Mr Gerard Kneppers > DLA Piper > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper, under the stewardship of project finance specialist Gerard Kneppers, is the firm of choice for a number of private equity borrowers requiring financing for both acquisitions and the operations of their portfolio companies, while also assisting corporate borrowers on the restatement of existing financing arrangements. ‘Leading voice in the industry’ Max Mayer, who is qualified in England & Wales, advises mid-market private equity sponsors on securing loans from private credit funds, which is also an area of focus for Nine Scheenjes. Mark Heddema, who arrived from Loyens & Loeff in February 2024, augments the firm’s real estate finance capacity.

DLA Piper‘s advice is sought by banks and credit funds for assistance with the structuring of syndicated acquisition, asset-backed and corporate finance solutions, and under the stewardship of Gerard Kneppers, is also well versed in restructuring non-performing loan portfolios and uncommon credit structures, including FOLOs. Netherlands managing partner Lex Oosterling is adept at overseeing both leveraged financing arrangements and real estate facilities, while Max Mayer focuses his efforts on the private credit sector. Adam Abou Habaga, who was made partner in May 2024, specialises in debt-based financing options.

Under the leadership of Gerard Kneppers, the energy team at DLA Piper has been kept busy advising on transactional matters in the renewable energy sector. Solar power work forms a core pillar of the practice, and the group continues to assist with complex regulatory issues in the energy space. Michiel Coenraads is a key contact for contentious matters, and has extensive experience in advising on climate change issues. Arjen de Snoo left the firm in April 2024.

The banking and finance practice at DLA Piper handles a number of cross-border finance transactions and project financings in the Netherlands. The team is led by project finance specialist Gerard Kneppers who is adept at advising on renewable energy-related project financings as well as developmental financial institution (DFI) based lending and infrastructural project finance. Renewable energy assets the team has advised on include solar, storage and EV charging products.