AKD > Luxembourg, Luxembourg > Firm Profile
AKD Offices
40, Avenue Monterey
L-2163 LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg
AKD > The Legal 500 Rankings
Luxembourg > Private equity Tier 2
With a willingness to ‘go the extra mile, and a solutions/client-driven mentality’, AKD has rapidly gained market share since it was established in Luxembourg in 2016, becoming a popular choice for financial sponsors and referring law firms to provide advice regarding financing and investment structures in Luxembourg for acquisitions abroad. Cedric Bless provides ‘pragmatic and thoughtful advice’ to clients both in a new money context and from a restructuring perspective. The ‘experienced and very hardworking’ Nicolas Marchand co-heads the team alongside Bless and is particularly noted for his work in the real estate space.Practice head(s):
Cédric Bless; Nicolas Marchand
Other key lawyers:
Imède El Moudden; Benoît Charpentier; Sébastien Dauber
Testimonials
‘The responsive team provides outstanding advice.’
‘They have a very sensible approach to work, a willingness to help even meaning going the extra mile, and a solutions/client-driven mentality.’
‘Cédric Bless is a great lawyer and provides pragmatic and thoughtful advice.’
‘Nicolas Marchand is experienced and very hardworking.’
Key clients
Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe) SA
AIMCo
Eni
Miya group
London Metric Property Plc
Peakside
Bridgepoint
Oxenwood
Roark Capital
Colony
ARB
Gates
Atilus
MNK Partners
Apax
ICAMAP
Ridgemont Equity Partners
Xerys
Blueorchard
Schroders Capital
Kronos
Work highlights
- Advising Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe) S.A. in various matters regarding setting up acquisition and investment structures.
- Advising AIMCo in various matters, including the implementation of its Long-Term Asset Class strategy and forming financing and investment structures in Luxembourg for acquisitions.
- Advising Stellex in various matters, including forming financing and investment structures in Luxembourg for acquisitions abroad.
Luxembourg > Tax Tier 3
AKD provides 'clear and concise advice and support' to investment fund clients in particular, across the life cycle of their work, from establishment and ongoing compliance through to downstream investment matters. The 'outstanding' Ayzo Van Eysinga and 'level-headed' Rutger Zaal co-head the team and are particularly accomplished at handling private equity and real estate matters.Practice head(s):
Ayzo van Eysinga; Rutger Zaal
Other key lawyers:
Stéphanie Viot
Testimonials
‘The team provides clear and concise advice and support. This is all provided in a very commercial manner.’
‘AKD Luxembourg is a well-integrated team of lawyers that not only provides excellent advice but that gives the client the feeling of being understood. The team strives to understand the entrepreneurial aspects of the clients’ requests and is often instrumental in identifying and implementing structural solutions.’
‘AKD Luxembourg is able and willing to provide small to mid size clients with the same kind of attention as large corporate clients.’
‘Ayzo van Eysinga is an outstanding lawyer and entrepreneur who commits himself personally to achieving the clients’ objectives while always being friendly, constructive and good for a laugh even after long negotiations.’
‘Rutger Zaal is the rock in the storm, staying level headed and providing excellent tax advice.’
Key clients
The Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
Peakside Capital advisors
ARB Advisors
Cheniere
Stellex
LGT
Kadens
KGAL
Kronos
PICTET
Partners Group
Neuberger Berman
Agile
Bridgepoint
Schroders Adveq
JPMorgan
Luxembourg > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 4
The ‘client-focused’ team at AKD continues to gain traction in the market as a result of its ability to provide ‘dynamic, solutions-oriented and tailor made advice’ to borrower clients across a wide range of cross-border banking and capital markets matters. Yann Hilpert is ‘responsive and experienced’ and excels at handling acquisition and asset finance mandates. Hilpert co-heads the team alongside recently promoted partner Arnaud Barchman, who is ‘pragmatic, business oriented and very knowledgeable’ across securitisation and DCM mandates in particular. The team is rounded out a partner level by Jasper Verhoog, who specialises in financial supervision and securities law, and acts as main liaison between the firm’s Luxembourg and Dutch offices.Practice head(s):
Yann Hilpert; Arnaud Barchman
Other key lawyers:
Jasper Verhoog; Delphine Gomes
Testimonials
‘The team provides excellent, dynamic, solutions-oriented and tailor made advice.’
