Corporate/M&A: Netherlands

THE FIRM The corporate/M&A team at this large international firm has exceptional capacity, and is universally recognised as one of the best, in both size and quality. The practice has 16 partners and a large group of associates, enabling a broad and deep client service that spans the range of corporate work. In acquisitions, the firm provides a full service and carries a great deal of sector-specific knowledge alongside its general expertise, particularly in areas such as technology, media and telecoms, and life sciences. Recent mandates include advising Heijmans on the MBO of its subsidiary Leadbitter, which involved significant merger control aspects. It worked on acquisitions for Cargill in the alcohol and confectionery sectors, and acted for Crucell on its takeover by Johnson & Johnson.

Sources say: "In corporate M&A, it is still the number one." "It is very active internationally, but has a long-established Dutch practice as well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan Louis Burggraaf is the leading light of the practice, and is particularly known for his work in international M&A. Sources confirm he is "a true leader in the field." Charles Honée has a broad transactional practice and is known for his expertise in private equity as well as corporate governance. Maarten Muller focuses on public offerings, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Karine Kodde is known for her private equity expertise in particular, and also wins acclaim for her M&A practice as a whole. Justin Steer's practice includes private equity work. "He's an excellent drafter and negotiator, and very supportive in getting the deal done," say clients. Peers note Tim Stevens's swift rise to prominence in the market. Annelies van der Pauw is praised for her work in public takeovers and joint ventures.

THE FIRM The corporate/M&A team at De Brauw forms the heart of this venerable Dutch firm. It is well known for its long-standing relationships with blue-chip clients, to which it is able to offer a full spectrum of corporate support, and it has a comprehensive regulatory practice to boot. It is also amongst the largest teams in the Netherlands. It has advised on deals worth billions of euros, and few other firms can match it on this measure. Highlights include acting for Smit Internationale on the public bid by Royal Boskalis Westminster and advising Teleplan International on the public bid by Gilde. The team also acted for AkzoNobel on the USD1.4 billion sale of National Starch.

Sources say: "The team fits well with my people. The work flows easily, and they keep their feet on the ground." "I think they are pragmatic, and very much aware of the latest developments."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Arne Grimme is widely recognised as one of the best corporate M&A lawyers in the Netherlands, and has a particular aptitude for matters involving complex financial arrangements. "He is highly qualified and combines business sense with a depth of legal knowledge in exactly the combination clients want," said a source. Clients like working with Bernard Roelvink. "He is approachable. He doesn't just know the technicalities, but also the realities around the law, and guides us well," said an interviewee. Pierre Nijnens is the head of the practice group, and specialises in cross-border work. Jaap Winter is "one of the best-known corporate governance lawyers in the Netherlands," according to his peers. Paul Cronheim advised Corio on the EUR1.3 billion acquisition of shopping centres throughout Western Europe.

THE FIRM This international heavyweight has a strong corporate offering in the Netherlands, with close links to London. It is well known for its work in private equity, as well as international joint ventures and cross-border M&A. The firm advised Maxeda on the sale of its fashion retail businesses, and acted for prominent life sciences business Royal DSM on its joint venture with Sinochem.

Sources say: "The firm has a pragmatic and practical approach, and gives great value for money." "It has excellent cross-border capabilities."

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based partner Thijs Alexander is recognised as a major force in Dutch corporate M&A, and divides his time between London and Amsterdam. Peers describe him as "a pre-eminent name and a very important figure." He is also known for his private equity practice. Jeroen Koster is head of the department and works on both public and private mergers. Gerrit Jan Kleute is a younger lawyer who has gained market attention for his high-level work.

THE FIRM This traditionally transactional practice has put an increasing emphasis on strategic advice of late, offering clients ongoing corporate structuring assistance following major deals. Examples include advising ABN AMRO on the integration with Fortis Bank Netherlands, and acting for Sara Lee on the sale of six of its businesses, which involved large-scale and complex cross-border activity. The team also finalised a bid for Draka Holding on behalf of its client Prysmian, securing the deal over rivals and complying with foreign investment regulations in other jurisdictions.

