The ‘very dependable’ group at A&O Shearman harnesses capabilities assisting financially distressed clients in the array of restructuring matters of multi-billions of euros in value, often in complex and cross-jurisdictional contexts. Financial institutions, private equity investors and corporations feature in the team’s client roster. Sigrid Jansen whose workload includes handling corporate and multi-bank debt restructuring deals oversees the practice; it is noted that ‘Jansen and the whole team stands out for excellence’. Aroen Kuitenbrouwer is well-equipped to assist with the team’s most prominent clients with large-scale restructurings, while Andrew Thomas has a particular specialism in cross-border matters, including those involving debt restructuring, leveraged finance, syndicated lending and acquisition finance aspects. Kelly Visser-van der Vooren left to Stek in July 2024.
Restructuring and insolvency in Netherlands
A&O Shearman
Praxisleiter:
Sigrid Jansen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stijn Reinders; Aroen Kuitenbrouwer; Andrew Thomas; Geza Orban; Simon Aarts
Referenzen
‘Dedicated, strong knowledge, experienced, flexible and very strong in execution.’
‘Their scope is very wide, they are active in most large restructurings in the Netherlands. The go-to place for larger complicated restructurings given their experience, background and understanding of the various viewpoints. Great gender diversity in the team.’
‘Stijn Reinders and Geza Orban are very good.’
Kernmandanten
IHC Merwede Holding B.V
Vroon Group B.V. and Lamo Holding B.V.
Damen Shipyards Group N.V.
Koppert Beheer
Schoeller Allibert
MGG
Mirage Retail Group
Zorginvest
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for IHC Merwede Holding in relation to the restructuring of their €1.1bn syndicated facilities agreement, which is partially ECA backed, which has been provided by a syndicate of 9 banks.
- Advises Vroon Group B.V. and Lamo Holding B.V. on the corporate and financial restructuring of the Vroon Group.
- Advising the lenders in relation to the restructuring of Damen Shipyards, involving, among others, its senior and working capital facility agreements.
Clifford Chance
The practice at Clifford Chance, noted for its ‘proactiveness and strategic thinking’, is well equipped to handle the gamut of complex restructuring mandates for its clientele, the list of which spans sectors from real estate to shipping. Ilse van Gasteren frequently advises financial institutions, borrowers and investors on cross-jurisdictional and complex restructuring matters, while Jelle Hofland who is regarded for his ‘outstanding qualities’ has expertise in leveraged finance transactions and syndicated lending as well as in complex restructuring cases; the pair co-head the offering. A practitioner to note is court-appointed bankruptcy receiver and senior partner as of April 2024 Evert Verwey for his abilities handling major bankruptcy and restructuring matters of significant value.
Praxisleiter:
Ilse van Gasteren; Jelle Hofland
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Evert Verwey; Noor Costen
Referenzen
‘Very professional team that gives a really personal touch. I have enjoyed working with them. I appreciate their proactiveness and strategic thinking and the way they make complex matters very practical and prepare them for implementation. Their turn-around time is extremely efficient.’
‘A very professional yet personal touch. They work incredibly hard. Their pace and turnaround time is quick. Their knowledge and strategic thinking is ahead of many other firms.’
‘Jelle Hofland is a very professional lawyer with outstanding qualities, an eye for detail and a pragmatic approach. He is also heavily respected by counterparties.’
Kernmandanten
ING Bank N.V.
HSBC Bank PLC
Damen Shipyards Group N.V.
Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontwikkelingslanden
Kartesia Securities V
Tikehau
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Rabobank
Deutsche Bank
PNC US
TMF Group
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
The group at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek offers its clients advice on the full scope of insolvency and restructuring matters in international and domestic contexts. Financing and corporate reorganisation are areas the team frequently advises on, as are claw-back risks, stakeholder management and board fiduciary duties. Further, it is well-placed to advise on bet-the-company restructuring matters. Acting in high-stakes liability litigation in matters at Supreme Court and Court of Appeal level is also an area of focus of the practice. Distressed finance and restructuring deals are areas of expertise of ‘sound advisor’ Ferdinand Hengst who heads up the offering with Bas Boutellier, an experienced partner handling public and private debt financing cases. Corporate litigator Jeroen van der Schrieck is another key member of the team.
Praxisleiter:
Ferdinand Hengst; Bas Boutellier
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jeroen van der Schrieck; Matthias Haentjens; Lisa de Boer; Ryanne Elkerbout-Kok
Referenzen
‘Strong legal skills and a commercial approach.’
‘A broad transactional and litigation skillset, which has become more important in restructuring and insolvency.’
‘The De Brauw restructuring team is a well-rounded team with unparalleled technical knowledge in the Dutch market. They draw from their extensive litigation teams, which makes them highly skilled in contentious restructurings.’
Kernmandanten
Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten
Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs
Netherlands Ministry of Finance
Blackstone Credit (f.k.a. GSO Capital)
BC Partners
Apax Partners
Silverpoint Capital
Bracebridge Capital
Strategic Value Partners
Triton Partners
Parcom Capital
Waterland Private Equity
G Square Private Equity
Providence Equity
Primavera Capital Group
Goldman Sachs
Rabobank
ABN AMRO Bank
ING Bank
Atradius
HEMA
Intergamma Group
Sunweb Travel Group
Bonprix
Otto Group
Alimentation Couche-Tard
Royal Dutch Shell
TenneT
Lyondell Basell Industries
Siemens AG
AGCO Corp.
