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De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

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Netherlands

1

Commercial, corporate and M&A

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is considered an ‘absolute powerhouse’ on major M&A and corporate transactions. The team, which operates under the leadership of Arne Grimme, services a leading client-base of European banks, multinational corporations and investment companies. Practice head Grimme possesses expertise in joint ventures and consortium sales, while Michael Schouten is noted for his capabilities in consumer goods acquisitions. Gaby Smeenk is particularly impressive in cooperative mergers and public offers and Lennard Keijzer stands out for his expertise in the energy sector, demonstrating a wealth of experience in corporate carve-outs. Jaap Barneveld, Frank Hamming and Klaas de Vries are further names of note. Anja Mutsaers and Jan Willem Hoevers retired in April and July 2025, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team shows they are able to provide sound, academic and up-to-date legal advice, but are also pragmatic and practical.'
  • 'They are able to lead multi-jurisdictional transactions and know how to cooperate with other firms. They are very knowledgeable but also reasonable and sympathetic, and thus pleasant to work with. ’
  • ‘Michael Schouten is a very knowledgeable, but also pragmatic partner. He thinks ahead and is able to provide concrete, helpful advice.'
  • 'De Brauw is an absolute powerhouse with a proven track record in big ticket M&A and Corporate transactions. They are really good in handling our most complex transactions and, especially in carve out deals, they are excellent.’
  • 'Arne Grimme is an extraordinary lawyer and adds tremendous value in deals and negotiations.'
  • 'Good balance between laying out the legal risks and options and practical applications/choices to be made.'

Key clients

  • ABN Amro
  • Achmea
  • Aegon
  • Ahold Delhaize
  • AkzoNobel
  • ASML
  • Exor
  • FrieslandCampina
  • Heineken
  • ING
  • Iveco
  • Just Eat Takeaway.com
  • Philips
  • PON
  • SHV
  • TenneT

Work highlights

Advised Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. on the recommended €4.1bn all-cash public offer by Prosus N.V.
Advised Achmea on the strategic partnership with Sixth Street in the Dutch pension and life insurance market. As part of this merger, Achmea and Sixth Street's portfolio company LifeTri, combine their Dutch pension and life insurance portfolios.
Advised Iveco on the recommended €3.8bn all-cash public offer by Tata Motors and the sale of Iveco's defence business for €1.7bn to Leonardo.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Arne Grimme
Arne Grimme
Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Jaap Barneveld
Jaap Barneveld
Practice head

Arne Grimme

Other key lawyers

Jaap Barneveld; Lennard Keijzer; Gaby Smeenk; Michael Schouten; Klaas de Vries; Frank Hamming