Sources say: "I would definitely send my multi-jurisdictional business to this firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Shawn der Kinderen has made a strong impact on the market in a relatively short period of time, say peers. He is qualified to practise in the UK, South Africa and the Netherlands. Jan Willem van der Staay is a well-known name in M&A. His expertise also extends to equity capital markets. Richard Norbruis is noted for his cross-border work. Robert ten Have focuses on securities law and corporate governance within his wider corporate M&A practice. Dirk-Jan Smit heads the Corporate team.

THE FIRM This team has now grown to five partners and increased its influence in the market considerably, confirm sources. The group handled some big-ticket work, including acting for Deutsche Börse on its joint venture with NYSE Euronext, which involved co-operation across multiple jurisdictions in advance of the IPO. Additionally, the firm advised RBS on the untangling of ABN AMRO, which involved the Amsterdam corporate group leading and coordinating Linklaters teams in various jurisdictions. The team also worked for Electrabel and International Power on the reverse takeover of GDF SUEZ, including corporate governance advice.

Sources say: "The firm has an excellent corporate client base and a well-earned reputation for the quality of its work and lawyers." "We chose it because of its international capacity. The partners have excellent knowledge and are fully involved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan Willem de Boer joined the team from De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, and brings with him a wealth of corporate experience. Peter Goes heads the practice, and is praised by clients for his flexibility and his strength in negotiations. Pieter Riemer has a long transactional track record and broad corporate expertise. He was involved in some of the firm's most high-profile recent mandates. Henk Arnold Sijnja is known for his experience of cross-border M&A and equity capital markets work.

THE FIRM With an integrated practice in corporate, notarial and tax law, this sizeable team is a favourite with clients, who highlight its business-minded, pragmatic approach. In cross-border matters, the firm has a network of foreign law firms with which it has open and flexible relationships, as well as its own offices in other jurisdictions. Recent work has included representing Capital One in its purchase of the US business of ING Direct, and acting for The Carlyle Group on its purchase of AlpInvest. In the retail sector, the team advised Selfridges on the acquisition of retailer De Bijenkorf.

Sources say: "I relied heavily on the firm as it was a new market for me. It quickly gained my trust and was vital in finalising the transaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Herman Kaemingk is well regarded in the market and particularly admired for his expertise in private equity. Philip van Verschuer often deals with clients from the telecoms and energy sectors. Clients describe Bas Vletter as "proactive, creative and extraordinarily efficient."  Ewout Stumphius is a member of the firm's China desk, and works on takeovers and joint ventures across industry sectors. New York-based Jack Berk is a specialist in venture capital and fund formation, and is also known for his accounting and reporting compliance advice.

THE FIRM The corporate/M&A department at this firm is one of the largest in the Netherlands and maintains good relationships with foreign firms to handle cross-border work. Clients also benefit from the firm's office in London. The team takes an industry-specific approach to all its work, and wins particular praise for its expertise in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Drawing on its knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, it advised Johnson & Johnson on its bid for Crucell, closing the deal successfully, and ran an innovative post-closing restructuring. It further advised APG on the sale of AlpInvest to The Carlyle Group.

Sources say: "This firm did a perfect job and gave us top-quality, commercially focused advice. I would definitely use it again." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hein Hooghoudt heads the practice and has a well-established reputation among peers. Clients value his availability and responsiveness. Leo Groothuis co-heads the firm's financial industry team and focuses on public and private M&A. Joost Den Engelsman works on outsourcing projects and corporate restructurings, as well as cross-border transactions.

THE FIRM The cross-border capacity of this firm is tried and tested. Besides presences in the Benelux region, it has offices in London, New York and Dubai. The team advised NYSE Euronext on its proposed merger with Deutsche Börse, which involved stock market listings in several countries. It also acted for Chinese company Xinmao on its bid for Draka, and represented APG Asset Management on its acquisition of a major real estate fund.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fons Leijten is a corporate lawyer with long experience in contentious matters. Björn van der Klip focuses on M&A, fund formation and corporate governance. Heleen Kersten is the firm's managing partner and has a good reputation for M&A and private equity work. Marius Josephus Jitta is a long-standing name in corporate law, and is also known for his litigation experience. Department head Allard Metzelaar wins praise from clients for the deft management of his team. Duco de Boer is the resident corporate partner in New York, and focuses on M&A.

