CMS advises on key food sector matters such as nutrition, labelling, contamination, and product recall, and also demonstrates a strong track record in complex cross-border M&A and litigation. The team is co-led by Aukje Haan, whose expertise includes corporate, commercial, and ESG issues, and Mark Ziekman, who specialises in cross-border mergers and takeovers within the sector. The team is rounded out by litigator Akin Aslan, who assists clients regarding high-stakes product liability, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Approachable, reliable, and quick to respond.'
- 'Strong expertise combined with clear, practical guidance.'
- ‘Pragmatic, solution-oriented, and highly capable.'
- 'Valued for professionalism, foresight, and being trusted sparring partners.’
- 'Collaborative, responsive, and flexible.’
- 'They combine strong legal expertise with practical advice and close business alignment.'
Key clients
- Associated British Food ACETUM S.p.A. AB Mauri Amarant Bakkersholding Bake Five Coca Cola Europacific Partners Colgate-Palmolive Diageo Friesland Campina Fishflow Innovations Givaudan Holland & Barrett Illovo Sugar Africa Ltd Infarm Kiremko La Bouteille d'Or Mars GmbH Mars Wrigley McCain McDonald's Mosa Meat Royal Unibrew Salentein Syngenta Systematic Management The Coca-Cola Company Viscon Fresh Produce Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods Westmill Foods Xenos
Work highlights
Advised Royal Unibrew on the acquisition of Vrumona from Heineken.
Provided counsel to Systematic Growth on the acquisition of Pouch Alliance B.V., a company active in the business of developing, producing and packaging of private label liquid health foods and sport supplements.
Advised McDonald's on the building permit to open a restaurant in Amsterdam's 'Zuidas' business district.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Aukje Haan; Mark Ziekman
Other key lawyers
Akin Aslan