Linklaters > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile

Linklaters
WTC AMSTERDAM, TOWER H, 22ND FLOOR
ZUIDPLEIN 180
1077 XV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands

Netherlands > Capital markets: debt Tier 1

The vastly experienced Pim Horsten is at the head of Linklaters’ debt capital markets team, which is co-headed by counsel Hugo van der Molen. It advises such well-known clients, namely in the banking industry, as J.P. Morgan, Barclays, and HSBC. Its cross-jurisdictional, high-value and complex workload features a variety of advisory work on the range of regulatory capital issues and debt capital markets funding work, including assisting with dual tranche issuances, green bonds, EMTNs, and securities.

Practice head(s):

Pim Horsten; Hugo van der Molen

Testimonials

‘Hugo van der Molen is a valuable team member, who brings a lot of regulatory capital knowledge.’

‘The service level of each team member is unrivalled.’

Key clients

ING

J.P. Morgan

HSBC

Deutsche Bank

NatWest Markets

Barclays

UBS

Commerzbank

BoFA Securities

Work highlights

  • Advised J.P. Morgan and HSBC on NN Group’s Green Tier 2 Notes offerings combined with a cash tender offer for outstanding Notes.
  • Advised Barclays and the other Managers on the issuance by KPN of Perpetual Fixed Rate Resettable Capital Securities combined with a cash tender offer for outstanding Capital Securities.
  • Advised HSBC and the other Managers on the issuance by Heineken N.V. of in aggregate €2bn Notes under its €20bn Euro Medium Term Note Programme.

Netherlands > Capital markets: equity Tier 2

Linklaters’ equity capital markets practice has strong abilities advising its range of clients, including HSBC and BNP Paribas, on cases including those combining businesses, accelerated bookbuild offerings, and the sale of high-value shares, often in cross-jurisdictional contexts. Team leader and ‘outstanding lawyer’ Alexander Harmse advises investment banks and issuers on equity and related issues, as well as on high-yield debt matters. Managing associate Xu Wang is noteworthy and has a developing specialism in the range of ECM transactions; she is regarded for her ‘client dedication’.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Harmse

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A lean and mean team. Knowledgeable, responsive and quick, as well as very pragmatic. Often in the market and active.’

‘Alexander Harmse is an outstanding lawyer, very smart and pragmatic. He can tap from relevant precedents by heart and is very pleasant to work with.’

‘Alexander Harmse makes an excellent team with Xu Wang. Xu Wang is so experienced and knowledgeable that she makes an excellent and very reliable side-kick for Harmse.’

‘An excellent track record as banks’ counsel in the Dutch ECM market.’

‘Alexander Harmse is a seasoned capital markets professional with outstanding transactional structuring capabilities, which makes him a strong sparring partner on transaction structure discussions.’

‘Xu Wang shows outstanding client dedication.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO

BNP PARIBAS

Hauck & Aufhäuser

HSBC

Jefferies

UBS

VAM Investments SPAC

Van Lanschot Kempen

Work highlights

  • Advised consortium of banks on the €593.6m undocumented accelerated bookbuild offering of ASR Nederland N.V. to partly finance the combination of the Dutch insurance and banking activities of ASR with those of Aegon N.V.
  • Advised consortium of banks on the €25m undocumented capital increase via an accelerated bookbuild offering of Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.
  • Advising VAM Investments SPAC B.V. (VAM SPAC) on its potential business combination with Supermoney S.p.A., which offers price comparison and technological services in the energy, gas and telecommunications sector.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 2

The arbitration team at Linklaters is an integral part of the firm’s global arbitration practice and excels in the sphere of international arbitration and cross-border enforcement. The practice handles a large number of set-aside proceedings and cassation proceedings, and has particular expertise in oil and gas and joint venture disputes. High-value and complex commercial and investment arbitrations make up the majority of the practice’s work. Practice head and arbitration specialist Gerard Meijer is an authority on Dutch law-related arbitrations and is routinely involved in high-stakes international arbitrations. Daniella Strik focuses on cases involving financial institutions and the energy sector, as well as having experience in notable investor state disputes. Bo Ra Hoebeke advises corporations and large investment companies, as well as handling commercial arbitration. Another key member of the team is Bart Fleuren, who is well versed in arbitration-related Dutch court proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Gerard Meijer

Testimonials

‘The close-knit, personable and hugely dedicated team in Linklaters’ arbitration practice in the Netherlands work together seamlessly, bringing in expertise where necessary from their cassation experts, while keeping on top of the detail and process in a large matter.’