‘The team at AKD is client focused. They work to understand our needs and timelines and then they deliver accordingly, which builds trust.’
‘Yann Hilpert is responsive and experienced. He provides “No fuss” efficient legal advice.’
‘Arnaud Barchman is super responsive and attentive to client needs.’
‘Arnaud Barchman is the go-to person, he is pragmatic, business oriented and very knowledgeable and agile.’
‘Strong finance credentials with a positive solution based approach.’
‘Delphine Gomes and Arnaud Barchman provide top quality advice without point scoring. They are very collaborative.’
‘AKD is a human-sized firm, with a dedicated and loyal team. Great expertise in the market, proactive and engaging staff.’
Key clients
KKR
Morgan Stanley
AIMCo
Oxenwood
International Finance Corporation
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Cain International
Pictet Group
Bridgepoint
TREA ASSET MANAGEMENT S.G.I.I.C. S.A.
Reference Financial Services S.A.
Intermediate Capital Group
Morgan Stanley
Natixis
Greystar
Alaric Securities
Catalina Holdings
Baytex Energy Corp.
U.S. Bank
Unzer
Stellex Capital Management
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Work highlights
- Acted as trusted advisor to Unzer on all legal matters in Luxembourg, with a strong focus on regulatory work.
- Assisted KKR on a securitisation transaction with PayPal for a value in excess of €40bn.
- Assisted an aircraft manufacturer on the lease of two airliners to a Luxembourg-based airline.
Luxembourg > Investment funds Tier 4
Having enlarged its practice in recent years, both through organic growth and lateral hires, AKD is increasingly well-equipped to handle a growing amount of work from fund managers, as well as through referrals from international law firms. The 'pragmatic and commercial' Jevgeniy Nesch has extensive experience advising on the establishment of regulated and unregulated alternative investment funds, and is 'particularly strong on transactions where German law concepts and intricacies are of importance'. Virginie Leroy co-heads the team alongside Nesch and has a well-rounded perspective on the fund life cycle, including ESG-related matters.Practice head(s):
Virginie Leroy; Jevgeniy Nesch
Other key lawyers:
Astrid Vaillant
Testimonials
‘It is a well-resourced team that is diligent and responsive.’
‘Professional hands-on approach with great technical skills – get the things done.’
‘Virginie Leroy is great to work with – she is available and attentive.’
‘Jevgeniy Nesch provides pragmatic and commercial advice. They are the standout partners we go to.’
‘Jevgeniy Nesch is particularly strong on transactions where German law concepts and intricacies are of importance.’
‘Jevgeniy Nesch is highly knowledgeable and responsive, well-connected and able to put clients into contact with the right people.’
Key clients
Alberta Investment Management Corp.
AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund)
Azzurra Capital Management FZE
Azzurra Capital Investments SCSp, SICAV-RAIF
Bluefield Partners LLP / Revive Solar
Green Capital Invest
Energan
Evoila
INFIBA
Interritus
Jindal Group
Lamar Developments
Nivallion
Peakside Capital Investors
Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe) S.A.
Oxenwood
ARB Investment Partners SCSp
GreyStar Equity Partner Asia Pacific
MBaer
Work highlights
- Assisted Azzurra Capital Investments on the structuring of a multi-compartment fund structure investing in high-quality PE.
- Advising on the establishment of a €150m RAIF fund for Bluefield Partners LLP, dedicated to investing in solar photovoltaic, wind, hydro, and storage technologies across Western Europe and the Nordics.
- Advised AIMCo, a large North American investment manager, on the establishment of a SIF sub-fund pursuing an opportunistic real estate investment strategy with elements of para-hotel services.