InterCement
Nielsen Group
Philips Electronics
Intercement
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing the client in a cross-border restructuring.
- Assisting the client in the first-ever combined US-NL restructuring.
- Acting as chairman in negotiations and as designing counsel of the largest bail-out of a financial institution in the history of the Dutch Caribbean.
Houthoff
Houthoff‘s practice is considered ‘one of the best in the Netherlands’ by clients, the list of which features well-known names. On the non-contentious side, the team is well equipped to advise clients in financial distress on such transactions as acquisitions and subsequent structuring, and on general financial regulatory issues. Frédéric Verhoeven is a noteworthy practitioner with capabilities advising US and UK-based hedge funds, Dutch private equity firms and government entities in cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters of significant value. On the contentious side, David Heems is a key contact who harnesses particular expertise acting for both debtors and creditors in complex restructuring litigation cases. Karien van Boekel is a key contact in international restructuring matters. ‘Very bright technical lawyer’ Christiaan Zijderveld leads the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Christiaan Zijderveld
Weitere Kernanwälte:
David Heems; Nadir Koudsi; Paul Sluijter; Jan Willem de Groot; Frédéric Verhoeven; Joost den Hollander; Karien van Boekel
Referenzen
‘Very creative and the best in their field of expertise.’
‘The Houthoff team has great general breadth and can include additional experts at very short notice giving you confidence that you will be safe in any unexpected development. They interface well with other top-tier firms in other jurisdictions.’
‘Christiaan Zijderveld is not only a great lawyer, he is also a calm consensus-builder and true team leader for his colleagues. Having worked closely with him on high-stakes and high-stress transactions over the years, the guy does not quit. Paul Sluijter provides great insight. In the courtroom setting, Jan Willem de Groot is really a heavyweight combining great legal acumen with persuasiveness in arguments.’
Kernmandanten
Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.
Fortenova Group
HPS Investment partners LLC
Loyalty Ventures Inc.
Brand Loyalty Group
BC Partners
Dümmen Orange
DSB Bank
Lehman Brothers
Goldman Sachs
ING Group
CBRE
AIG
Supervisory Board Imtech
Sogestran Shipping
Indofin
Amvest
ABNAMRO
Bomo (Hotels van Oranje)
Directors of Fortress Group
Lumileds Group
Farfetch Group
Unigel Brazil
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising HPS in multiple proceedings against Sportcity, a major Dutch gym chain to which HPS financed €130m following Sportcity’s court approval restructuring scheme, for not properly reporting or accounting their figures.
- Acted as court-appointed observer in the highly publicised Dutch Scheme/ WHOA of Vroon Shipping, a complex restructuring ran through both a Dutch and UK Scheme.
- Advising DSB Bank in a successful offering of a composition plan to a committee of representatives, involving the €650m distribution of post-bankruptcy interest claims to more than 280,000 creditors.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff‘s team is well regarded for its abilities advising on complex domestic and cross-border corporate restructuring matters. International and privately-held companies, and shareholders are amongst those the team assists in both non-contentious and litigious contexts. An example of its advisory work includes its assisting secured creditors of a global company with all aspects of the implementation of a multi-billion dollar restructuring. Team lead Vincent Vroom is noted for his ‘spot-on perspective’ and has experience advising on schemes of arrangement, on US chapter 11 proceedings, and on foreign restructuring regulations in addition to his contentious capabilities. Joris Dunki Jacobs has advisory and contentious capabilities in international restructuring matters, and Kim de Bruijn is highly regarded for her ‘deep knowledge’ of the area.
Praxisleiter:
Vincent Vroom
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kim de Bruijn; Joris Dunki Jacobs; Sharita Willigenburg
Referenzen
‘They have a deep knowledge of Dutch restructurings. They are responsive, knowledgeable and user-friendly.’
‘Vincent Vroom and Kim de Bruijn have as deep a knowledge as anyone in the market on Dutch restructurings. They are responsive, knowledgeable and user-friendly.’
‘Good responsiveness and availability.’
Kernmandanten
McDermott
Diebold Nixdorf group
Brookfield
VGZ and CZ
Lycra group
WeWork Group
Orpea
Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.
Royal Imtech N.V.
Scotch & Soda
Bain Capital
IGM Resins B.V. and Astorg
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the largest creditor group in the restructuring of McDermott that also holds the majority of the equity within the group.
- Advised the secured creditors on the implementation of the financial restructuring of the Diebold Nixdorf group through parallel US Chapter 11 and WHOA proceedings (the latter of which was recognised and enforcement on the basis of Chapter 15 proceedings).