‘Gerard Meijer is a brilliant legal thinker and gives sound and reliable advice.’

‘I would like to give special mention to Bo Ra Hoebeke, whose standout advocacy led to a favourable ruling. She is calm, collected and deeply knowledgeable, and is an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘The team have fantastic experience and the in-depth knowledge needed to give top-level advice at all stages of a dispute. Linklaters advised us on a highly complex international arbitration. The team approached the challenge in a very collaborative manner, coming up with some great, innovative ideas to achieve the result that we needed.’

‘Gerard Meijer has an incredible understanding of complex disputes involving cross-border aspects and has vast experience, which allows him to advise on how to use the procedural rules to achieve the best outcome. A great strategic thinker.’

‘Gerard Meijer is the top practitioner in the country in set-aside proceedings. He is exceptional! I highly recommend him.’

Key clients

CC/Devas (Mauritius) Ltd., Devas Employees Mauritius Private Ltd., and Telcom Devas Mauritius Ltd.

Sina Hong Kong Limited

Chevron Corporation and Texaco Petroleum Company

Merck Sharp & Dohme (IA) LLC

Eni S.p.A.

Devas Multimedia America, Inc.

Monsoon Blocking Storage, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Chevron Corporation and Texaco Petroleum Company in high-profile, multi-billion-dollar set-aside proceedings, and in underlying investment arbitration proceedings.
  • Representing Merck Sharp & Dohme (IA) LLC in set-aside proceedings in the Netherlands filed by the Republic of Ecuador with respect to arbitral awards issued against Ecuador in an investment arbitration.
  • Represented the Devas shareholders in the high-profile set-aside proceedings before the Dutch Supreme Court in relation to a billion-dollar UNCITRAL arbitration claim brought under the Mauritius-India BIT in 2012, which resulted in a USD 111 million award whose international enforcement is currently being resisted by India.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 2

Daniella Strik leads the litigation, arbitration, and investigations practice at Linklaters, which excels in handling the full gamut of finance-related disputes for financial institutions. The team has a lot of experience in securities, banking, and cartel damages litigation, as well as expertise in class actions and private enforcement actions. Strik has recently launched a global collective redress group at the firm, which is one of her specialisms; she is also well versed in investor state disputes. Gerard Meijer is an authority in Dutch arbitration. Bart Fleuren leads the Supreme Court practice and has extensive experience in financial and corporate litigation.

Practice head(s):

Daniella Strik

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Daniella Strik and her team are able to handle multiple complex cases at the same time, which is very impressive. This team are able to work under high pressure and stay approachable. They always think of a new strategy to deliver top-notch work.’

‘The team led by Daniella Strik is highly professional, dedicated to the targeted goal, responsible and reliable.’

‘We especially appreciated our cooperation with Daniella Strik. She was able to structure and organise her team to deliver an excellent service to the client and was responsive to the client’s requests.’

Key clients

Non-executive directors of Airbus SE

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Zimmer GmbH

Air-France

DPA Group B.V.

Clearstream Banking AG and Deutsche Börse AG

Glencore International AG

Madison Pacific

Metinvest B.V.

Work highlights

  • Represented Steinhoff in the defence of all Dutch class and individual actions initiated against it in relation to EUR 12bn value securities claims following the disclosure of accounting irregularities.
  • Represented Credit Suisse in its successful USD 450m credit bid proceedings in relation to the Ruyi Textile group before the Netherlands Commercial Court.
  • Representing Madison Pacific in interim injunctive proceedings in relation to a credit facility with an outstanding amount of USD 350m.

