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.
- ‘Pragmatic, solution-oriented, and highly capable.'
- 'They combine strong legal expertise with practical advice and close business alignment.'
- 'Collaborative, responsive, and flexible.’
- ‘Approachable, reliable, and quick to respond.'
- 'Strong expertise combined with clear, practical guidance.'
- 'Valued for professionalism, foresight, and being trusted sparring partners.’
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
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