Department profile
Houthoff

Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands


Houthoff

Rankings

About

Provided by Houthoff

Favourable market developments have led to growth in the worldwide merger and acquisition market, both in the number of transactions and in the scope of the deals. At the same time, competition authorities are exercising strict supervision. Working in this environment requires extensive sector knowledge and solution-oriented legal assistance.

Houthoff is one of the most esteemed market leaders within the M&A market. Our Corporate/M&A Team assists multinationals, listed companies and other large companies, government bodies and private equity parties. Clients engage our Corporate/M&A Team for pragmatic advice on matters such as national and international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Our specialists have gained an important position within the food, energy and other sectors. 

OUR EXPERTISE IN CORPORATE/M&A

M&A transactions in the innovative energy sector often have complex structures. Clients ask our Corporate/M&A Team for assistance, from conducting effective due diligence, negotiating competitive commercial conditions and setting these out in clear share purchase agreements (SPAs) to closing the transaction swiftly with the help of our notarial department.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above - Netherlands

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Houthoff is a highly regarded Dutch law firm with a strong reputation for advising buyers and selling shareholders on cross-border transactions. The team also often assists clients with rescue sales and acquisitions. The law firm is particularly popular with clients from the technology sector, as well as acting for private equity houses on high-value acquisitions and divestments. Team members have further experience in venture capital mandates.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff advised Carlyle and Ares Management on their EUR800 million equity investment in Your.World.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff houses a team of dedicated professionals who are able to focus on what matters and adapt to changing deal conditions.

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • The lawyers know the subject matter inside out and can put themselves in our shoes. They ensure that the interests of our company are well protected.

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Houthoff is very responsive, diligent and, at the same time, has a practical mindset. It is equipped with a big and knowledgeable team to handle complex matters.

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Houthoff is a beacon of stability in hectic situations. The team provides timely advice, has an excellent feeling for political sensitivities and offers sharp business acumen.

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Houthoff's lawyers are knowledgeable and have an eye for detail, while also being pragmatic. We work together seamlessly, and the team knows exactly what we want.

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Michiel Pannekoek
    Band 3Michiel Pannekoek

    Michiel Pannekoek

    Michiel Pannekoek advises international private equity houses and clients active in the life sciences and natural resources sectors on the acquisition of Dutch targets, as well as assisting with the divestment of companies. He additionally acts for domestic venture funds on acquisitions.

    • He is renowned for his sharp intellect. He combines deep legal expertise with a refreshingly pragmatic approach, ensuring that the most challenging deals are navigated with clarity and efficiency.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Michiel Pannekoek's legal expertise and experience are of a very high calibre.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Michiel Pannekoek is a committed, fast and efficient lawyer. He has strong knowledge and is always available when you need him.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Michiel Pannekoek is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. He delivers short response times and is a fast thinker.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Michiel Pannekoek is a very experienced lawyer who helps in the most crucial moments of negotiations.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Band 4Bram Caudri
    Band 4Bram Caudri

    Bram Caudri

    Bram Caudri advises both management and investment companies on divestments. He additionally assists companies with fund-raising rounds and acquisitions.
    • Bram Caudri is a great sparring partner and a brilliant mind. I particularly admire him for his stance, approach and broad knowledge of the M&A world as a whole.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Bram Caudri is highly pragmatic and flexible. If you want an M&A lawyer by your side to get the deal done, Bram is your guy.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • The reason I work with Bram is his ability to tackle sizeable transactions with high degrees of complexity in a pragmatic manner.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • He has a keen ability to identify and focus on the key issues that matter most, ensuring that transactions progress efficiently.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Bram Caudri is a true counsel who understands the business, the strategy and how we manage our stakeholders.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Band 5Alexander Kaarls
    Band 5Alexander Kaarls

    Alexander Kaarls

    Alexander Kaarls is admitted to the Dutch Bar and the Californian State Bar. He often advises US-listed clients on business combinations and recommended public offers for Dutch companies, as well as assisting Dutch clients with their sale to US-based and European buyers.

    • Alexander Kaarls is a wise, calm and methodical lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Alexander understands our business, shares his experience with us and is not afraid to offer a differing opinion, but always in a very diplomatic and sophisticated way. His advice makes us stronger.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • It is a pleasure to work with Alexander Kaarls. He knows exactly what to say and when.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Alexander Kaarls is a smart, strategic M&A lawyer whose experience advising large multinational companies is invaluable to us.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Alexander Kaarls is one of my most trusted advisers in Europe.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
  • Up and ComingPhilip van der Eijk
    Up and ComingPhilip van der Eijk

    Philip van der Eijk

    Philip van der Eijk regularly advises investment firms and corporate clients, including founders and shareholders, on cross-border sales and acquisitions.

    • Philip van der Eijk is an outstanding lawyer who is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. He delivers short response times and is a fast thinker.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Philip van der Eijk brought the creativity, sharpness and flexibility needed to handle our unconventional transaction structure. He was very creative and able to think in terms of solutions.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Philip provides level-headed advice which is aimed at finalising the deal as opposed to simply winning legal arguments.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Philip knows the details of the case and is strong at finding pragmatic solutions, taking into account our commercial interests.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope
    • Philip van der Eijk is a skilled lawyer who has an overview of the cases, communicates pleasantly and is very punctual in keeping to his agreements.

      Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Houthoff (4)

Netherlands

  • Profile image of Michiel Pannekoek

    Michiel Pannekoek

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above

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  • Profile image of Alexander Kaarls

    Alexander Kaarls

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above

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  • Profile image of Philip van der Eijk

    Philip van der Eijk

    Corporate/M&A: €250 million and above

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