Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands
Ranked Individual
Provided by bureau Brandeis
We have extensive experience with (competition law) regulators, such as the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), the European Commission, the Bureau for Verification of Investments (in Dutch: Bureau Toetsing Investeringen, BTI), and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (in Dutch: Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport). We advise companies in various compliance matters, assist them in enforcement cases, (complex) merger proceedings, and provide immediate support during unannounced inspections (dawn raids) by regulators. In doing so, we also regularly litigate before the European General Court and the Court of Justice. The team also advises on sector-specific regulation, e.g. regarding telecommunications, aviation, sports, media, agriculture, fintech, transport & mobility, postal & parcels and digital platforms (such as the Digital Markets Act). In addition to ample experience in general merger control, we have been involved in a significant number of merger cases on the basis of the Act on security screening of investments, mergers and acquisitions (in Dutch: Wet Veiligheidstoets investeringen, fusies en overnames, Vifo Act).
Competition law can also play a role in civil stand-alone and follow-on proceedings before national courts. We have in-depth knowledge of and experience with complex issues touching on private enforcement of competition law. We are involved in many leading civil follow-on (cartel) damages cases in both digital and financial markets.
Provided by Chambers
bureau Brandeis is particularly known for representing clients in competition law litigation, frequently assisting them with appeals against authority decisions. The firm additionally acts on merger control and FDI filings, as well as advising on investigations into alleged cartels and abuses of dominance. The team further assists with competition law compliance queries.
Provided by Chambers
bureau Brandeis assisted TicketSwap with an appeal against an ACM commitment decision.
Provided by Chambers
The team has good contacts in the market, an excellent knowledge level and extensive knowledge of the market.
We appreciated the personal contact with a pragmatic and very knowledgeable team.
bureau Brandeis is renowned for its pragmatic, hands-on approach. The lawyers understand their clients' business requirements and can translate these into their dealings with competition authorities.
The firm combines deep technical expertise in both competition law and consumer-protection regulations with a highly practical, business-oriented approach.
The combination of sector-specific legal knowledge and regulatory insight makes the firm a highly valuable partner for us.
Provided by Chambers
Bas Braeken often assists clients with challenges to ACM decisions. He has further experience representing clients in behavioural investigations and merger control filings. He also acts on competition law compliance matters, particularly those involving sustainability concerns.
His ability to distill complex issues into actionable advice is invaluable, especially in high-stakes environments where clarity and precision are paramount.
Bas Braeken consistently demonstrates exceptional legal acumen, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape in the Netherlands and EU.
He is a good lawyer in terms of being knowledgeable about the law and how to apply it for his clients.
Bas Braeken is an outstanding lawyer: sharp, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable in competition and regulatory law.
His ability to translate legal frameworks into clear strategic advice makes him a highly trusted adviser for our organisation.
Head of Competition/European Law
Provided by bureau Brandeis
Jade Versteeg
TImo Hieselaar
Lara Elzas
Demi van den Berg
Coen Vermeij
Joost van Belois
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