Luxembourg > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
AKD‘s corporate team regularly works alongside its tax team to provide ‘solutions-oriented’ advice to funds and corporates on Luxembourg law structuring associated with cross-border M&A activity. Cédric Bless provides ‘pragmatic and thoughtful advice’ to private equity firms and co-heads the team alongside Nicolas Marchand, who is ‘very experienced in Luxembourg corporate law,’ particularly in the context of the real estate market.Practice head(s):
Cédric Bless; Nicolas Marchand
Other key lawyers:
Imède El Moudden; Benoît Charpentier; Sébastien Dauber
Testimonials
‘AKD’s corporate practice is well regarded in the market as being competent, efficient and very reactive.’
‘They have a very sensible approach to work, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a solutions-oriented approach.’
‘Nicolas Marchand is hard-working, very experienced in Luxembourg corporate law and is a pleasure to work with. He is also reliable and available to his clients.’
‘Nicolas Marchand is responsive, technical and pragmatic approach.’
‘Cedric Bless is attentive to client needs and expectations and solutions oriented. We value his responsiveness and pragmatic and thoughtful advice.’
‘AKD is a very experienced law firm, very attentive to clients’ needs and expectations, flexible and diverse in terms of expertise.’
‘Nicolas Marchand provides high level corporate law advice and is always available and ready to help.’
‘The team is enjoyable to work with and very responsive.’
Key clients
Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe) SA
AIMCo
Eni
Miya group
London Metric Property Plc
Peakside
Bridgepoint
Oxenwood
Roark Capital
Colony
ARB
Gates
Atilus
MNK Partners
Apax
ICAMAP
Ridgemont Equity Partners
Xerys
Blueorchard
Schroders Capital
Bunge
Work highlights
- Advised Bridgepoint on various matters, including forming financing and investment structures in Luxembourg for acquisitions made abroad.
- Advised Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe) S.A. on various matters, including setting up acquisition and investment structures.
- Advised Peakside Capital Advisors in various matters, including setting up acquisition and investment structures.
AKD > Firm Profile
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our Luxembourg office’s philosophy and of our firm in general, with all clients being given the same high level of dedication. From mid-size businesses to large private equity firms, all are given the same undivided attention from the team. Clients value the Luxembourg team’s responsiveness, in-depth knowledge of the financial markets and constant dedication to achieving their commercial objectives.
Luxembourg has for long been at the forefront of the trends and evolutions relating to the financial markets and structured finance environment. It grew to become a well-established financial centre in Europe with worldwide recognition, known as one of the world’s safest and business friendly environment.
Our Luxembourg office consists of a highly experienced team of lawyers and tax specialists, top-level service, and its strong emphasis on customer care.
In Luxembourg, we cooperate with many US and UK international firms who do not have a footprint in Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s famously diverse population is reflected in AKD’s multilingual and multinational staff.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking & Finance | Yann Hilpert | yhilpert@akd.eu | +352 26 75 82 301 |
Banking & Finance | Jasper Verhoog | jverhoog@akd.eu | +31 6 55 39 58 04 |
Corporate/M&A | Cédric Bless | cbless@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 88 56 |
Corporate/M&A | Nicolas Marchand | nmarchand@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 88 13 |
Investment management | Jevgeniy Nesch | jnesch@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 80 72 |
Investment management | Virginie Leroy | vleroy@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 88 98 |
Tax | Ayzo van Eysinga | avaneysinga@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 88 33 |
Tax | Rutger Zaal | rzaal@akd.eu | +352 6 91 55 88 38 |
Tax | Stéphanie Viot | sviot@akd.eu | +352 26 75 82 334 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Arnaud Barchman | Partner, Avocat à la Cour | View Profile | |
Mr Cedric Bless | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Joël Butkiewicz-Jung | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mr Benoît Charpentier | Knowledge Manager | View Profile | |
