AKD

AKD welcomes Harm Kerstholt as partner in its energy practice in the Netherlands. Harm brings over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and large-scale sustainable projects, including offshore wind, solar energy and hydrogen. With Harm’s arrival, AKD adds a strong transactional component to its energy practice, which is already renowned for its expertise in permitting, grid connections and litigation, giving the team a significant boost. Harm has witnessed first-hand how profoundly the energy sector has changed over the past decades. “Where the market was once stable and fossil-driven, it is now open, volatile and fully focused on sustainability,” he says. “Decentralised generation, grid congestion, hydrogen projects and the growing demand for electricity all require a new approach. In this dynamic landscape, it is crucial that deals and collaborations are both legally robust and flexible. With my experience I help clients seize opportunities and manage risks, ensuring that investments deliver maximum return.” His expertise and leading market position are internationally recognised, with top rankings in prestigious legal directories such as Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. Clients describe his approach as pragmatic and results-oriented, with a strong focus on collaboration and clear explanations of complex matters. “Alone, we go fast; together, we go further. I look forward to working with the AKD team in the coming years to strengthen our reputation as the undisputed ‘go-to firm’ for strategic deals, projects and disputes in the Benelux energy sector,” says Harm. “We are delighted to welcome Harm to our team,” says Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner of AKD. “The energy sector is in the midst of a fundamental transition. For our clients this means that transactions and projects are becoming increasingly complex and strategic. With Harm on board, we are strengthening our ability to support clients in this area. His experience is an excellent match with our firm’s focus on the further expansion of our energy practice.” In recent years, AKD has played a leading role in a wide range of energy projects and transactions. The firm advises clients in the Netherlands and Belgium on the full spectrum of energy law. Within a single integrated team, the firm combines project development, transactions, permitting, financing and energy disputes. This approach makes AKD a true ‘one-stop shop’ for project developers, investors, financiers, grid operators, public authorities and energy companies navigating the energy transition. With over 500 lawyers, tax advisers, civil-law notaries and support staff in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, AKD is a leading Benelux law firm. For our clients, we are the gateway from, to and in the Benelux. Rashida Ishaak [email protected] +31 6 11 18 97 09 AKD Wilhelminakade 1 3072AP Rotterdam www.akd.eu  

AKD welcomes Mathilde Ostertag as partner in its Luxembourg Tax team. Mathilde brings extensive experience in cross-border tax and corporate structuring, helping clients navigate complex rules in a practical way. With Luxembourg playing a central role in international investment flows, her expertise is especially valuable for international groups and investment funds. Focusing on cross-border transactions, Mathilde helps clients make sense of tax regulations and translate them into clear strategies. She advises investment funds and international groups on corporate reorganisations, transactional planning, and compliance, ensuring that tax strategies are both legally sound and commercially effective. “My motivation is to empower clients through smart, compliant tax strategies that unlock growth and resilience—because effective tax planning is the foundation of sustainable business success. I am looking forward to collaborating closely with the AKD team to deliver practical, innovative solutions for our clients,” says Mathilde Ostertag. Known for her pragmatic, business-focused approach, Mathilde bridges the gap between complex legal frameworks and practical implementation. Clients value her ability to translate tax regulation into clear, actionable strategies that align with their commercial goals. “Mathilde’s appointment marks a strategic step for AKD in Luxembourg,” says Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner of AKD. “Her expertise enhances our ability to guide clients through complex cross-border tax challenges and unlock international growth opportunities. This reflects our commitment to providing deep, integrated, and market-leading advice across the Benelux.” With Mathilde on board, AKD strengthens its Benelux-wide Tax offering, allowing the firm to guide clients through complex international structures with clarity and precision.

AKD continues to strengthen its presence across key disciplines. The latest step in this momentum is the arrival of Eric Perru, who joins as partner in our Luxembourg litigation practice effective 1 October. Eric brings extensive experience in civil and commercial disputes, with a focus on financial services litigation. As a member of the Civil Procedure Commission of the Luxembourg, Eric contributed to the draft Bill that will soon introduce class actions into Luxembourg law. This places him — and AKD — at the forefront of a major shift in the market. He is particularly active in disputes in the financial services sector, including consumer, regulatory, ESG and liability. “With the digitalisation of justice, the development of artificial intelligence in dispute resolution and the imminent adoption of class action law in Luxembourg, litigation is entering a new era,” says Eric. “AKD combines Benelux reach with recognised expertise in class actions in the Netherlands. That is why I have joined — to deliver clients highly effective defence, both in advisory and in litigation.” Eric’s style is pragmatic and driven. Guided by the mantra Focus – Efficiency – Action, he treats disputes as strategic risks. His approach is to reduce uncertainty, protect value and create clear pathways to the best possible outcome — whether in court or in settlement negotiations. “Disputes are an unavoidable part of doing business, but how they are managed makes all the difference,” Eric adds. “My goal is to cut through complexity and deliver clarity.” “We are consistently broadening our capabilities in areas that are critical to our clients’ success,” says Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner of AKD. “With strong expertise in litigation in the Netherlands and Belgium, and now Eric joining to lead the team in Luxembourg, AKD is uniquely positioned as the Benelux firm that combines local insight and knowledge with cross-border strength.” With Eric on board, AKD underlines its position as the Benelux firm to watch - growing with pace, investing in talent, and expanding consistently across the disciplines that define the future of business.