- Advised Brookfield as financier and majority shareholder of Schoeller Allibert with respect to the group’s comprehensive recapitalisation first through Dutch WHOA proceedings and ultimately implemented consensually via a recapitalisation transaction with full consent from the group’s shareholders, bondholders and revolving credit facility lenders.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh‘s client list features corporates, debtors, insolvency trustees and alternative debt providers and its matters span the variety of industry sectors from telecoms and shipping, to real estate and pharmaceuticals. The team advises on the array of high-value structuring, restructuring and distressed matters. ‘Restructuring leader’ Marc Orval oversees the practice and notably recently advised on the first WHOA for a syndicated group of lenders. Barbara Rumora-Scheltema is a is a name to note for her abilities handling multi-billion dollar, high-profile restructuring matters in predominantly cross-border contexts. International work is also a focus area of Robert van Galen. Team changes include the departures of Teun Struycken and Catrien Rozeman in July and November 2024 respectively, and Saskia Heumakers‘ April 2024 transfer to the firm’s London office.
Praxisleiter:
Marc Orval
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lenneke de Baar; Barbara Rumora-Scheltema; Bart Wijnstekers; Robert van Galen
Referenzen
‘The team consists of professionals who are not only well-versed in the latest developments in their field but also have a wealth of practical experience. To empower clients, the practice offers educational resources.’
‘We love to work with Catrien Rozeman for her pragmatic approach and dedication. Catrien Rozeman has the ability to quickly cut through complexity and get to the heart of any issue. Her style has an unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on execution.’
‘I enjoy working with the Nauta team – they are responsive and pragmatic. They are willing to pursue unusual and creative lines of analysis.’
Kernmandanten
ABN AMRO
Bluestar Alliance (BSA)
BNP Paribas
Cnova
Commerzbank
DBS Bank Ltd
Deloitte Accountants
Deutsche Bank
DTEK
Forever 21
GLAS
HIG
ING
Invest-NL
Liberty Mutual
Lightyear
McDermott International Inc.
Maersk Supply Services
Mattel
Nordic Trustee
Odeon Cinemas Group Limited (AMC Entertainment)
Partners Group
Rabobank
SGB-Smit Group
The Learning Network
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted McDermott as Dutch counsel on its billion-dollar parallel cross-border debt restructuring under two interconnected WHOA proceedings in the Netherlands and a UK restructuring plan, resulting in Chapter 15 recognition of the respective restructuring plans in the US.
- Assisted an ad hoc group of term loan lenders in respect of the Dutch law aspects of the restructuring of the IGM Resins group.
- Assisted GLAS as Dutch legal counsel in connection with the consensual restructuring of the financing for Keter Group B.V.
CMS
CMS‘ team is well-regarded for its capabilities assisting clients including real estate funds and investors, and financial institutions and investment funds on the broad variety of restructuring matters, including in WHOA proceedings. Areas of industry sector focus include consumer products and retail as well as life sciences and healthcare. ‘True expert in the field’ Marc van Zanten heads up the offering with expertise handling pre-pack proceedings and bankruptcy work for well-known names. Following the January 2024 departure of Marcel Groenewegen, Marlous de Groot newly co-leads alongside van Zanten and has experience assisting clients with corporate and debt restructuring matters.
Praxisleiter:
Marc van Zanten; Marlous de Groot
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jonathan van Ee
Referenzen
‘It is a practice that really thinks along with you. They go for your desired result and really do everything for it.’
‘With knowledge and understanding of the context, they come up with a tailor-made approach that relieves you as a customer and efficiently leads to your desired goal. They commit and dedicate themselves. All practical matters, substantive knowledge, sharp analyses etc. are spot-on.’
‘Their way of working and really connecting to the context and client’s needs ensures that clients get a sublime result.’
Kernmandanten
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Accelerator Investments
ASR Nederland N.V.
Commerzbank
ING Bank N.V.
Grant Thornton
J.M. Levarht & Zonen B.V.
Lloyds Banking Group
Sport Unlimited Retail B.V. (SUR)
The Meatless Farm B.V.
Bankruptcy trustees Co-Med Zorg B.V.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a major Dutch bank on the WHOA proceedings of an international retail company.
- Appointed as trustee in the bankruptcy of J.M. Levarht & Zonen B.V. (Levarht), a wholesaler of fruit and vegetables with over 290 employees and an aggregate turnover of over €350m.
- Advised the Dutch Healthcare Sector Guarantee Fund in relation to the reorganisation/refinancing of three Dutch general hospitals.
DLA Piper
The well-established practice at DLA Piper has noteworthy abilities handling corporate and financial insolvency and restructuring matters in an advisory capacity. Further, the team harnesses capabilities handling contentious matters. Marc Molhuysen oversees the group and has experience ranging from advising clients on all aspects of restructuring cases, to assisting with foreclosure sales. Olmo Weeshoff is a ‘talented lawyer’ with expertise in WHOA procedures, while Wilmy Westerhof frequently advises on the impacts of insolvencies on proprietary, as well as on bankruptcy matters.
Praxisleiter:
Marc Molhuysen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Olmo Weeshoff; Wilmy Westerhof; Max Mayer
Referenzen
‘A great team – a pleasure to work with.’
‘Marc Molhuysen has a strategic mind and is fun to work with.’
‘Olmo Weeshoff is a talented lawyer and a smart guy. One to watch.’
Kernmandanten
ABN AMRO Bank
Invest-NL
Deutsche Bank
European Bank of Reconstruction and Development
ING Bank
Pemberton Capital Advisors
Opportunity Partners
Royal Reesink
TriplePoint Capital
Oost NL
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the client in respect of their position in the restructuring of Mercon Coffee, including a complex parallel US Chapter 11 and Dutch WHOA proceeding.
