe > Amsterdam, Netherlands

Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 1

Stibbe’s regulatory team is helping clients navigate the shift in supervision from national to EU oversight, and the range of directives from the regulators. Group head Rogier Raas is representing ING in all cases arising from allegations of mis-selling interest rate swaps to SMEs. Senior associates Roderik Vrolijk and Soeradj Ramsanjhal are other names to note.

Capital markets: equity Tier 1

Stibbe’s practice is led by managing partner Derk Lemstra. Pieter Schütte advised the joint bookrunners Citigroup, Evercore ISI and RBC Capital Markets and the co-managers on the $104m equity offering of ProQR Therapeutics, and acted for the joint global coordinators Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan and the other joint bookrunners (ABN Amro, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Citigroup) on the IPO of Adyen on Euronext Amsterdam.

Construction Tier 1

The team at Stibbe provides a comprehensive service in respect of major construction projects from the bidding process and financing through to disputes and includes areas such as zoning and environmental issues. The group advises on major transport, industrial, and commercial projects including advising a consortium on the procurement law and contractual issues prior to its winning bid in relation to a major transport infrastructure project; it is also advising a well-known technology company on all aspects of a new data center project. David Orobio de Castro heads the practice; partner Ingmar De Groot led the advice to Holland Casino on the development of a new casino in Amsterdam; senior associates Erik Verweij and Iris Hendriksen are key members of the team.

Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1

Led by Jeroen Kortmann and Fons Leijten, Stibbe's sizeable team handles a range of work including mass damage litigation, banking litigation, corporate litigation, insolvency and director's liability and complex contractual disputes. Kortmann and Leijten successfully defended BP in securities litigation relating to the 2010 Mexican Gulf oil spill. Branda Katan was promoted to partner in January 2018. Senior associate Simon Boersen is also noted.

Employment Tier 1

The Stibbe team 'can always deliver, even on short notice in complex matters' and offers a full, multidisciplinary service. Jaap van Slooten is highlighted for his 'great expertise on all kinds of employment matters' including litigation and labour relations issues.  Paul Vestering, who provides 'spot on' advice is also 'a pleasure to work with', advises clients such as IBM and Nederlandse Spoorwegen on the whole range of contentious and advisory matters across employment, labour relations, pensions, and work council matters. Astrid Helstone is another key name. Johan Zwemmer, formerly a senior associate with the firm, DLA Piper joined as a legal director in 2019.

Environment and planning Tier 1

Stibbe's 'uniqueness with respect to administrative law lies in its particularly thorough research resulting in sound strategic advice'. Aaldert ten Veen, Jan Reinier van Angeren and Tom Barkhuysen are some of the senior lawyers, the latter is 'a fantastic lawyer – a very clear communicator, very energetic and an emphatic and out of the box thinker'. Anna Collignon is known for her focus on the energy and chemical sectors and Valérie van ’t Lam is reported to be 'extremely knowledgeable in the field of administrative law, approachable and a very strategic, team player'. In typical work, the team advised Wind Farm Fryslân on all aspects of the construction of an onshore wind farm, work that included dealing with various government agencies, private parties and foundations with regard to zoning, permitting and environmental issues.

EU and competition Tier 1

Stibbe's team stands out for its ‘quality knowledge and assistance’. Group head Rein Wesseling and Christof Swaak, who has ‘excellent strategic and tactical skills’, are acting for Nederlandse Spoorwegen and its former CEO and CFO in an abuse of dominance case brought by the ACM. Wesseling and Jeroen Kortmann are defending Heineken against a damages claim; the duo recently secured a favourable jurisdiction decision. Floris ten Have, who was promoted to the partnership in 2019, has done significant work on EU merger control matters for Aurobindo and Dossche Mills.

Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 1

Stibbe’s ‘determined and knowledgeable’ group has particular expertise handling criminal investigations into economic crime, tax fraud and corruption. The ‘sharp and committed’ Daan Doorenbos leads the team. The ‘highly recommended’ Muriël Rosing specialises in corporate client fraud, corruption and money laundering cases. Monique van der Linden is another key name. Senior associate Marleen Velthuis is now with NautaDutilh.

Industry focus: Information technology Tier 1

Judica Krikke, who leads the practice at Stibbe, has extensive expertise across ICT sourcing and procurement projects, software licences, related disputes, and is an arbitrator for the Dutch ICT Arbitration Institute. The department continues to advise the state, most recently on an assessment of Microsoft cloud services and the negotiation of contractual terms. Rogier Raas has a focus on the financial sector and is part of the team that advises Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance on various procurement and other matters.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Lawyers at Stibbe 'know what they are doing – and they are doing it right'. Toni van Hees is the seasoned head of a team that includes Job Van Hooff and which provides 'swift and always practical ways forward'. The group's comprehensive expertise covers insolvencies and restructurings for domestic and international clients and is often appointed by courts to act as bankruptcy trustee or administrator. The team is counsel to North Sea Ports in connection with the bankruptcy of Thermphos, one of the world’s largest producers of phosphorus.

