CMS
CMS handles both domestic and international real estate transactions, project development, environmental and zoning issues, financing, lease transactions and security rights matters. Complex transactional work for the department includes real estate acquisitions, financing and development for investors, fund managers, developers, occupiers and asset managers. The practice has also been growing its ESG expertise, advising clients on the impact and regulatory expectations of ESG-related law. Arnout Scholten co-leads the practice with Femke Stroucken. Scholten specialises in complex real estate transactions, major refurbishments, area redevelopments and turnkey sale and purchase contracts. Civil notary Stroucken advises on transactions, project development and financing and is also skilled in ESG-related issues such as sustainable energy projects. Corporate real estate specialist Jan Peter IJspeert advises on project development, asset transactions and ESG issues. Also noted is Tijmen Brüne, who has recently been assisting with sale and leaseback matters. Hein van der Meer left the firm in January 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have worked with CMS on several deals and we are very impressed by their service and expertise. Jan Peter IJspeert and Femke Stroucken stand out for their deal-oriented, practical and collaborative approach. They understand our business and objectives and provide us with clear and effective guidance. They are always available, reliable and committed.’
‘What I appreciate most is that Tijmen Brüne and his team keep in mind what the overall goal is. Which in our case is working together on (real estate) transactions. Tijmen is able to estimate whether certain risks, flagged during DD, are actual red flags or risks that can be accepted given the nature of the transaction. This results in a very smooth and efficient way of working. By working with Tijmen we are always certain that we do not lose valuable time on minor issues. Last, but not least, he is also a great person to work with. ’
‘I have been dealing with Femke Stroucken for over a decade and I have always been impressed by her overall depth and knowledge of the real estate sector combined with her strong commercial acumen and an exceptional degree of professionalism.’
‘Arnout Scholten is a good intelligent and experienced lawyer able to win negotiations. He does this smartly and steps away from personal things. He is creative, deal oriented and solution driven. He understands the balance between commercial and legal very well.’
‘Jan Peter IJspeert stands out because of his response time, and his tone of voice. His experience and negotiation skills really add value to the deal. In deals I leave it up to him to instruct his team or add knowledge from other sections. ’
‘CMS and especially Jan Peter and Femke have been excellent partners for our transactions. They are deal-driven, pragmatic and work well as a team. They always deliver high-quality advice and solutions, tailored to our needs and goals. We highly appreciate their responsiveness, professionalism and dedication.’
‘Arnout Scholten is able to act in a discussion without prior consultation because he is aware of our needs and requirements. Having legal assistance who is able to act like this is key for our relationship and makes it possible that CMS can think further than the actual question on the table.'
‘Tijmen Brune was our key contact. He kept track of the many workstreams, ensuring that the various contracts and structures were aligned and being worked on at the same time. Additionally, the other side of the transaction had a particularly tricky legal counsel, who was managed very well by Tijmen.’
Key clients
- DIC Asset AG
- Evolution RE
- DHL
- HANSAINVEST
- Hana Alternative Asset Management (HAAM)
- Savills Investment Management B.V.
- Mirastar
- Borghese / COD
- Invesco
- Nuveen
- Swiss Life
- CBRE IM
- Synchroon
- Catella
- Delin
- Aviva
- M&G
- Warburg HIH-Invest Real Estate
- Capreon
- Nordcapital
Work highlights
- Advised CBRE Investment Management on behalf of an institutional investor on the acquisition of the Batavia building, to be developed at the Bio Science Park in Leiden, from developer Provast.
- Advised German investment manager Catella Residential Investment Management on the sale by two of its funds of a 34-property Dutch/German residential portfolio.
- Advised Invesco on three important transactions in the prestige residential, commercial and logistics spaces, with a combined value of €152.5m.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Arnout Scholten, Femke Stroucken