- Advising Invest-NL on the high-profile restructuring of photonic chipmaker LioniX International.
- Assisting the client with regards to Blokker’s claim for continued financing.
Florent
The practice at Florent is noted for its ‘exceptional dedication’ to assisting its clients. The practice is well-placed to advise companies in financial distress on the remit of issues, including in WHOA proceedings, as well as to advise clients in bankruptcy proceedings. ‘Highly intelligent strategist’ Hanneke De Coninck helms the offering and has experience acting as court-appointed trustee in high-stakes insolvencies. At the team’s head alongside De Coninck is Kees van de Meent who advises in high-profile proceedings spanning the array of industry sectors and is ‘appointed in some of the biggest insolvencies in the Netherlands’.
Praxisleiter:
Hanneke De Coninck; Kees van de Meent
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Daphne Beunk; Jurgen van de Heuvel; Merijn Moeliker; Joris Opstroom; Alejandra Bouts
Referenzen
‘The Florent team truly distinguishes itself through its pragmatic approach to handling cases. Their exceptional dedication, prompt and precise counsel, and availability have significantly contributed to the success of our case.’
‘Hanneke de Coninck is a highly intelligent strategist who goes beyond the legal aspects and genuinely acts in the best interests of her clients.’
‘Kees van de Meent is a good communicator and knows how to get parties involved.’
Kernmandanten
Crystal River Cruises
Helpling
FNG group of companies
Theo Henkelman Schoenen B.V.
Only A Shoes B.V.
V&D
La Place
Exem Energy
Thomas Cook Nederland B.V.
Doniger Fashion group of companies
Van der Moolen group of companies
Integrated Green Energy Amsterdam B.V.
B.V. Vitesse
Sports Unlimited Retail B.V.
Basta
Big Bazar B.V.
Aygun Aluminium Netherlands B.V.
Delight Yoga group
Arch & Hook group
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting as bankruptcy trustee in the bankruptcy of Sports Unlimited Retail, including the sports apparel chains Perry Sport, Aktiesport, and Sprinter.
- Acting as bankruptcy trustee in the bankruptcy of Big Bazar, a chain of discount stores that operated over 125 stores in the Netherlands and Belgium and employed approximately 1,350 employees in the Netherlands.
- Acting as court appointed restructuring expert (herstructureringsdeskundige) in the public WHOA proceedings of professional football club Vitesse, in the football season 2023/2024 playing in the highest Dutch league.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
The cohort at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ‘acts at an exceptional level’. Its workload features acting for clients spanning industry sectors from travel to retail, in the breadth of high-stakes restructuring, insolvency and related litigious matters, as well as advising high-profile individuals on liability, securities and related disputes. Michael Broeders heads up the team and has experience advising companies in financial crisis with the remit of issues. At the helm alongside Broeders is Mijke Sinninghe Damsté who has a corporate litigation specialism. Tim Elkerbout advises lenders and borrowers on voluntary restructuring matters, and Huub Boekhorst is considered ‘very experienced’.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Broeders; Mijke Sinninghe Damsté
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tim Elkerbout; Huub Boekhorst
Referenzen
‘Michael Broeders has a strong associate base with him, is pragmatic and reliable, and is able to leverage their London expertise.’
‘Michael Broeders is highly professional, knows how to manage stakeholders and deescalate a situation. He has a solid reputation for cross-border debt restructuring work in the Dutch market.’
‘It is not only understanding the transaction, knowledge of applicable law but also always considers the bigger picture. In addition to all the experience and knowledge you would expect, there is an always a solution-driven approach.’
Kernmandanten
McDermott
Accell
Gordon Brothers
BC Partners
HES International
SGR
Royal Imtech
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting as restructuring expert in McDermott regarding the application of a WHOA to the discharge of approximately $1bn in liabilities and also adjusting approximately $2.5bn of liabilities towards lenders.
- Advising a consortium of banks (working capital AHG) on the restructuring of the Accell group.
- Advised HES International in their bankruptcy proceedings with likely over €800m debt.
Linklaters
The practice at Linklaters is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional as well as domestic restructuring matters for its roster of clients, which includes dual-listed multinationals and investment banks, amongst others; matters the team handles consistently involve multi-millions and billions of euros. Banking expert Paul Kuipers oversees the team and is described as ‘one of the best restructuring lawyers in the Netherlands’ by clients. Counsel as of May 2024 Marc Noldus is noteworthy for his capabilities handling litigious restructuring and insolvency matters as well as non-contentious work.
Praxisleiter:
Paul Kuipers
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Marc Noldus
Referenzen
‘Paul Kuipers and Marc Noldus are strong names.’
‘Marc is flexible and is always open to finding solutions.’
‘Linklaters has a strong client base, including reputable banks, who they represent in complex cross-border restructuring matters.’
Kernmandanten
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Steinhoff International Holding N.V.
Eagle Super Global Holding B.V.
TMF Global Services (UK) Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. on its corporate restructuring and delisting, and its debt and equity restructuring.
- Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank on the cross-border restructuring of McDermott International, amending and extending $2.6bn in credit and term loan facilities.
- Advised TMF Services (UK) Limited as trustee in the bond restructuring of Bio City Development Company through a Dutch WHOA process.