Mr Sébastien Dauber | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mr Imède El Moudden | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mr Yann Hilpert | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Sofia Karathanasi | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mrs Virginie Leroy | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolas Marchand | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Peggy Muck | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mr Jevgeniy Nesch | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Astrid Vaillant | Lawyer | View Profile | |
Mr Jasper Verhoog | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Stéphanie Viot | Counsel | View Profile | |
Mr Rutger Zaal | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Ayzo van Eysinga | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 270Other
Other offices : Amsterdam Other offices : Breda Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Eindhoven Other offices : RotterdamPress Releases
AKD strengthens its energy practice with the arrival of Thomas Chellingsworth, Christine Delagaye and Laura Pellens
8th December 2023 AKD has recruited a leading energy team to strengthen its energy practice. Hiring this team, consisting of partner Thomas Chellingsworth, counsel Christine Delagaye and associate Laura Pellens, underscores AKD's focus on the energy and climate transition and its commitment to supporting energy players in the challenges they will face over the decades ahead.AKD elects new board
13th September 2023 AKD has elected a new board. Carlos Pita Cao and Jan Kromhout have joined the board, with Carlos succeeding Erwin Rademakers as the firm's managing partner.AKD expands tax practice in Belgium with the appointment of Frédéricq Jacquet as partner
12th July 2023 AKD has taken on Frédéricq Jacquet for its tax practice as of 3 July 2023.AKD welcomes five new partners
6th June 2023 AKD has announced the appointment of five new partners in its Dutch and Luxembourg offices. Managing partner Erwin Rademakers: "We are immensely proud to have witnessed the strong growth of these new partners over the past few years.AKD expands Belgian Banking & Finance capabilities with lateral partner Antoine De Raeve
12th May 2023 AKD announces that Antoine De Raeve has joined the firm’s Belgian Banking & Finance team on 1 May 2023.AKD further strengthens its Corporate & M&A practice with the hire of Wouter Kros as a partner
10th June 2022 Leading law firm AKD Benelux Lawyers welcomes Wouter Kros as partner into its Corporate / M&A practice as of 1 June 2022. Wouter joins AKD from Loyens & Loeff, where he worked for 14 years covering M&A work for public and private companies. He has a strong track record of domestic and cross-border transactions where he has acted for clients including financial sponsors and corporates.Ludo Luijks joins AKD’s M&A Tax team
14th December 2021Benelux firm AKD appoints partners: Passing the baton to the next generation
4th June 2021 AKD Benelux lawyers has appointed five new partners, four of them "home-grown”, managing partner Erwin Rademakers clarifies. “It gives immense pleasure to see colleagues developing and, as next-generation partners, contributing to building the future of our firm.”AKD continues to expand in Brussels: Julien Hick appointed employment law partner
9th March 2021 AKD Benelux lawyers is delighted to announce the appointment of Julien Hick as partner in Brussels.Yann Hilpert appointed partner at AKD in Luxembourg
15th February 2021 AKD Benelux lawyers is delighted to announce the appointment of Yann Hilpert as partner in Luxembourg.Conny Staudt takes on partnership at AKD Benelux lawyers, “back to her roots”
16th November 2020 Pieter Huys, who leads the team, comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Conny at AKD. Coming at a time where flexible employment has become a hot topic, her expertise in this field neatly complements our own expertise. Earlier this year, the Balanced Labour Market Act (Wet Arbeidsmarkt in Balans) came into force, the purpose of which Act is to make flexible employment less flexible and steady employment less steady. We find that this new legislation has given rise to many questions from our clients, duly aggravated by the uncertainties thrown up by the Covid-19 crisis. Conny's expertise and experience add real value to our team”.AKD adds six new partners to Benelux footprint
15th June 2020AKD has appointed six new partners in Belgium and the Netherlands. Following the appointment of three new partners in Luxembourg earlier this year, AKD thus further increases its Benelux footprint.
Benelux law firm AKD expands with McGuireWoods’ Brussels team
18th December 2018Benelux law firm AKD expands its Brussels office by adding McGuireWoods’ Brussels team, following AKD’s strategy to be the first choice full-service legal and tax services provider in the Benelux. The incoming team consists of partners Hubert André-Dumont, Paul van den Bulck, Timothy Speelman, Steven Ongena, counsel Pol Cools, and four associates.