Banking and finance: asset finance and structured finance Tier 2

The structured and asset finance team at Stibbe is led by Maarten de Bruin and Rein van Helden. Van Helden has expertise in cross-border leveraged finance transactions, syndicated lending, restructurings and bond transactions. The duo advised Goldman Sachs International and commodities trading firm J. Aron & Company on the asset/commodity finance transaction with Damco Aluminium Delfzijl Coöperatie. Robert Steeg was promoted to counsel and Suzanne van Boheemen was promoted to senior associate. Joannes de Bont departed to Bond Advocaten.

Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 2

Stibbe's ‘trustworthy and efficient’ team frequently acts for domestic and global corporate clients on a range of financing mandates. Co-head Maarten de Bruin advised Dossche Mills on the financing of the acquisition of Meneba from Dutch private equity firm Nimbus. Fellow practice head  Rein van Helden is acting for Advent International on the financing of its acquisition of General Electric‘s distributed power business. Recent promotions include Robert Steeg to counsel and Suzanne van Boheemen to senior associate. Joannes de Bont has left for Bond Advocaten.

Capital markets: debt Tier 2

At Stibbe, which has a track record acting for global corporates on note issuances, practice head Rein van Helden and senior associate Suzanne van Boheemen advised frequent issuer and longstanding client Smurfit Kappa on a €600m offering of senior notes. In other work, the group assisted Nasdaq-listed Wright Medical Group with the issuance of $675m cash convertible senior notes. Jeroen Smits, Pieter Schütte and counsel Robert Steeg are other key names. Debt instrument restructuring is another area of strength.

Commercial, corporate and M&a Tier 2

Stibbe counts a number of international banks, AkzoNobel, Bain Capital, and Heineken within its client roster. Allard Metzelaar, Heleen Kersten, and M&A partner Björn van der Klip, who also heads the firm's private equity practice, are the senior practitioners. In highlight work, the team represented Q-Park on its acquisition by KKR, a matter with an enterprise value of €2.95bn.

Energy: regulatory Tier 2

Stibbe had of energy Martin In de Braekt is advising Eurus Energy in respect of the acquisition of onshore wind parks in the Netherlands including all regulatory issues. His team is also assisting a client on a range of contractual relationships which includes advice on various regulatory matters relating to the unbundling of energy companies. The department is especially adept in connection with wind farm projects. Clients include Chevron, E.ON, and Northland Power.

Energy: transactional Tier 2

Stibbe attracts an impressive range of work in the wind farm sector; in one such highlight, it is acting for Ørsted in respect of the implementation of the Borssele I&II offshore wind project. The practice is also advising the consortium of Air Liquide, AkzoNobel, Enerkem, and the Port of Rotterdam on the waste to chemistry project in Rotterdam. Martin In de Braekt heads the team, assisted by senior associate Li Wee Toh and counts the likes of Chevron, Deutsche Windtechnik, and E.ON as clients.

Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

Stibbe has 'a strong team committed to getting things done and the diversity of knowledge in the team was a strong trigger to select them'. Judica Krikke, who heads the healthcare and life sciences group, covers IP, ICT, and data protection and is assisted by senior associate Dennis Mollema, who has a focus on the corporate and finance side of transactions. In recent work, the team advised a consortium of the University Medical Centers on a major ICT tender process pertaining to server and storage infrastructure. It also continues to act for Mylan on all its EU antitrust issues.

Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 2

Stibbe's telecoms, media, and entertainment group assists clients on corporate and M&A matters and disputes; it acted for Liberty Global and its Dutch subsidiary Ziggo in a court battle with Fox over the client's right to distribute the Fox Sports channels, including coverage of live football matches in the Dutch market. Judica Krikke and Jan Reinier van Angeren co-head the group and advised Payvision on the sale of a majority stake of 75% to ING.  There have been a number of new hires including associate Jasper Klopper from Allen & Overy LLP.

Investment funds Tier 2

Jeroen Smits , Paul Quist , Rogier Raas are at the helm at Stibbe. The group advises Blackstone on real estate matters, relating to regulatory, tax and financing aspects concerning the structuring of its funds; it is also advising the same client on Brexit planning. Johan Vrolijk was promoted to counsel and Vincent van Kampen to senior associate. Senior associate Suzanne Kröner-Rosmalen is another key name.

Private equity Tier 2

Stibbe frequently acts on large cross-border matters and is led by Björn van der Klip. He handled several matters for new client Omers Private Equity, including a bid for Thames Water. Duco de Boer and London-based Hans Witteveen are also notable names.