Norton Rose Fulbright
The practice at Norton Rose Fulbright has capabilities advising on both domestic and cross-border restructuring matters of considerable value, as well as advising on formal insolvencies, distressed M&A, and high-profile bankruptcy litigation cases. The team has particular expertise advising in complex matters wherein WHOA proceedings have a parallel UK Scheme of Arrangement. Omar Salah is the team lead who is ‘always involved in high-profile restructuring cases’ spanning industry sectors from shipping, to energy, to oil and gas.
Praxisleiter:
Omar Salah
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Wouter Hertzberger
Referenzen
‘Omar Salah has enhanced the quality of the law firm’s restructuring practice.’
‘Omar Salah is always involved in high-profile restructuring cases.’
‘Omar Salah combines the application of academic knowledge with complex practical issues in an exceptional manner. This is unique in the Netherlands.’
Kernmandanten
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
AIG
ASR
Banco Santander S.A.
Bank of America, N.A.
BNP Paribas
British Petroleum
Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten
Danish Ship Finance
DNB Bank ASA
DVB Group Merchant Bank (Asia) Ltd.
GFG Alliance
GLAS Trustees Limited
HSBC Bank
ING Bank N.V.
Intertrust Nederland B.V.
NNIP
Goldman Sachs
Nordic Trustee AS
Rabobank
Robeco
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted 20 lenders in the €1.5bn restructuring of the Vroon Group, the first-ever Dutch WHOA restructuring with parallel UK scheme of arrangement.
- Assisted the international syndicate of banks in the bankruptcy of HES Hartel Tank Terminal.
- Assisted the dissenting lender group in the €1.1bn restructuring of Royal IHC, the largest WHOA to date.
Stibbe
The collective at Stibbe is experienced advising its roster of clients on the plethora of restructuring matters, both domestic and international in scope. In terms of advisory work, the team assists debtors, creditors, bidders and sponsors in financial distress; the team is also equipped to handle litigious restructuring matters. Areas of industry sector specialism include energy and natural resources, healthcare and retail. Job van Hooff oversees the group and has expertise in WHOA proceedings and cross-jurisdictional insolvency and bankruptcy litigation. Partner as of January 2025 Daisy Nijkamp is a key contact in the team, considered ‘exceptional’ alongside Marleen Jonckers.
Praxisleiter:
Job van Hooff
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Daisy Nijkamp; Marleen Jonckers
Referenzen
‘The Stibbe team are extremely strong across the board.’
‘The team is able to field first-class individuals who are at the forefront of their respective markets.’
‘They can deftly move from financing to restructuring and beyond, and are able to navigate between local law issues and how those fit into a bigger multi-jurisdictional transactions.’
Kernmandanten
Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V.
Frigoglass
Keter Group
Accell Group
North Seaports
Consolis Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Accell Group B.V. and its subsidiaries on the potential debt restructuring.
- Advised an ad hoc group of lenders of Keter Group B.V. on its restructuring, which included a junior transfer of ownership.
- Advising Consolis Group on its €350m debt restructuring.
Van Doorne
Van Doorne‘s offering is well-equipped to handle complex transactional aspects of restructuring matters of significant value, an area of specialism of Jelmer Baukema. Further, the team’s workload includes advising on restructuring and insolvency filings, WHOA proceedings, and bankruptcy matters across industry sectors including fashion, oil and gas, and healthcare. The ‘outstanding’ Stefan van Rossum helms the cohort and has stand-out expertise in high-profile distressed debt, restructuring matters and related transactions. Litigation is an area of expertise of Joost Volkers.
Praxisleiter:
Stefan van Rossum
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joost Volkers; Henry Palmen; Ralph Ubels; Jelmer Baukema
Referenzen
‘The firm has a dedicated team. They kept the process going so we didn’t have to.’
‘I really appreciated the follow-up outside of the formal process. Joost Volkers did a great job.’
‘The team I worked with is very professional. The output is top-notch and the team is very responsive. They easily get to the core of complex situations.’
Kernmandanten
Fuite Group
Byldis
Dutch Soccer Holdings LLC
Ad hoc group of creditors (Nova Austral)
Shareholders of Havatec
AIG Inc
Albert Schweizer Hospital
Sarabel Capital
Madison Pacific
Atradius
Rabobank
NIBC
Centerbridge
Elliott
Fidera Vecta
King Street
Waarborgfonds Sociale Woningbouw
ABN AMRO
Merced Capital
Nordic Trustee
Vue Cinemas
Wilmington Trust
Wijn & Stael Advocaten N.V.
Wijn & Stael Advocaten N.V.‘s Utrecht-based cohort is known for its abilities handling cross-jurisdictional and domestic restructuring and bankruptcy matters. Financing, securities and insolvency specialist Noor Zetteler and Remco Vermaire, who counsels the broad range of clients on restructuring matters, co-lead the practice alongside corporate, insolvency and liability litigator Thijs van Zanten. Former co-lead of the team Willem Jan van Andel retired in April 2024, and former co-lead Ida Lintel departed to an in-house role in September 2024. Anne Mennens is a key contact.
Praxisleiter:
Noor Zetteler; Thijs van Zanten; Remco Vermaire
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anne Mennens
Referenzen
‘A great team of great individuals.’
