Van Benthem & Keulen rankings in the Legal500 EMEA 2025 edition

We are proud of the rankings of our Banking & Finance, Corporate / M&A and Tech & Data teams in the Legal500 EMEA 2025 edition!

For the eighth year in a row, the Banking & Finance team, led by Frank Richel and Dennis Apperloo, has a ranking in the Banking and Finance: Financial Services Regulatory category (Tier 4). This year, the Corporate/M&A team, led by Sander Marges, Steven Storm, Maaike Kamps and Gijs van Rooijen also has a ranking in the Commercial, Corporate and M&A category (Tier 5). Also this year, the Tech & Data team, led by Robert Boekhorst, has a ranking in the Industry Focus: Information Technology category (Tier 4).

We thank our clients for their participation in the survey and the great testimonials.  

Banking & Finance

Van Benthem & Keulen‘s regulatory practice grew in January 2024, with Dennis Apperloo joining from HVG Law LLP and augmenting the firm’s AML and sanctions advice. He joins as team co-head alongside Frank Richel, whose speciality lies in supporting a broad range of financial service providers, ranging from banks to insurers and funds on supervisory regulations and regulatory litigation.

Client testimonials: 

• 'Delivering timely, practical and high quality advice that's also understandable for staff without a legal background.'
• ‘They are very much willing to think with us. We see good quality in services, which are in line with our company language.’
• ‘The team is very accessible and always on standby to assist if a legal problem escalates and we seek external litigation support. Since we have collaborated frequently, they know how we operate and what we need. Furthermore, I notice that the firm has a friendly and cooperative culture and differs from typical Zuidas offices.’
• ‘Van Benthem & Keulen's FSR practice excels in understanding our unique business offering and therefore goes the extra step in our collaboration to ensure that our products remain compliant in the changing regulatory environment. This understanding of our business logic ensures that time can be saved upfront when starting new projects.’
• ‘We have had the privilege to work with Dennis Apperloo. During that period he and VBK have expertly advised us through our initial hurdles regarding litigation matters and AML compliance.’
• ‘Frank Richel has a broad level of knowledge, gives adequate legal opinions, has pleasant personality and has given good performances in court cases.’
• ‘VBK has good expertise and the ability to apply this practically with attention to the client's position. The down-to-earth culture within VBK fits well with the culture of our company. The personal approach makes cooperation pleasant and approachable.’
• ‘Frank Richel is a highly valued partner with whom we have worked for a long time.’

Corporate / M&A

Van Benthem & Keulen‘s group is well placed to advise noteworthy clients on corporate transactions including significant acquisitions, sales and investments across industry sectors. The team is helmed by corporate and M&A specialists Sander Marges and Steven Storm alongside Mariel Vrielink, who also harnesses notarial expertise. Maaike Kamps is also a ’highly competent practitioner’.

Client testimonials:

• ‘Strong, hands-on cooperation with local boots on the ground. They have an entrepreneurial spirit ensuring swift and close cooperation with all key stakeholders in M&A processes including owners, directors, M&A teams of corporates and their advisers.’
• ‘It was a pleasure to work with Gijs van Rooijen on this transaction, sharing creative solutions to various challenges in a pragmatic way, bolstering the cooperation with the buy-side while improving the positions for the sell-side.’
• ‘The team is very capable of providing corporate support on cross-border transactions. They demonstrate a high-level of expertise and understanding of the commercial drivers of a deal as well as the legal requirements. The team is also very responsive and nothing is ever too much trouble.’
• ‘Sander Marges and Maaike Kamps are both highly competent practitioners, combining their specialist corporate advice with a deep understanding of private equity structures, which is all overlaid with their commercial approach to problem solving.’
• ‘VBK's team is very approachable. Their legal approach is well thought-out.’
• ‘When asked, they not only give their professional opinion but also their personal take. That helps in aligning on the case at hand and the course to follow.'

Tech & Data

Praised for its ‘very hands-on, solution-driven approach’, Van Benthem & Keulen is a key contact for clients from the financial sector on cloud-sourcing transactions. The practice is led by Robert Boekhorst.

Client testimonials: 

• 'Robert Boekhorst's knowledge and expertise significantly contribute to ensuring thorough and robust contracting arrangements.’
• ‘This practice stands out due to its exceptional combination of deep legal expertise and client-centred approach. One of its key strengths lies in its ability to handle complex, multidisciplinary matters, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to client needs. The team excels in areas such as IT and IP law and is known for its ability to provide clear, strategic guidance on even the most challenging cases.'
• 'I especially value the team’s strong communication, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering results, often surpassing expectations.’
• ‘The presence of Robert Boekhorst makes VBK's IT practice stand out.’
• ‘Robert Boekhorst is highly experienced, exudes senior partner presence in negotiations, and is a pleasure to work with.’
• ‘Van Benthem & Keulen is our preferred supplier for legal matters in the IT field. My experience in recent years working with Van Benthem has been very positive, with the ultimate output being good.’