Firm Profile > Stibbe > Amsterdam, Netherlands

Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 1

The team at Stibbe provides 'helpful and practical advice' on both advisory and litigious matters. The group has ample experience representing clients before the Dutch Central Bank, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the Authority for Consumers & Markets, as exemplified by practice head Rogier Raas defending NN Group against allegations of mis-selling unit-linked insurance policies. On the non-contentious side, the practice assists with Brexit-related queries, advises on the implementation of the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2), and assists with the regulatory aspects of acquisitions. Senior associates Soeradj Ramsanjhal and Roderik Vrolijk, who is an 'excellent adviser' with 'extensive experience in the sector', are also recommended.

Capital markets: equity Tier 1

Stibbe has a strong team capable of leading on all sides of complex, high-value equity transactions, acting for companies, hedge funds, and major financial institutions on all aspects of deals, including structuring and prospectus drafting. Matters include IPOs, collar agreements, debt-to-equity swaps, and share buyback deals. The practice is led by experienced pair Derk Lemstra and Pieter Schütte, who have a strong track record handling high-profile cross-border equity transactions.

Construction Tier 1

Stibbe provides a strong all-round construction law service led by David Orobio de Castro and Ingmar De Groot, the latter of whom is particularly notable for his work on contentious matters. In addition to a strong base of developer clients, which it works with on several of the largest and most high-profile upcoming projects, the firm is often instructed by large corporates in relation to commercial and industrial developments, including headquarters, distribution centres, and flagship premises.  The team has strength throughout its ranks, with senior associates Erik Verweij and Iris Hendriksen both noted for procurement and contracts work.

Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1

Stibbe is a strong force in the Dutch dispute resolution market, with a client base consisting of large multinationals, leading Dutch financial institutions, and several of the largest domestic corporates. The firm is particularly specialised in mass litigation, and has seen increasing workflows in cartel follow-on cases, shareholder class actions, and purchaser's claims in sectors such as automotive and telecoms, with other key areas of work including auditor's liability and corporate litigation cases. Practice heads Fons Leijten and Jeroen Kortmann focus on corporate and international litigation, respectively. Other key names include contractual and tort disputes specialist Tim de Greve , Toni van Hees, who frequently acts for auditors in breach of duty disputes, and senior associates Daphne Rijkers and Simon Boersen.

Employment Tier 1

Stibbe provides the full range of employment, remuneration, and pension advice to large domestic and international clients. The team is led by Jaap van Slooten, whose practice focuses on collective labour disputes and pensions, particularly for clients in the finance, logistics, and transport sectors. Paul Vestering and Astrid Helstone round out the three-partner practice, with Helstone particularly recommended for executive-level matters including remuneration structures and terminations. On the more junior end, Johan Zwemmer departed the firm in October 2019 for DLA Piper.

Environment and planning Tier 1

Stibbe handles litigation and advisory work in relation to infrastructure projects which involve extensive planning advice. Key individuals in the firm's environment and planning team include Jan Reinier van Angeren, Tom Barkhuysen, and Anna Collignon. The firm's client roster includes the Municipality of Almere, Schiphol Airport, and RWE. The team is assisting the Municipality of Purmerend with a case concerning the distance requirements around LPG filling stations and compatibility with EU legal requirements.

EU and competition Tier 1

The competition and regulation team at Stibbe has an established presence in the fields of cartels, abuse of dominance, and follow-on damage litigation. The firm's key clients include Credit Suisse, Heineken, and Mars. Practice head Rein Wesseling, Christof Swaak, Floris ten Have are representing Credit Suisse in two high-profile cases regarding financial markets conduct. Jeroen Kortmann, associates Roos Elemans and Stijn de Jong are also noted.

Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 1

Stibbe is active across the full spectrum of matters, acting for corporate clients on fraud matters, including tax and securities-related fraud, as well as money-laundering and corruption. The team advises clients on compliance and assists with internal and external investigations, including those by the World Bank and EC Anti-Fraud Office, as well as representing in criminal litigation and negotiating settlements and leniency agreements with authorities. The practice is led by Daan Doorenbos, a specialist in financial and economic crime.

Industry focus: Information technology Tier 1

Stibbe is praised for its depth of understanding of the IT market and its 'pragmatic and hands-on' approach. Judica Krikke heads up the TMT practice and co-heads the newly created digital economy group with Jaap van Slooten and the fintech group with Rogier Raas. Senior associate Roderik Vrolijk is also highlighted for his experience in the finance regulatory sphere. Key areas of expertise for the practice include ICT sourcing and procurement transactions, disputes and restructurings; the group also advises on new technologies and the regulations around data storage and use.

Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

Stibbe's restructuring and insolvency team has cross-border capabilities and handles high-profile advisory and litigation matters. The practice is regularly appointed by the court to act as a bankruptcy trustee or administrator in suspension of payments procedures. Key clients include Stichting WSG, DBS Bank, and Deloitte. Practice head Job Van Hooff is 'outstanding' in restructuring law and advised housing association Stichting WSG on its €700m restructuring process. Toni van Hees leads the team alongside Hoof and is a 'fast and very knowledgeable' lawyer.

Tax Tier 1

In an example of its strength in assisting with tax matters arising from M&A, the team at Stibbe recently advised Delivery Hero on the €930m sale of its German food delivery businesses Lieferheld, Pizza.de and Foodora to Takeaway.com. Other key areas of focus for the practice include capital markets transactions, reorganisations, and fund structuring. Reinout de Boer, who 'combines technical theory with practical solutions', is the expert in litigious matters. Michael Molenaars heads the practice. Jeroen Smits, whose key clients include fund managers, Maarten de Bruin, and senior counsel Johan Vrolijk are also names to note.

Banking and finance: asset finance and structured finance Tier 2

The team at Stibbe provides a strong service in asset and structured finance, acting for high-profile lenders, arrangers, borrowers, lessors and lessees.  Maarten de Bruin jointly heads the team and focuses on structured finance, while fellow team leader  Rein van Helden is particularly active in leveraged finance, bond transactions and syndicated lending. On the asset finance side, recent work has included acting for large borrowers in the energy and transport sectors, as well as commodity financing.

Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 2

Stibbe is involved in several high-profile borrower-side deals, particularly in the field of acquisition financing, where the team often works in conjunction with its prominent transactional practice for large corporates and funds. The firm is also strong on refinancing work, particularly in situations involving multiple creditors or revolving credit facilities. The practice is jointly headed by real estate finance specialist Maarten de Bruin and  Rein van Helden, whose areas of focus include cross-border leveraged finance, syndicated lending and financial restructurings.

Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 2

Key areas of focus for the 'always available' team at Stibbe are acquisition finance, corporate lending, real estate finance, project finance and derivatives. Longstanding clients include the European Investment Bank and Goldman Sachs, and the team also gained the Royal Bank of Canada as a new client. Rein van Helden, who heads the practice jointly with Maarten de Bruin, is the key contact for matters involving cross-border leveraged finance and syndicated lending. Also notable are counsel Robert Steeg, who is 'pragmatic and always available', and senior associate Suzanne van Boheemen.

Capital markets: debt Tier 2

Stibbe acts on public and private debt structures for major domestic and international finance providers including banks, financial institutions, corporate borrowers, and ratings agencies . Matters include standard debt issuances such as bonds and notes, alongside reorganisation, restructuring, and complex arrangements such as debt-to-equity swaps. The practice is led by international financing specialist  Rein van Helden and also includes Pieter Schütte.