THE FIRM This active group is known for handling a large volume of deals. It advised Portugal Telecom on the EUR7.5 billion sale of its 50% stake in Brasilcel to Telefónica. It also acted for China Huaneng Group on its acquisition of the energy generation interests of InterGen, and advised Eneco on its acquisition of Oxxio, a joint venture with Centrica. Commentators say the firm's independent position and good quality work help win it referrals from US firms.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eddie Meijer's broad practice includes corporate governance and restructuring, while Willem de Nijs Bik covers transactions and corporate governance, with a focus on utilities and energy. Michiel Pannekoek is known as a prolific transactional lawyer, receiving much market attention for the high volume of deals he achieves. Casper Banz works largely in joint ventures and cross-border transactions. He recently advised De Telegraaf Media Groep on its acquisition of social network site Hyves. Alexander Kaarls often handles cross-border transactions and earns praise for his client-focused approach and affable manner.  

THE FIRM This team attracts clients from the life sciences, TMT, infrastructure and financial sectors. It advised Refresco on its acquisition of Spumador, which involved cross-border co-operation with the firm's Italian partners. It also represented Sinochem in its acquisition of a 50% stake in DSM Global; the Amsterdam group led the deal with support from Hong Kong and Spain.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean-Pierre van Leeuwe heads the team and combines corporate/M&A with private equity work. Pieter van Uchelen has built a reputation for corporate work in the technology, media and telecoms sectors. Leo Verhoeff advises on corporate governance as well as transactions.

THE FIRM International instructions form a considerable part of the transactional practice of this firm. It is well known for its private equity and capital markets-driven M&A work, and also has strong capacity in corporate governance. The firm acted for PAI partners on the controlled auction of the Kwik-Fit Group, and was the lead counsel to Dockwise on its USD103 million rights issue. The firm also advised Air France KLM on corporate governance matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Onno Boerstra is head of the corporate practice group, and is known for his impressive client base. Hugo Reumkens is the firm's managing partner. "He is quite brilliant," say clients. "He always finds a commercial, legally elegant solution and he's very client-focused."

THE FIRM With offices throughout the Netherlands, this firm is able to provide on-the-doorstep support to clients, simultaneously maintaining an international practice with a particular focus on Asia. The department has expanded of late, with several lateral hires at partner level. Recent work has included acting for DONG Energy on the sale of a stake in the Walney Offshore Wind Farm and advising Beins Travel Group on a joint venture in an online travel agency. The team also assisted Japanese telecoms company KDDI with the structuring of its businesses in Russia, Mongolia and Taiwan.

Sources say: "A great co-operative relationship on a complicated transaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Francois Koppenol is "creative in finding solutions that work for everybody," say clients. Carlos Pita Cao has a broad corporate practice, which includes expertise in MBOs. Matthijs Ingen-Housz is praised for his "concise, accurate and timely" advice.

THE FIRM This group is well respected for its mid-market M&A activity and noted for its integration of corporate and tax advice. Clients report positive experiences with the team on multi-jurisdictional transactions, and praise the efficient service. The firm acted for Axcan on its USD583 million acquisition of Eurand, which involved complex structuring arrangements. Other clients include Baloise, Koppers and Unicredit. 

Sources say: "I was impressed by the firm's high-quality and proactive legal services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan Peters is the head of the department.

THE FIRM The team at CMS Derks Star Busmann has been busy with a slew of mid-market transactions, particularly in the consumer goods and sports sectors. It acted for Douglas Holdings on its divestment of its Russian perfumes business, a cross-border matter requiring co-operation between Amsterdam and Moscow. It also assisted the trustees of DSB Beheer with the sale of AZ Alkmaar football club.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roman Tarlavski is the head of the corporate team, and is known for his expertise in the hospitality and automotive sectors. 

THE FIRM International work forms the backbone of this firm's M&A practice. A full-service firm with a particularly strong regulatory offering, it has a sharp focus on the TMT, chemicals and energy sectors. It also attracts clients from the financial services sector, offering ongoing corporate advice. Recent instructions have included acting for Royal KPN on its acquisition of Atlantic Telecom, and representing ING REIM in the sale of its Canadian interests. Clients note the group's practical and solution-oriented approach.

