BORROWER SIDE TIER 3
The banking and finance practice at Lexence is well-known for its skills in structuring complex financing transactions, sought after by borrower clients who require assistance covering both the Dutch and wider European market. The team combines transactional and regulatory expertise to advise on matters involving asset finance, real estate finance and acquisition finance, as well as corporate lending. Practice head Charles Destrée combines his strength for borrowers with expertise in restructuring.
BANKING AND FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY TIER 3
The finance team at Lexence acts for various Dutch and international financial institutions, including banks, investment firms, private equity sponsors and payment-service providers. Practice head Charles Destrée is the first point of contact for advice on a multitude of regulatory issues, including PSD 2, MiFID 2, AIFMD and EMIR. He also has extensive experience of obtaining licences from the AFM and DNB. Also noted is associate Bas Zandvliet, whose further expertise covers business expansions, acquisitions of regulated entities, and investment fund structuring.
CONSTRUCTION TIER 3
Lexence advises clients on commercial real estate, construction and development matters, including specific focus on zoning and planning, construction, leasing and tax. The practice also litigates across the stages of project development including tender and construction contracts, architectural agreements, extensions, hidden defects and failures to complete. The practice is led by Bob Bekker who specialises in real estate transactions and development.
EMPLOYMENT TIER 3
Led by Mark Keuss, Judith Schulp, Floor Damen and Frank ter Huurne, the employment practice at Lexence is described as ‘knowledgeable, intelligent and decisive’. Keuss has handled several high-profile matters including terminations and reorganisations, specifically in the healthcare sector, alongside ter Huurne, who has experience in collective labour agreements and industrial action. Schulp is experienced in corporate employment law and has advised on the employment aspects of several transactions, including restructurings, acquisition deals and transfers of business. Damen supports clients in reorganisations, TUPE matters and dismissal cases.
Leading individual:
ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING TIER 3
The ‘hands-on and skilful‘ team at Lexence is well regarded for its work on the environmental, zoning and planning aspects of real estate projects. Renowned practice head Michael Klijnstra is active in matters including permitting, compliance and enforcement advice, and litigation.
PRIVATE EQUITY TIER 3
Noted for its ‘strong foothold in the Netherlands’, the private equity team at Lexence focuses on mid-market transactions and is well-placed to collaborate with other firms in the Benelux region to assist with cross-border deals. Luc Habets acts for key clients, including Waterland Private Equity, Egeria Capital and Standard Investment, on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, while Joost Kolkman is recognised for his expertise in the food and beverage, IT and education sectors. Wouter Helder, who advises on management buyouts and buy-ins, leads the practice together with Habets and Kolkman. Michiel van Schooten left the firm in January 2022.
Leading individual:
With strength in construction, development, transactional, tenancy and corporate real estate law, Lexence fields practitioners specialised in both contentious and non-contentious real estate matters. Practice head Bas Martens focuses on development and construction disputes, while Tomas Steenmetser specialises in leasing law related to commercial premises. Michiel de Wit advises and litigates on the sale and purchase of commercial real estate.
Leading Individual:
COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE AND M&A TIER 4
Specialist real estate, corporate and commercial firm Lexence handles domestic and cross-border mid-market transactions, with experience in the financial services, technology, food and agriculture sectors.
Luc Habets ‘rolls up his sleeves’ when acting for Dutch companies on cross-border acquisitions and
Joost Kolkman is noted for his expertise in the food and beverage, retail, IT and education industries. Habets and Kolkman lead the practice alongside
Wouter Helder, who advises on management buyouts.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: COMMERCIAL LITIGATION TIER 4
Lexence’s practice is led by
Timo Jansen, who is an expert in preventing and resolving corporate law issues, contractual conflicts and professional liability cases, and all-round litigator
Bram Thomas Craemer, who deals with fraud cases, trade disputes, failed joint ventures and issues with software implementation. Arnout Schennink is a key contact for disputes involving individuals in the Enterprise Chamber. The firm also handles bankruptcy disputes for companies and frequently defends individuals in mismanagement proceedings.