AKD

AKD is pleased to welcome Tijn Slegers as Counsel in its environmental and planning law practice. Tijn specialises in planning and administrative law and environmental law, with a particular focus on heavy industry, project development and the energy sector. Drawing on his extensive experience, he will further strengthen AKD’s expertise in environmental and planning law and support clients with complex legal matters relating to spatial development, the environment and the energy transition. Tijn has fifteen years’ experience in environmental and planning law, advising and representing companies, project developers, housing associations and local and regional authorities. His practice covers a broad range of matters, from permitting and spatial planning to environmental enforcement and energy extraction. He is also involved in mergers and acquisitions. Tijn helps clients translate complex regulations into practical, workable solutions and supports them in identifying and implementing new legislation and regulations in a timely manner, as well as responding to changing market conditions. His expertise closely aligns with AKD’s key sectors of public sector and energy. Spatial development and energy projects, in particular, bring together complex regulatory frameworks, public interests and commercial objectives. “Environmental and planning law is fundamental to the success of these projects,” says Tijn Slegers. “In my work, I aim to distil complex legal issues into clear answers and practical courses of action. The key is to ensure that clients understand the options available to them and how they can deliver their plans in a legally robust and practically workable way.”

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

Amsterdam, 6 March 2025 - AKD welcomes new partner Michiel de Wit to its Real Estate team at the Amsterdam office. With Michiel on board, AKD is able to further deepen its services for international investors, particularly in the fields of Asset Management and ESG. Michiel is a renowned expert in Asset Management and commercial lease law. Having a strong international focus, he has been a trusted legal adviser to institutional real estate investors, German and Anglo-Saxon investors in particular, with dealings in the Netherlands for over 20 years. With his in-depth knowledge of commercial lease law and hands-on experience in Asset Management and ESG, he handles advisory and litigation work for his clients. Michiel has a reputation for effectively negotiating opportunities and legal challenges raised in these areas or to translate them into commercial advantages. His expertise is, accordingly, widely recognised: the Legal 500 commends him as a Leading Partner for Real Estate. What sets Michiel apart, in addition to his legal expertise, is his engaged and strategic approach. "My clients do not just expect legal certainty, they also expect strategic sparring. I help them optimise their real estate portfolios, from an ESG and energy perspective as well, and seize opportunities that go beyond the standard approach. 'Dare to challenge' and 'get the deal done' are not just slogans - they embody my way of working", adds Michiel. With Michiel joining the firm, AKD forges ahead in expanding its international real estate practice. Carlos Pita Cao, Managing Partner of AKD, stresses the strategic value of this appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Michiel as a partner. The real estate sector is becoming increasingly complex, with rising international investments and legal challenges in the areas of sustainability, energy and ESG. Michiel understands better than anyone how to turn this dynamic into strategic opportunities and how to implement those. His experience dealing with international investors makes him a key player in AKD's ambition to remain the leading real estate firm in the Benelux." Boasting one of the largest real estate teams in the Netherlands and Belgium, AKD continues to invest in offering high-quality legal services to national and international real estate market parties. With the addition of Michiel to our 85+ team of real estate specialists, we are able to offer clients even more comprehensive and deeper legal advice on real estate, energy and ESG.

AKD welcomes Jan-Willem Raadgever as a partner in the real estate practice at its Amsterdam office. Alongside him, Jip Post is also joining AKD. Jip specialises in real estate development and brings additional expertise for both Dutch and international investors and developers. With their combined experience in real estate development, construction law, and procurement law, they strengthen AKD’s position in the sector and provide valuable support to clients who are active in or looking to enter the Dutch market. The real-estate sector is evolving rapidly. New regulations, risk management and strategic choices in large-scale projects require a well-thought-out approach. Jan-Willem understands the challenges that international parties face when entering the Dutch market. In addition to a sharp focus on the legal aspects, he also helps his clients make smart strategic decisions, ensuring that their projects are not only successfully launched but also future-proof. "At AKD, I have the opportunity to apply my experience within a dynamic and ambitious team," says Jan-Willem Raadgever. "Many international parties see opportunities in the Netherlands but struggle with strict regulations and procedures. I assist them not only in overcoming these hurdles but also in establishing a stronger, long-term presence in this market. With its full-service expertise, scale, knowledge and experience, AKD enables me to support my clients even more effectively and comprehensively." Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner at AKD, highlights that Jan-Willem’s expertise is a significant asset to the team: "His experience with both Dutch and international parties makes him a valuable addition. Jan-Willem quickly grasps complex issues and provides directly applicable solutions. His vision aligns perfectly with AKD’s focus on sustainable solutions and long-term relationships." With Jan-Willem’s arrival, AKD strengthens its position in the real estate sector, both nationally and internationally. His broad expertise in risk management, project development and strategic advice makes him a valuable sparring partner for investors and developers looking to establish themselves in the Netherlands—or to scale up or restructure existing projects.