Sources say: "There is the legal side, but also the commercial side, and this team can really strike a balance between them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Barbara Van Hussen heads the practice. Satisfied customers state that "she is highly client-oriented and she does nothing that does not add value." Associate Daphne Bens "is very good at putting herself in her clients' position and understanding the issues, and is only interested in obtaining the best result," say interviewees.

THE FIRM Three partners head up the team at this international firm. In a EUR1 billion transaction, it acted for a banking consortium led by Crédit Agricole on the bid by Nexans to acquire Draka. The group also advised ING REIM on the establishment and closing of a EUR1.5 billion Shopping Centre Fund, and represented a bidder in the sale of Sanex by Unilever. The firm is a strong player in the life sciences sector.

Sources say: "The firm has been consistently strong across jurisdictions. The offices know each other, work together and have good internal communication."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Victor De Vlaam "has a US style of deal management which is part of the firm's culture," say clients. "He is very responsive, and you can leave him to his own devices, trusting in the outcome."

THE FIRM This firm has a strong reputation in TMT, and the M&A team often works for international investors in the technology sector. It acted for FreMantle Media Group on its acquisition of Four One Media Group, and for MeVis Medical Solutions on its investment in Medis. The lawyers also advised Mobile Interactive Technologies on its acquisition of Golden Bytes.

Sources say: "The atmosphere at this firm suits us. It's uncomplicated, not too formal, hands-on, practical and fast. It's good value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Louis Bouchez for his leadership in transactions.

THE FIRM Making its debut in the rankings this year, this firm is on the global panel for ING, and recently advised the shareholders of Liquavista on the sale of the business to Samsung. It also represented Fornix BioSciences in the sale of its allergy business to a Danish pharmaceutical company. The firm is known for its strength in the energy sector, and peers note that the team is often involved in sizeable transactions.

Sources say: "Everything with our deal was as it should be."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ep Hannema and Marcel van de Vorst co-head the department.

THE FIRM Best known for its work in dispute resolution, this firm also maintains a practice in transactional advice and corporate governance. It represented Nortek on its takeover of Ergotron, and acted for the Dutch State on its acquisition of an overseas development bank. The firm is based in The Hague.

Sources say: "I would recommend it to anyone requiring a high standard of legal support. The firm proactively controls its costs, and I have not found this level of partner contact at many other places."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Surber handles corporate structuring and cross-border transactional work, and often works with US clients. Clients praise Michiel Martin's quick response time and ready availability.

THE FIRM This team offers solid corporate support to clients from a range of sectors, most notably energy, electronics and TMT. The firm advised Disney on its corporate restructuring in the Netherlands and Belgium, and acted for Silicon Hive on a capital investment of USD5 million. Other clients include Dun & Bradstreet.

Sources say: "This firm saved my life on one transaction. It has huge experience in the fields of law we need, it is compatible with our operation and it offers a swift, high-level, high-speed service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pauline Vos offers "pragmatic, commercial, swift solutions," according to clients.

THE FIRM This firm has recently opened an office in London and expanded the team to include five partners. The lawyers acted for Novell on its merger with Attachmate and Longview Software, and advised Candover on the sale of Ontex to Goldman Sachs and TPG Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ferdinand Mason is the head of the corporate M&A practice group, and leads the team from London.

THE FIRM The corporate M&A team plays a central role in this mid-market boutique, which also handles real estate, dispute resolution and employment law. The group advised Mastervolt on a EUR120 million takeover by Actuant and acted for Health City on its acquisition of Basic Fit. Clients value the firm's compact size, saying it promotes swift and cost-effective access to partners.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Michiel van Schooten as "practical, knowledgeable and personable," and praise his ability to find solutions.

THE FIRM This niche firm aims to provide a lean and efficient service, with high levels of direct partner contact. It provides a full spectrum of corporate support, from governance and regulatory advice to transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Maarten van der Graaf handles corporate and finance transactions and brings with him experience in US corporate law firms, having practised in New York.