Netherlands > Banking and finance: Borrower side Tier 3

Paul Kuipers leads the team at Linklaters, which has broad capabilities in international financing transactions and is particularly experienced in negotiating matters on behalf of private equity sponsors and fund managers. With an in-depth knowledge of the energy and utilities sector, the firm is well placed to advise on financing matters within this industry. Mees Roelofs and Bram Bulter are also core members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Paul Kuipers

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

ING Bank NV

Glennmont Partners

Meridiam SAS

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

Finco Fuels

Invest International Capital B.V.

Danske Bank A/S

Syngenta Crop protection AG

Sygenta RCF

Work highlights

  • Advised the sponsor team comprising of Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners and Kansai Electric Power on the financing of the NeuConnect interconnector project that will link the Isle of Grain in England to Wilhelmshaven in Germany.
  • Advising Dutch oil commodities trader Finco Energies as borrower on its external financing from a consortium of five banks.

Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 3

Headed by Bas Jennen, the financial regulation group at Linklaters has an established network with Dutch regulatory authorities such as the Dutch Central Bank and the Authority for the Financial Markets. The firm frequently advises international and domestic banks, payment services providers, fintech companies, investment firms, and insurance companies. Leonard Van Den Ende is an integral part of the team with experience handling matters relating to licensing, regulatory issues in M&A transactions, and anti-money laundering policies.

Practice head(s):

Bas Jennen

Other key lawyers:

Leonard van den Ende

Testimonials

‘The firm stands out for their high-level expertise and international network.’

‘Bas Jennen is one of a kind. He is very dedicated and client focused. He has an excellent knowledge of the legal framework and is creative in finding solutions for complicated matters with his outside-the-box mindset.’

The team has special expertise in the field of financial administrative law, not only in the laws and regulations of the Netherlands and the EU, but also of the Dutch Caribbean, such as Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten.’

‘Bas Jennen has a vast knowledge of the existing legal framework in Aruba. He and Leonard van den Ende are conscientious and fast.’

Key clients

Central Bank of Aruba

Work highlights

  • Advised the Central Bank of Aruba on a comprehensive new legal framework to regulate and supervise payment service providers and payment systems and introduce a right to a payment account for consumers and businesses.
  • Advised a Dutch financial holding company on the application for permission with the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank).

Netherlands > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 3

Linklaters advises banks and alternative credit providers on a variety of financial mandates. The firm is especially skilled at handling cross-border matters for banks, real estate investors and asset managers across the globe. Paul Kuipers leads the team, with experience in syndicated lending, acquisition finance, and project finance. Mees Roelofs is an ‘outstanding’ lawyer who is recommended for his vast amount of experience acting for lenders on a variety of transactions. Bram Bulter is a further standout member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Paul Kuipers

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is pleasant to work with. They are pragmatic in trying to find a middle ground, balancing the interests between lenders and borrowers.’

‘The team is available on short notice. They also have a finger on the pulse of the European market, which makes them great partners on transactions.’

‘Their negotiation style is measured and commercial, which is much appreciated by principals from both sides of the table. They also have access to a vast pool of know-how across the Linklaters global network.’

‘Their service is top-notch from start to finish, and from the most junior individual on the deal to the most senior. The handover is also seamless between team members, which is helpful on larger transactions.’

‘Mees Roelofs is outstanding. He is concise, responsive, commercial and genuinely affable.’

‘Bram Bulter is knowledgeable. He is someone that you want to have as a regular contact on a transaction.’

‘The team stands out for its in-depth market and legal knowledge. They are very efficient and deal driven.’

‘Mees Roelofs has excellent legal skills and knowledge of topical issues in the market.’

Key clients

ING Bank NV

Glennmont Partners

Meridiam SAS

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

Invest International Capital B.V.

Danske Bank A/S

Syngenta Crop protection AG

Sygenta RCF

Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

The commercial, corporate and M&A team at Linklaters, led by Jan Willem De Boer, is recognised for its capabilities in handling M&A, private equity and restructuring matters, and is often instructed by Dutch and international investors and corporates. Business combinations and high-value acquisitions are also prominent in the group's workload. Guido Portier and Mariken van Esch are well versed in advising on a range of corporate law issues. Counsel Gijs Smit is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Jan Willem de Boer

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Knowledge of all sectors of the renewable market from a wide-range of deals across different stages and involving various technologies. They also understand the latest regulatory updates as well as international precedents.’