Amsterdam, 13 January 2025 – AKD welcomes Kyoko Tollenaar as partner within the Corporate Notarial team in AKD’s Amsterdam office. Anouk Voeten and Nicole van Keimpema join Kyoko, adding a strong and dynamic new team to the firm. With Kyoko’s arrival, AKD expands its services in the field of notarial corporate law, positioning itself as a reliable partner in high-end complex legal matters on a national and international level. Kyoko brings 21 years of experience in the field of corporate law, including M&A transactions, complex reorganisations and corporate governance. She has assisted Japanese companies with investments in the Netherlands, and has advised American and Dutch companies and private equity firms on acquisitions, (cross-border) mergers, conversions, carve-outs, corporate governance matters, restructurings and setting up joint ventures. With her in-depth knowledge of advising both private and listed companies in highly complex matters, Kyoko will make an invaluable contribution to further strengthening of AKD’s expertise in this field. “With her international experience and strong connections with leading law firms in the United States and Japan, Kyoko brings extensive expertise that greatly supplements our corporate, transactional and governance services,” says Carlos Pita Cao, AKD’s Managing Partner. “We are convinced that Kyoko, Anouk and Nicole will make a significant contribution to our firm. They will enhance our Corporate and M&A services, and they will help further realise our vision of strengthening AKD’s market position and offering excellent value for our clients.” In spite of the challenges of geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates, the market for complex notarial corporate law matters has unchanged potential. Sectors such as healthcare and life sciences remain strong and offer plenty of opportunities for M&A activity. In addition, challenging circumstances can in turn create new M&A opportunities. Companies remain active in mergers and acquisitions, or focus on internal restructurings, such as complex disentanglements and carve-outs, in which both the corporate advice and the involvement of a civil-law notary is required. The constantly evolving legal landscape demands a legal team that is eager to learn, curious and passionate about developing new skills all the time. As Kyoko says: “Dutch civil-law notaries increasingly play the role of trusted advisor for clients, not only in preparing the legal documents, but also by supporting them during the entire process of a transaction or reorganisation, from A to Z and beyond. We are known for putting the client first and taking proactive steps in working not only for, but also with the client. I look forward to further expanding this dynamic team together with Anouk and Nicole and to offering our clients the best possible support.”

Amsterdam, 5 November 2024 - AKD announced today that experienced indirect tax specialist Maarten Prevoo has joined the firm as a partner in its Tax team. Prevoo is based in the firm’s Amsterdam office. Maarten brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of indirect taxes, including VAT, Real Estate Transfer Tax, Assurance Premium Tax and packaging tax, both domestically and internationally. His expertise spans a variety of sectors, from e-commerce and the digital economy to financial services, retail, food, and production industries. He specialises in M&A, providing comprehensive buy-side and vendor due diligence, tax structuring and restructuring, and post-deal integration support for national and international transactions. Maarten’s work with strategic and financial acquirers, insurance companies, and investment managers focuses on optimising global indirect tax positions and mitigating risks. Carlos Pita Cao, AKD managing partner: "We are very glad to welcome Maarten to our firm. His impressive track record and expertise in indirect taxes will strengthen our tax practice. Maarten has the experience and drive necessary as we continue to attract and handle more and more complex cross-border and multi-expertise matters, particularly in the digital economy, technology and energy sectors. We very much look forward to working with Maarten and are excited to have him on board.” "I am excited to join the ranks of AKD,” says Maarten Prevoo. “AKD has an excellent Tax team and I look forward to being a part of it. I am eager to help expand the firm’s tax capabilities. What particularly appealed to me is AKD’s drive to keep moving forward and its people’s straightforward way of approaching everything,” he continues. “My expertise seamlessly complements AKD’s current practices, and I am eager to get down to brass tacks together." “Maarten’s expertise and experience are valuable additions to our Tax team and to AKD as a whole,” says Tax Practice Group Head Ivo Vreman. “Our firm is dedicated to achieving excellence in complex tax matters, and Maarten's arrival further enhances our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team and look forward to going above and beyond for our clients with his added support!”