‘Thijs van Zanten’s responses were always timely and his advice was absolutely helpful.’
‘Wijn & Stael stands out for its strong commitment to meeting clients’ needs, with a team that is not only highly skilled but also exceptionally supportive and pleasant to work with. Their expertise spans various disciplines, enabling them to handle complex matters effectively.’
Kernmandanten
ABN AMRO
ING
Dexia Nederland B.V.
Arvato Finance B.V.
Rabobank
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented bankruptcy trustees of Conservatrix in Dutch Supreme Court, securing €150m for creditors through cross-border enforcement.
- Representing ABN AMRO in landmark proceedings on Dutch Scheme of Arrangement applicability to bank guarantees, with implications for financial sector and civil law-practice.
- Representing ING in pivotal proceedings on inclusion of government coronavirus subsidies in bankruptcies, pivotal for Dutch financial sector.
AKD
The practice at AKD is equipped to assist its clients in the range of insolvency and restructuring cases, including cross-border matters. Further, it has capabilities advising those in financial distress on recapitalisation, reorganisation and wind-up procedures. Thijs Hekman and Rotterdam-based Fouad el Houzi who ‘consistently achieves top outcomes’ co-head the practice. Barend de Roy van Zuidewijn departed the team in December 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Thijs Hekman; Fouad el Houzi
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rolf Everhardus; Ward Aerts
Referenzen
‘Fouad el Houzi has a deep understanding of complex legal frameworks and consistently achieves top outcomes by offering tailored, effective solutions to his clients. Fouad is the go-to advisor in the Netherlands for navigating challenging legal situations.’
‘Swift responses and practical legal advice of good quality.’
‘The USP of this firm is that they have both receivers and also act as advisors in restructurings. That is very helpful.’
Kernmandanten
Royal Imtech N.V.
Bankruptcy trustee of BCC Group
Intimus International Netherlands BV
Port Authorities of Rotterdam
Bergen op
Zoom
Etten-Leur
Halderberge
Moerdijk
Roosendaal
Rucphen
Steenbergen
Woensdrecht
Zundert
Cerberus Capital Management LP
De Donge group companies
Online Seminar cluster
Ortolan Nederland Credit Oplossingen GmbH
Svenska Handelsbanken AS
Atlantic Marine Services B.V.
Fortress group companies
Centraal Beheer Achmea
ISA Pharmaceuticals
Crowe PEAK
Dutch water authorities
Basil
Tower Services Europe
Agora Retail B.V.
Agora TR B.V.
Amora BBW group
Copaco
Province of Utrecht
Uljee Food Group
Highlight-Mandate
Boels Zanders Advocaten
The ‘smart and fast’ team at Boels Zanders Advocaten is overseen by Maastricht-based court-appointed trustee Peter Brouns and restructuring, insolvency, financing and securities specialist Remco Rosbeek. Alongside Brouns and Rosbeek are Eindhoven’s corporate specialist Jeroen Tulfer and Jeroen Bakkers who is well versed in corporate restructuring matters and based at the firm’s Venlo office.
Praxisleiter:
Peter Brouns; Remco Rosbeek; Jeroen Tulfer; Jeroen Bakkers
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Flip Schreurs; Ralph Geelen
Referenzen
‘A smart and fast team.’
‘Broad experience, customer-oriented, able to translate legal language into business language.’
‘Feels like a partnership.’
Kernmandanten
Vacansoleil Group
BAS Construction
VVV Venlo
MVV Maastricht
Shapeways
Décor Handelsmaatschappij
Décor Productiemaatschappij
Hagu Horeca Groothandel
Feeture Foodcare Group
Arbor Projects BV
Golfbaan Echt-Susteren BV
Marsna Paper
Just Welness
Componenta BV
Brabant Alucast The Netherlands site Heijen BV
Lips Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Appointed as the administrator of Shapeways BV by the Oost-Brabant court.
- Advised on the restructuring of professional football club VVV Venlo, completed by applying the Dutch scheme of arrangement, known as WHOA.
Buren
Buren‘s practice is helmed from The Hague by Martijn Vermeeren and the ‘very experienced’ Stefan van Wijk. The group advises its varied client list on the remit of insolvency-related issues, including imminent insolvencies, directors’ liability and various financing aspects. The team is also equipped to advise on the range of corporate disputes. Ruud Brunninkhuis is a standout practitioner.
Praxisleiter:
Martijn Vermeeren; Stefan van Wijk
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ruud Brunninkhuis
Referenzen
‘The team’s collaboration was beyond expectations. They were available and played a key role in ensuring different voices were heard and that the process was smooth.’
‘Martijn Vermeeren is very knowledgeable, very experienced, pragmatic, approachable, patient, flexible and has a good sense of humour. Ruud Brunninkhuis is pragmatic, professional and provides a swift follow-up.’
‘Specialised in mid-market and healthcare cases. They are of very good quality.’
Kernmandanten
Mutares
Vacansoleil
Latam Airlines S.A.
LAN Cargo S.A.
Navijfen B.V.
ECOR Global Inc
HGC
Voordegroei
Computer Profile Nederland B.V.
Enerray DT B.V.
Stichting Amphia Ziekenhuis Breda
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Mutares with the acquisition of assets out of the bankruptcy of Byldis.