‘Always available and able to answer questions on a range of topics.’

Key clients

Steinhoff International Holdings

Triton Advisors

Xenon Private Equity / Microtest

Shareholders of LeasePlan

VAM Investments SPAC

ING Bank, KBC Bank, Belfius and Rabobank

Work highlights

  • Advised ING, KBC Bank, Rabobank and Belfius on the sale of Payconiq International to the European Payments Initiative (EPI).

Netherlands > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

Linklaters‘ restructuring and insolvency group is led by Paul Kuipers, who is described as having ‘excellent technical knowledge’ of the area. The team has abilities handling equity and debt restructuring work, which is often multi-jurisdictional in nature. It frequently collaborates with the firm’s international offices in order to provide the full service to well-known clients, on matters of considerable value.

Practice head(s):

Paul Kuipers

Other key lawyers:

Marc Noldus; Danielle Strik

Testimonials

‘A broad team that is always smartly and efficiently put to work.’

‘Paul Kuipers is a true project manager but also knows every detail of complex cases trusted to him – he is very dedicated to his clients! Marc Noldus is smart and contributes to the team’s success.’

‘Paul Kuipers is on-the-ball and has a great handle on matters. Marc Noldus is also very good to work with.’

‘Paul Kuipers provides excellent technical knowledge of Dutch law requirements relating to a complex series of merger, de-merger and unwinding transactions, but overlays that with commercial, comprehensible and sensible advice.’

‘Marc Noldus supports really well on transactions, is readily available to deal with queries, and provides pragmatic drafting solutions to legacy issues.’

‘Paul Kuipers and Danielle Strik are heading a team that handles a series of ground-breaking restructuring, high-profile litigation and refinancing matters. Outfits with that firm capacity and accurate capability are very rare in the Netherlands.’

‘Paul Kuipers operates at the centre of bet-the-company blue chip matters. He, alongside his litigation partner Danielle Strik, coordinates and visibly leads all of the firms’ complex restructuring matters, and with great success, even in matters with a burdensome starting position.’

‘Paul Kuipers has amazing legal skills. He is very solution-oriented and client-driven.’

Key clients

Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. in liquidatie

Work highlights

  • Advised Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. on its €10.5bn equity and debt restructuring via Dutch WHOA proceedings.

Netherlands > Tax Tier 3

Linklaters' tax team ‘delivers excellent advice on complex transactions’, providing advice on tax issues tied to M&A, private equity, capital markets and financing deals, in addition to handling a variety of issuances by financial institutions and multinational corporates. The ‘superb’ Dick Hofland leads the practice, acting for corporates, private equity investors and financial institutions in the planning of their international tax structures. Jurian van der Pas focuses on the tax arrangements of structured finance, refinancing and securitisation deals.

Practice head(s):

Dick Hofland

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Dick Hofland has an exceptional blend of technical knowledge and business judgement. He is unique.’

‘Strong team with lots of technical capabilities.’

‘Dick Hofland is one of the best tax lawyers in the Netherlands.’

‘First-class practice which delivers excellent advice on complex transactions to exacting deadlines.’

‘Jurian van der Pas and Dick Hofland are both excellent practitioners who very skilfully use their subject matter expertise to devise solutions which fit the commercial requirements of the transaction. Both are very personable and easy to deal with.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Cerberus European Investments LLC

Cerberus Capital Management LP

Work highlights

  • Advised Cerberus Capital Management LP on the divestment of Worldwide Flight Services for EUR 1.3bn.
  • Assisted Cerberus European Investments LLC with the setup and financing of a Dutch joint venture entity, 95% of which will be held by Cerberus, to act as a pan-European platform for investments in industrial service facility real estate.
  • Advised the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on its investment in the TMF Group B.V.

Netherlands > Private equity Tier 4