Mills & Reeve reinforces relations with leading German and Dutch law firms

We have been working increasingly closely with Graf von Westphalen and Van Benthem & Keulen for over ten years on a broad range of transactions including M&A, private equity, flotations, corporate finance, employment law and commercial disputes, providing clients with a seamless service across the three jurisdictions. The new agreements strengthen close relationships which already involve joint legal training programmes and regular secondee exchanges. 

Graf von Westphalen is one of Germany’s largest independent law firms with five offices across Germany as well as branches in Brussels, Istanbul and Shanghai. Van Benthem & Keulen is a leading Dutch firm particularly well-known for its IURA ACTUA training programme for general counsel. Both firms have substantial experience in advising UK businesses and entrepreneurs operating in their respective countries. 

Our international offering is rapidly growing and we have worked with clients in over 75 jurisdictions in the last 12 months. A key aim of the firm’s 2020 strategy is to expand our services to international and London-based clients by successfully leveraging our global network of leading legal experts. 

Tom Pickthorn, Head of International at Mills & Reeve, said: “Our international strategy is driven by a fundamental ambition – to provide our clients with expert legal support wherever they are doing business in the world. The affiliations with our friends in Germany and the Netherlands are important steps forward to achieving this strategy. 

“With the uncertainties and opportunities arising from Brexit, it is more important than ever that we can provide our clients a seamless service in these key markets. The affiliation we signed in 2014 with FIDAL, the largest law firm in France, has already shown us how much our clients value this approach.” 

Christof Kleinmann, joint managing partner at Graf von Westphalen, added: “The UK is a key export market for many German businesses and over recent years we have been advising on an increasing number of cross-border deals for our clients with the assistance of Mills & Reeve. 

“We are excited to sign this agreement and further strengthen our working relationship. We share the same high standards of technical expertise and a commitment to outstanding client service.” 

Marcel Ruygvoorn, managing partner at Van Benthem & Keulen, commented: “The Netherlands has always been a strong trading nation and that still applies today. Many of our clients are multinationals and expect us to provide a seamless service, not only in the Netherlands, but also abroad. 

“This agreement represents a real commitment to enhance the support we provide our international clients. We are always looking to work with like-minded law firms that understand our clients, their culture and their objectives. By working together with Mills & Reeve we can offer our clients more.”