- Advised the Dutch subsidiaries of ECOR Global Inc with a distressed transaction.
Davids Advocaten
The practice at Davids Advocaten has a broad client portfolio. Jan Davids is considered a ‘brilliant lawyer’. Mark-Hendrik de Vries has a focus on finance disputes and ‘thinks outside the box’, as does Joris Boddaert according to clients. The three lead the team alongside corporate lawyer Nils Reerink, and Laurie van Leeuwen who represents directors and companies in financial difficulties with liability issues in particular.
Praxisleiter:
Jan Davids; Mark-Hendrik de Vries; Nils Reerink; Joris Boddaert; Laurie van Leeuwen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ruben Mets
Referenzen
‘I have worked with Mark Hendrik de Vries and Joris Boddaert. I am very happy with their legal expertise and responsiveness. They are able to think outside the box.’
‘I highly recommend Mark Hendrik de Vries, a seasoned and approachable insolvency lawyer known for providing practical, hands-on advice. With deep expertise in insolvency law and a strong understanding of the market, he consistently delivers effective solutions tailored to the clients’ needs. His ability to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and insight makes him an invaluable partner for any insolvency related matter.’
‘The people at Davids I work with are not just knowledgeable, but truly interested in the bigger picture and able to put any issue they have to deal with in the right and bigger context.’
Kernmandanten
Pharmafilter
AGU
Riverside Holding e.a.
Trust Company Amsterdam (TCA)
VD.nl
Rodeo Software e.a.
Strukton Civiel
Home health care institutions
Miss Etam e.a.
Dentons
Dentons‘ practice is able to assist its roster of clients in financially distressed situations, in both domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts. The team provides banking and restructuring advice to clients spanning industry sectors. Duco Postma joined the firm from A&O Shearman in September 2023 to establish and head its restructuring and insolvency group, which collaborates frequently with the firm’s corporate team.
Praxisleiter:
Duco Postma
Referenzen
‘Very flexible, able to look at things from different perspectives.’
‘Knowledgeable, quick impact analysis and open communication in the team.’
‘Duco Postma is a strong partner. Very easy to work with and really tries to co-create the solution. Would work with him anytime!’
Kernmandanten
Citco
Deutsche Bank
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund
Gilde Equity Management
HCI Europe
McCain
PnC Bank
Rabobank
Solaris SE
Vroon
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for the international food company McCain in connection with the distressed M&A sale of its chilled potato products business to Nimbus Investments.
DVDW Advocaten
DVDW Advocaten‘s Rotterdam-based team is able to advise its varied client list on significant bankruptcies, restructuring cases and the business integration of distressed companies. The cohort is co-led by experienced practitioner Henri Bentfort van Valkenburg and Christiaan Groenewoud who advises directors and shareholders of companies in financial distress. Erwin Bos is noteworthy for his international capabilities.
Praxisleiter:
Henri Bentfort van Valkenburg; Christiaan Groenewoud
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Theo Hansen; Erwin Bos; Juliette van der Wiel; Rens van de Heuvel
Referenzen
‘Great team, both on the receiver side and advisory side.’
‘Henri Bentfort van Valkenburg, Erwin Bos and Juliette van der Wiel are fresh, flexible and always searching for a solution.’
‘Excellent people; a perfect finance law firm.’
Kernmandanten
Standard Investment
Royal Imtech N.V.
Floryn Nederland B.V.
Administrators of DSB N.V.
BNG Bank N.V.
Direct Pay
InnoGenerics B.V.
John Reed Fitness Rotterdam
Liberty Trading B.V.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the court appointed administrators of former Dutch bank DSB N.V. on the composition plan offered by DSB N.V. to distribute its remaining assets among 280,000 creditors.
- Advised Standard Investment, acting through its subsidiary Brands4Kids, on the acquisition of the business of the fashion retailer Noppies out of the bankruptcy of NINE&Co.
- Reached a settlement with KPMG, the former directors and officers, and their insurers, for a total value of €40m as bankruptcy trustees of Royal Imtech N.V.
HVG Law LLP
The practice at HVG Law LLP is helmed by Robin de Wit who is well regarded by clients for his ‘vast experience’. The team’s workload incorporates advising on turnaround restructuring and refinancing matters, as well as assisting with distressed M&A transactions. Bankruptcies and voluntary liquidations are further areas of expertise of the team, which also has litigious capabilities. Jan Padberg is a ‘very experienced’ key contact.
Praxisleiter:
Robin de Wit
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Niels Elferink; Jan Padberg; Johan Westerhof
Referenzen
‘Niels Elferink is very pleasant to work with.’
‘The team is highly skilled and has access to a unique international network of restructuring and insolvency lawyers.’
‘The team stands out for its ease of access, quick understanding of the problem at hand and pragmatic advice provision.’
Kernmandanten
VanMoof B.V.
VanMoof Global Holding B.V.
Exem Energy B.V.
Urban Mining Corp B.V.
Renewd
Dignitas Distribution B.V.
Firion Investments B.V.
TravelBird B.V.
NV Rendo
TCN Urop SE
Allegretto Fund
Dutch Authority of Financial Markets
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as bankruptcy trustee of VanMoof B.V. and VanMoof Global Holding B.V. with subsidiaries in the US, Japan, Taiwan and the major European countries with a global turnover of approximately €100m in which over €200m was invested by third parties.
