Clifford Chance is a leading firm for project financing and PFI matters. The energy and infrastructure group advises on large projects, covering the financing, construction, regulation, offtake agreements and tenders. The team has assisted on numerous projects from multiple sectors including banking, data centres, construction and energy. Digital infrastructure financing is also a significant focus of the firm. Primarily advising energy firms, banks, lenders and sponsors, Hein Tonnaer is an expert when it comes to renewable energy, while Liesbeth Buiter advises on renewables for utility companies, lenders, sponsors and project companies. Angela McEwan specialises in banking and secured finance; Nanette Rutgers is particularly knowledgeable on Dutch law issues related to secured lending; and Mike Niekoop is a go-to practitioner for renewables, aviation and infrastructure finance. Philip Walsh was promoted to counsel in May 2023 and is experienced in advising on both Dutch and international project and portfolio financings as well as complex PPA structures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Clifford Chance team is very well aligned and works efficiently together across finance, due diligence, and tax. Quality across the firm is excellent.’
‘Mike Niekoop: arguably the best project finance lawyer in the Netherlands. He has the ability to keep strong oversight during complex processes and exceptional skills in explaining legal issues in an understandable manner to banks. He is really leading processes with confidence.’
‘Excellent team with sound expertise, process-oriented and pragmatic. Outstanding availability for clients and very good cooperation.’
‘Liesbeth Buiter stands out for her pragmatic, solution-oriented and negotiating skills as well as her industry-specific knowledge. Mike Niekoop stands out for his high level of industry knowledge and pragmatic approach.’
‘Knowledgeable, up to date on latest developments, and a human touch to it, which is key.’
Key clients
- Partners Group
- EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG
- SkyNRG BV
- LBBW
- Encavis
- Gemini Wind Park
- Rabobank
- CEE Group
- EdgeConneX
- Ampyr
- ING
- Blue Elephant
- Powerfield
- TotalEnergies
- Sunrock
- Eteck
Work highlights
- Advised the underwriters and senior lenders on the sustainability-linked €2.4bn portfolio refinancing of European data centres owned and operated by EdgeConneX.
- Advised Rabobank on the €200m framework project finance facility for AMPYR Solar Europe to build a portfolio of fully owned projects combined with projects with community participations.
- Advised LBBW on PowerField Netherlands BV's capital raise of circa €500m in structured equity and portfolio financing.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mike Niekoop
Clifford ChanceLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Hein Tonnaer
Clifford ChanceNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Liesbeth Buiter
Clifford ChancePractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Hein Tonnaer, Liesbeth Buiter, Nanette Rutgers, Mike Niekoop