AKD

AKD welcomes Harm Kerstholt as partner in its energy practice in the Netherlands. Harm brings over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and large-scale sustainable projects, including offshore wind, solar energy and hydrogen. With Harm’s arrival, AKD adds a strong transactional component to its energy practice, which is already renowned for its expertise in permitting, grid connections and litigation, giving the team a significant boost. Harm has witnessed first-hand how profoundly the energy sector has changed over the past decades. “Where the market was once stable and fossil-driven, it is now open, volatile and fully focused on sustainability,” he says. “Decentralised generation, grid congestion, hydrogen projects and the growing demand for electricity all require a new approach. In this dynamic landscape, it is crucial that deals and collaborations are both legally robust and flexible. With my experience I help clients seize opportunities and manage risks, ensuring that investments deliver maximum return.” His expertise and leading market position are internationally recognised, with top rankings in prestigious legal directories such as Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. Clients describe his approach as pragmatic and results-oriented, with a strong focus on collaboration and clear explanations of complex matters. “Alone, we go fast; together, we go further. I look forward to working with the AKD team in the coming years to strengthen our reputation as the undisputed ‘go-to firm’ for strategic deals, projects and disputes in the Benelux energy sector,” says Harm. “We are delighted to welcome Harm to our team,” says Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner of AKD. “The energy sector is in the midst of a fundamental transition. For our clients this means that transactions and projects are becoming increasingly complex and strategic. With Harm on board, we are strengthening our ability to support clients in this area. His experience is an excellent match with our firm’s focus on the further expansion of our energy practice.” In recent years, AKD has played a leading role in a wide range of energy projects and transactions. The firm advises clients in the Netherlands and Belgium on the full spectrum of energy law. Within a single integrated team, the firm combines project development, transactions, permitting, financing and energy disputes. This approach makes AKD a true ‘one-stop shop’ for project developers, investors, financiers, grid operators, public authorities and energy companies navigating the energy transition. With over 500 lawyers, tax advisers, civil-law notaries and support staff in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, AKD is a leading Benelux law firm. For our clients, we are the gateway from, to and in the Benelux. Rashida Ishaak [email protected] +31 6 11 18 97 09 AKD Wilhelminakade 1 3072AP Rotterdam www.akd.eu  

Ruben Vermang has been appointed as a partner at AKD in Brussels within the Real Estate practice. His appointment underscores AKD's appeal to top lawyers and marks the next step in the firm's efforts to strengthen its legal services in Belgium. Ruben brings extensive experience in the real estate sector and will play a key role in further developing AKD’s strategic position in this market. With extensive experience in real estate transactions and expertise across all facets of real estate law, Ruben brings a unique blend of skill and vision to AKD. His practice covers the complete lifecycle of a property — from acquisitions and development, to property and asset management. Ruben also has significant experience in construction law, advising on large-scale development and PPP projects, as well as drafting contracts, providing strategic legal advice, and handling disputes. Ruben’s appointment marks an important milestone in AKD's strategy to position itself as an established name in Belgium. His arrival severally strengthens AKD's position in the highest segment of the Corporate Real Estate market. “With my expertise, I aim not only to support our existing clients in their transactions but also to actively contribute to AKD’s further growth in Belgium. I look forward to working with the team to build a solid, future-oriented presence for AKD in the Belgian market,” said Ruben. His decision to join AKD reflects the convergence of Ruben's ambition to take the next step in his career and AKD's desire to take further significant steps in the Belgian market. AKD is still relatively new on the Belgian market but with great ambition wishes to successfully position itself among the established order of Brussels business lawyers. Ruben will therefore play a key role in strengthening AKD's position and reputation in Belgium on the real estate market and further drive AKD's growth in Belgium with the enthusiasm of a pioneer. Ruben is distinguished by his dedication and pragmatic approach, combined with a personal, accessible style. His clients value his ability to not only provide legal advice but also to think strategically about the entire transaction. "For me, it’s about truly understanding what matters to my clients and offering solutions that work in practice," he says. Carlos Pita Cao, Managing Partner of AKD: “Ruben is a valuable addition to our team, not only because of his extensive experience in Corporate Real Estate but also due to the energy and entrepreneurship he brings. We are confident that Ruben is the right person to help us realise our growth ambitions in the Belgian market and achieve our strategic goals in the real estate sector.”