Restructuring/Insolvency
Europe Guide 2024 : Netherlands
Band 1
Contact number
+31 20 605 6000About
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
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.
Work Highlights
- Houthoff assisted Dümmen Orange and BC Partners with litigation proceedings following the company’s restructuring, including successful injunction proceedings against a former shareholder.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The strongest point of Houthoff is the quality of its lawyers, especially the speed with which they operate and the ability to understand business matters beyond the legal scope."
"Houthoff is highly committed, with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong commercial mindset."
"The strongest point of Houthoff is the quality of its lawyers, especially the speed with which they operate and the ability to understand business matters beyond the legal scope."
"Houthoff is highly committed, with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong commercial mindset."
Notable Practitioners
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 a very pragmatic leader, cooperative, an expert in his field and is a pleasure to work with."
"Christiaan quickly recognises the different perspectives, strengths and weaknesses and sees urgency and acts immediately."
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 great to work with."
"He is commercially looking at what needs to be done to get a proper result. He is one of the excellent people in the field of restructuring in the Netherlands."
"He is always positive and very thorough."
Ranked Lawyers at
Houthoff
Netherlands