- Acting as trustee for Exem Energy B.V. in the bankruptcy of Exem Energy B.V.
- Acted as legal advisor for Urban Mining Corp B.V. in its re-financing and restructuring and later on advised in relation to the bankruptcy of certain of its subsidiaries, the execution of securities, while we were able to prevent the bankruptcy of the holding company and to realize the sale of the IP, even though a certain creditor put a court seizure on these assets.
Jones Day
The team at Jones Day has capabilities handling the gamut of matters including formal insolvencies, corporate restructuring and financial restructuring matters. The team is led by Jasper Berkenbosch who has experience advising distressed companies, funds, banks and creditors on the range of issues. Berkenbosch is considered a ‘creative thinker’ by clients, as is Sid Pepels who handles litigation. ‘Experienced bankruptcy trustee’ Erik Schuurs is also a key contact.
Praxisleiter:
Jasper Berkenbosch
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Erik Schuurs; Sid Pepels; Flip van der Drift; Gerjanne te Winkel
Referenzen
‘The team has all the necessary flavours to be a reliable restructuring and insolvency practice, with Jasper and Erik the most professional bankruptcy receivers. The support by Sid Pepels and Flip van der Drift on the academic and finance side completes the team.’
‘Erik is very constructive to work with even in international matters. You can trust the team.’
‘Jasper Berkenbosch and Sid Pepels are creative thinkers, client-minded and simply very nice people to work with.’
Kernmandanten
Diebold Nixdorf
Mercon B.V.
Barcelona Investments B.V.
Esprit Europe B.V.
Scotch&Soda
Esperaza Holding B.V.
ICTS International N.V.
Axiom Partners GmbH
De Poli Tankers
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as court-appointed observer in the Dutch WHOA proceeding for holding company Mercon B.V. in the global restructuring for the vertically integrated coffee company, with parallel Chapter 11 proceedings.
- Advised payment solution provider Diebold Nixdorf on its successful $3bn global restructuring and its implementation through parallel Dutch WHOA and Chapter 11 proceedings.
- Acted as court-appointed administrators in the bankruptcy of Scotch & Soda Netherlands, a Netherlands-based fashion retail company with 200 freestanding stores across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia and with distribution to over 70 countries.
Rutgers & Posch
The team at Rutgers & Posch is well-placed to provide business owners and financial investors advice on the remit of insolvency and restructuring matters in cross-jurisdictional and domestic contexts, in addition to its bankruptcy capabilities. Loek Kerstens is regarded as an ‘excellent litigator’ by clients and heads up the offering. Gief de Gruijter departed in May 2024 while Bas Kramer joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in October 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Loek Kerstens
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Bas Kramer
Referenzen
‘This team’s distinctive qualities and expertise make them truly exceptional in the legal arena. One of the defining aspects of this practice is its commitment to delivering top-tier legal services and client satisfaction.’
‘Loek Kerstens’ knowledge and professionalism is unmatched. Loek’s depth of expertise in insolvency law is remarkable.’
‘Loek Kerstens is, without a doubt, an outstanding legal professional. His impressive command of the law is matched by his ability to apply it effectively in complex scenarios. What sets Loek apart is his unwavering dedication to achieving the best results for his clients.’
Kernmandanten
Equiom
Selten
Corvallis Navigation Panama
Bovemij (Care4Lease)
Banca Intesa Sanpaolo
Rabo Investments
Clean Holding B.V.
Bunq B.V.
Vistra Management Services (Netherlands) B.V.
Rinkelberg Capital
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for an investor in bankruptcy proceedings against Lightyear up to the Court of Appeal, we have been engaged by the bankruptcy trustee to initiate enquiry proceedings with the Dutch Enterprise Chamber.
- Acted for the investors of Dutch energy company Evoyo in its pre-packaged bankruptcy.
- Advising the client on the investigations by the trustees into the causes of the bankruptcy.
Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh
The team at Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh is based in Rotterdam and is headed up by Richard le Grand who has noteworthy capabilities taking on appointments from the Dutch courts, Enterprise Chambers and shareholders; financial mismanagement and related investigatory work are le Grand’s areas of expertise. Michiel Bindels has significant experience in restructuring and special assets-related matters.
Praxisleiter:
Richard le Grand
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michel Bindels; Ruben Leeuwenburgh; Job Bijloo
Referenzen
‘The team has excellent expertise, is experienced in international restructuring matters and provides user friendly and pragmatic advice.’
‘They are very responsive and their written advice is always very clear and to-the-point.’
‘I enjoy working with the team who are friendly, collaborative and engaging.’
Kernmandanten
Steinhoff Recovery Foundation
International Metal Trading B.V. (“IMT”)
Energieplaza
Allegion
SDBGroup
Lumira Dx
Highlight-Mandate
- Appointed as Chairman of the Steinhoff Recovery Foundation in relation to the global settlement for the €7bn insolvency of Steinhoff International.
- Appointed as trustee in the highly challenging insolvency of IMT which was one of the largest commodities traders in the Netherlands.
- Assisting SDBGroup, the Dutch market leader in healthcare software, with its purchase of a distressed medium-sized software company on the verge of insolvency.