Project finance and PFI Tier 2

David Orobio de Castro and Ingmar De Groot are the senior members of the team at Stibbe and are assisted by Martin In de Braekt who leads the energy and industry group. The team serves international and domestic clients in the banking, infrastructure, public transport, and technology sectors; it is acting for the Connect Rotterdam consortium as lenders' counsel in connection with its bid for the DBFM contract and also advised Syntus and its shareholder Keolis in connection with the tender of the concession and the purchase and financing of 16 trains. This complex matter involved finance structured as an 'off balance' operating lease. The practice also advised on the interest rate swap entered into in connection with the financing.

Real estate Tier 2

Stibbe offers a comprehensive range of expertise in conjunction with its real estate skills including finance, tax, construction, planning, and procurement law. The team continues to assist Aedifica on all its acquisitions of care and nursing homes in the Netherlands and it advised Blackstone on all aspects of the sale of the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center to InterGlobe. David Orobio de Castro heads the group and counsels David Meijeren and Boris Cammelbeeck are also noted practitioners.

Tax Tier 2

Stibbe’s group is a popular choice for corporate clients, particularly private equity houses, on transactional tax matters. In an illustration of its strength in this area, Jeroen Smits advised Bain Capital Private Equity on its acquisition of Consolis. Maarten de Bruin is assisting Carlyle Group with the tax aspects of its $3.2bn acquisition of Atotech from Total, including cross-border issues. Michael Molenaars and Reinout de Boer are other key names. Johan Vrolijk is now counsel.

Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 3

Stibbe’s group has been particularly active recently in the areas of acquisition finance, corporate lending, real estate finance, structured finance, commodity finance and project finance. Practice co-head Rein van Helden advised BlackRock on providing unitranche financing to Summit Partners pertaining to its acquisition of Normec. Fellow practice head Maarten de Bruin is also noted. Robert Steeg and Suzanne van Boheemen were promoted to counsel and senior associate respectively. Joannes de Bont is now with Bond Advocaten.

Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 5

Diversity

As a reputable, international law firm with a proud history, we feel a strong sense of responsibility for the development of a more sustainable society. This is why we ensure that CSR remains an integral part of our firm and culture and we have defined clear principals to support it.

Our CSR contribution to society is rooted in effective legal advice and relevant pro bono work. Further to these areas, we are investing in a diverse and inclusive culture in which talented people can thrive regardless of gender and ethnicity. To ensure we attract and nurture this talent, we strive to create a diverse, inclusive and supportive culture in all our offices throughout the world. To this end, we work closely with universities, recruitment agencies and student bodies to create opportunities for them.

Each year we handle a number of pro bono cases which either have a profound social significance, or that address a fundamental legal principle. They also frequently involve complex issues of civil, administrative or human rights law.

These cases are handled free of charge or at significantly reduced rates and we are proud that our lawyers invest their time and energy to assist those who would otherwise be unable to receive such counsel.

Every year, our partners and associates continue to play an active role in various pro bono matters, taking on cases that make a real difference to individuals, and local and national organisations.

We also take responsibility towards our own people. We provide all members of our firm with the environment and the facilities that encourage them to develop their full potential. We also offer flexible work solutions so they can combine their practice with family life. We invest heavily in the personal and professional development of our people.

We use our means and abilities towards the communities in which we work and live: we engage in social, cultural and scientific sponsorship, supporting our local communities.

We provide financial and in-kind sponsorship of organisations dedicated to academia, the arts and the wellbeing of children. We feel it is both our duty and our privilege to return something to the communities in which we operate. This is why we sponsor cultural events, scientific pursuits and children in need. We not only provide financial support, but also share our knowledge and practical support through our active board membership of several NGOs.

We strive to a more sustainable environment. We are minimising our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint by embracing new technologies and inspiring people to continuously make conscious decisions on whether their behaviour would best fit an environmentally friendly approach. We installed energy saving technology, encourage our people and clients to use public transport and use IT and telecommunication technology to reduce commuting. We reimburse public transport costs to encourage everyone to use it.

By investing in state-of-the-art archiving and a digital work environment, we significantly reduce our paper usage.

Our new office building in Amsterdam is CO² neutral and we received a BREEAM Excellent quality mark from the Dutch Green Building Council.

Together, we want to ensure the legal profession in general, and our firm in particular, continues to contribute to a sustainable society. We will pursue each of our CSR values with the same drive we bring to our legal advice.

International Capabilities

Stibbe is an independent international law firm with deep roots in its three home jurisdictions, i.e. in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. We have branch offices in Dubai, London and New York.

Team members from our offices often join their expertise to service our (often multinational) clients in a broad variety of practice areas. We are also closely connected with other top-tier law firms in jurisdictions around the world (“best friends-network”). This enables us to act as a “global coordinating counsel” in complex international transactions, arbitrages and projects.

We exchange ideas and experiences with a number of preferred firms in our international network regarding new developments and trends in the legal sector and concerning the use of technology in the workplace.