Commercial, corporate and M&a Tier 2

Stibbe is highlighted for 'always delivering' on transactions. Heleen Kersten's broad expertise includes high-profile takeover disputes and M&A expert Björn van der Klip also heads the private equity practice and includes KKR among his clients. Allard Metzelaar continues to provide clients with his extensive expertise. The team handles the gamut of corporate and commercial matters ranging from public and private M&A to corporate governance and restructurings. Its work includes acting for Delivery Hero on the €930m sale of its German food delivery businesses to Takeaway.com.

Data privacy and data protection Tier 2

'A strong team with broad knowledge', the Stibbe group advises on a broad range of data privacy matters as part of its ICT practice. Judica Krikke is the highly recommended team head who advises corporates, the Dutch state and new technology clients on areas such as data protection governance structures and negotiations with the Data Protection Authority. Senior associate Marc Spuijbroek is an IT specialist who also handles data protection issues, especially in relation to cloud sourcing and outsourcing.

Energy: regulatory Tier 2

'Practical and very responsive', Stibbe's activities in the regulatory energy field is widespread. The firm's workload includes advising energy and industrial companies in M&A mandates, for instance upstream oil and gas transactions, projects relating to wind farms, power plants and pipelines as well as commercial contracts and project finance matters. Practice head Martin In de Braekt is heralded as 'the premier Dutch energy lawyer for some time.'

Energy: transactional Tier 2

With 'well informed and great advisor' Martin In de Braekt at the helm, Stibbe assists energy companies and large industrial companies in relation to energy-related M&A transactions such as upstream gas and oil deals, but also handles projects concerning wind farms, power plants, pipelines as well as developments with respect to energy transition in the Netherlands. Commercial contracts and financial matters, including project finance are other key areas of expertise.

Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2

The Stibbe practice provides a wide range of expertise to health sector clients including hospitals, academic hospitals and the care home industry. In the life sciences sector, the group has extensive expertise including ICT, data protection, regulatory and IP skills together with pricing, reimbursement and clinical trial knowledge. Judica Krikke heads up the practice, and newly promoted partner Floris ten Have brings competition experience to the team.

Investment funds Tier 2

Stibbe has a broad funds practice, with a strong following on both the general partner and limited partne-sides of the market, often working in conjunction with its other offices to provide an integrated funds service across the Benelux area. The firm is particularly specialised in the structuring of private equity and alternative investment funds, including international tax structuring, as well as providing a strong service in the regulatory space. This dual specialism is highlighted in the organisation of the practice, which is led jointly by tax specialist Jeroen Smits and the regulation-focused Rogier Raas. Senior associate Suzanne Kröner-Rosmalen is also noted.

Private equity Tier 2

Project finance and PFI Tier 2

The project finance team at Stibbe has a strong presence in Dutch PPP work, and is headed up by David Orobio de Castro, who is a PPP specialist with significant experience in utility and infrastructure developments. The group is instructed by contracting authorities, lenders and consortia on DBFM agreements, refinancing matters and tender processes, and regularly achieves financial closure on major projects. The team operates as part of a full-service projects practice, and frequently works in conjunction with energy and industry practice head Martin In de Braekt and construction specialist Ingmar De Groot.

Real estate Tier 2

With David Orobio de Castro at its head, the team at Stibbe advises Benelux construction and real estate companies, domestic and foreign property developers, governmental agencies, architects and engineering firms. The practice recently gained noteworthy new clients including Accor Invest, Morgan Stanley and Palmira Capital Partners. It has a focus on assisting with real estate transactions and property development projects. Other key names to note are counsel Boris Cammelbeeck and Jan van Oosten, who impresses with his 'exceptional engagement and professionalism'. David Meijeren left the firm in August 2019 for Quist Geuze Meijeren.

Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 3

The team at Stibbe is focused on M&A and IP matters within the media and entertainment industries. Jan Reinier van Angeren is a key contact for transactional work. Other core team members are Judica Krikke and senior associate Jasper Klopper, both of whom handle a wide spectrum of IP work, including representing clients in infringement proceedings and cases regarding unlawful publications and reputational damage.

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.