Department profile
Houthoff

Restructuring/Insolvency

Europe Guide 2026 : Netherlands

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Houthoff

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About

Provided by Houthoff

Clients involved in a company experiencing financial difficulties need thorough advice and a 360° view of the problems confronting them. In situations of cross-border restructuring or imminent insolvency, it is essential to have an understanding of and experience in complex financing structures, as well as the EU Insolvency Regulation and foreign insolvency proceedings such as the US Chapter 11 and the English 'scheme of arrangement'.

It is sometimes also necessary to conduct legal proceedings swiftly and effectively. Insolvency disputes require strategic insight and a thorough approach. Houthoff has built up an unrivalled insolvency practice. Our litigators have the expertise and authority to litigate at the Dutch Supreme Court, and our lawyers regularly act as bankruptcy trustees or administrators in insolvency proceedings.

Houthoff’s Restructuring & Insolvency Team is a market leader. They are internationally recognised and have been ranked highly in legal guides such as Chambers and the Legal 500 for many years. The team has in-depth expertise and experience, and has played a leading role in almost all of the cases in the Dutch market in recent years. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - Netherlands

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Houthoff has an outstanding team with capabilities across the full breadth of restructuring and insolvency law, as well as administration work. The law firm regularly advises both debtors and creditors, as well as board members and bondholders, on high profile, complex cross-border restructurings, including distressed transactions and matters involving committees of representatives. It is well versed in handling litigation concerning expropriation compensation and liability claims. The team assists a client roster ranging from national retailers to international banks.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Houthoff advised Fortenova on the restructuring issues it faced due to being partially owned by sanctioned parties.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team's work products are of a very high quality, especially as the team is very responsive and timely.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

  • The quality of the team is outstanding.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

  • The team has excellent technical knowledge and a great track record in insolvency and related matters.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

  • Houthoff is a sophisticated provider of legal services.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

  • Houthoff offers an unparalleled combination of speed, scope, depth, quality and stature within the Dutch market.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christiaan Zijderveld
    Christiaan Zijderveld

    Christiaan Zijderveld

    Christiaan Zijderveld acts for debtors, ad hoc committees of bondholders and lenders on financial restructuring matters, in particular with regard to debt-for-equity swaps and loan transactions.

    • Christiaan Zijderveld is an amazing and creative lawyer, who is also easy to work with.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • He is excellent to work with.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • He is a very gifted technical lawyer who keeps the broader picture in mind when advising.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • Christiaan is very responsive, very good with clients and user-friendly.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • Christiaan is able to understand complex matters very quickly and seemingly never suffers from stress.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope
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  • Frédéric Verhoeven
    Frédéric Verhoeven

    Frédéric Verhoeven

    Frédéric Verhoeven has notable experience acting as an administrator and liquidator on high-profile cases. He also has expertise in claims under guarantees and in advising creditors and debtors on restructuring matters.

    • Frédéric Verhoeven is one of the best lawyers in the Dutch industry. He is incredibly engaged and a smart strategist in operation.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • Frédéric is able to summarise complex issues into simple, comprehensible terms.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • He is a very experienced expert in restructuring and insolvency, who is known for his profound insights and good mediation skills.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • Frédéric Verhoeven is a thought leader in his space. He is creative and provides sophisticated advice.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope
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  • David Heems
    David Heems

    David Heems

    David Heems draws upon his strength in litigation to assist clients with restructuring and bankruptcy-related disputes, including injunction and liability proceedings.

    • He is an excellent lawyer who is sharp in his analyses and has good commercial sense.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • He is a very good insolvency litigator who is straightforward in pleadings.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • David Heems provides top-notch analyses and advice.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • He is able to deliver strategic and well-rounded legal solutions, even in the most complex scenarios, underscoring his exceptional legal acumen and dedication.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope

    • David understands every detail of a matter without losing sight of the bigger picture.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Houthoff (4)

Netherlands

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