NautaDutilh NV - The Who's Who Legal 100 2013

What is the Who's Who Legal 100?

The firm is particularly strong in M&A. Dirk van Gerven heads the private M&A team and has “extensive experience” in counselling companies on the legal aspects of acquisitions, reorganisations and transactions. In Brussels, Marc van der Haegen is rated as an “efficient and knowledgeable” lawyer, having worked on numerous international takeover bids, mergers and acquisitions. He is also mentioned in our corporate governance chapter. Alongside him is the “highly proficient” Yvette Verleisdonk, recognised as a finance expert for her work with companies including Real Software NV and the David Lloyd group.

NautaDutilh prides itself on the multidisciplinary nature of its practice and this is demonstrated by several M&A lawyers achieving inclusions in multiple practice areas. Willem J L Calkoen has a “wealth of knowledge” in both M&A and corporate governance, and Hein Hooghoudt is also noted for his “talent” in both areas. Luxembourg-based Jean-Michel Schmit features highly in our M&A research, with his “notable transactional skills” also earning him praise in the real estate chapter.

Dispute resolution is a key area for the firm, with excellent practitioners highlighted in our commercial litigation, commercial mediation and arbitration chapters. Bart Gerretsen is a “top commercial litigator”, having represented multinational companies in cross-border disputes and shareholder disagreements. He is also noted in the commercial mediation chapter, with clients noting, “There is simply no-one better.” The Amsterdam office has a “well deserved reputation for excellence”, with three lawyers nominated highly for litigation. Paul Olden specialises in corporate transaction-related litigation including shareholder disputes and director’s liability, and has represented Air France and Mittal Steel. Colleagues Freerk Vermeulen and Daan Lunsingh Scheurleer are also highly recommended as is “prominent arbitration expert” Gerard Meijer, who works with domestic and foreign companies, multi-national corporations and government bodies.

NautaDutilh’s “thriving” intellectual property department represents a huge range of globally renowned corporations, including Coca-Cola, Lego, BMW and Vodafone. Clients and peers alike note the expertise offered by Philippe Péters, and regard John Allen as a “leading light” in complex patent work. Trademarks expert Florence Verhoestraete focuses on the foods, consumer goods and life sciences sectors and also publishes regular articles on the subject of IP law. Charles Gielen is a “very important player” in the trademarks field; his expertise and years of experience see him classed as “an icon of trademark law”.

Five lawyers featuring across our corporate tax, banking and capital markets chapters demonstrate NautaDutilh’s reputation as a “go-to” firm for finance matters. Tax and structured finance expert Nico Blom is a “reassuring and comprehensive” source of advice for numerous types of complex transaction. Colleague Chris Warner leads the tax practice and has a “stellar track record” in advising high-profile companies on securitisations, restructurings and cross-border leasings. Amsterdam-based Pim Rank is “one of the best” for advice on financial products, lending and regulatory supervision of securities trading. Willem Ruys is “a doyen of capital markets” and his years of experience see him classed as “brilliant”. Colleague Petra Zijp heads the capital markets team and is lauded for her “intellectual excellence and practical approach”.

With inclusions in a further seven practice areas, NautaDutilh maintains its global reputation as a leading firm.