Competition/European Law
Europe Guide 2024 : Netherlands
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+31 20 577 1771About
Provided by De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Our competition & regulation practice is active across almost the entire spectrum of competition and regulatory law. We serve multinational clients globally – in enforcement actions, transactions and strategic advice – but with an emphasis on Europe. Our large, integrated Amsterdam-Brussels based team enables us to handle multiple complex matters in parallel fashion, and is experienced in taking the lead in cross-border matters with tight cost control measures in place. Over the years, we have earned a reputation for getting enforcement actions neutralised and complex transactions cleared.
Transactions
We have particular experience in obtaining clearance of complex merger control cases involving potential remedies before the European Commission and other competition agencies worldwide, involving where necessary economists and industry specialists. De Brauw has efficiently coordinated many merger filings in numerous jurisdictions worldwide.
Cartel Investigations
Our team has handled many high-profile, data-intensive cartel cases before the European Commission, and has a track record of getting fines annulled before the European Courts.
Private damage claims
The team is involved in all pending civil cartel damage actions in the Netherlands, almost always as lead or a member of a multijurisdictional team, working closely together with the firm’s civil litigation specialists. It has obtained significant victories in these cases.
Chambers Review
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek remains one of the best firms in the Dutch market for high-profile contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The team offers outstanding experience in investigations into allegations of price fixing and abuse of dominance, as well as representing clients in damages actions following decisions in high-profile investigations. It has further expertise in foreign direct investment filings and phase II merger clearance investigations. Team members often act for clients on state aid matters and the competition law compliance aspects of commercial agreements.
Work Highlights
- De Brauw defended DAF before the Dutch courts in damages cases following the European Commission's decision in its trucks cartel investigation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I am particularly impressed with how well the team can understand the economists' language."
"De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a very good firm that handles cases very efficiently and knowledgeably."
"The team has great analytical capabilities combined with strong business sense."
"The firm has great expertise and knowledge in-house. The availability and service are great."
"The team offers the most outstanding depth and breadth."
"I am particularly impressed with how well the team can understand the economists' language."
"De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a very good firm that handles cases very efficiently and knowledgeably."
"The team has great analytical capabilities combined with strong business sense."
"The firm has great expertise and knowledge in-house. The availability and service are great."
"The team offers the most outstanding depth and breadth."
Notable Practitioners
Jolling de Pree stands out in the Dutch market for his work on behavioural mandates, representing clients in high-profile investigations into allegations of collusion and price fixing, as well as defending them in significant follow-on damages claims.
"Jolling is unrivalled in his legal and interpersonal skills."
"Jolling may be the one of the most respected Dutch lawyers."
"We are very happy working with Jolling de Pree."
Helen Gornall rises in the rankings this year following impressive activity in the technology sector, including investigations into possible abuses of dominance and price parity clauses. She also represents clients in ACM market investigations and multi-jurisdictional phase II merger investigations.
"She is very smart and well organised."
"I am extremely happy with the support I get from Helen Gornall. She is very knowledgeable and comes up with pragmatic solutions."
"She is one of the most dedicated and bright antitrust lawyers in the Netherlands."
Bart de Rijke has a broad competition law practice, advising clients on merger clearance and FDI filings, as well as representing them in behavioural investigations and state aid mandates. He also assists with the competition law compliance aspects of franchise agreements.
"He's always been consistent and pragmatic."
"He is highly skilled, has a great customer focus, and is commercially savvy and pleasant."
Stephanie Thé moves up in the rankings this year on the back of her work in some very high-profile cartel follow-on damages actions. She also offers impressive experience in abuse of dominance investigations and FDI mandates.
"She is one of the rising stars in the Netherlands."
"She provides very good advice for the client."
Marieke Bredenoord-Spoek has a strong reputation for handling contentious matters, including representing clients in follow-on damages litigation.
Ranked Lawyers at
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Netherlands
Members
Provided by De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
Helen Gornall
Head of Department