
The practice at AKD is equipped to assist its clients in the range of insolvency and restructuring cases, including cross-border matters. Further, it has capabilities advising those in financial distress on recapitalisation, reorganisation and wind-up procedures. Thijs Hekman and Rotterdam-based Fouad el Houzi who ‘consistently achieves top outcomes’ co-head the practice. Barend de Roy van Zuidewijn departed the team in December 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Fouad el Houzi has a deep understanding of complex legal frameworks and consistently achieves top outcomes by offering tailored, effective solutions to his clients. Fouad is the go-to advisor in the Netherlands for navigating challenging legal situations.’
‘Swift responses and practical legal advice of good quality.’
‘The USP of this firm is that they have both receivers and also act as advisors in restructurings. That is very helpful.’
‘The restructuring team of AKD is distinguished by its high degree of specialisation. The team focuses exclusively on restructuring, insolvency and litigation. The team adopts a pragmatic approach to its cases, and is particularly exceptional in its commitment and drive in achieving the best outcome for the client.'
‘Thijs Hekman combines exceptional analytical skills and a deep understanding of the case with a strong foundation in legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and highly persuasive litigation abilities in the courtroom.’
‘Rolf Everhardus from AKD is knowledgeable within his area of expertise, keeps an overview and is a strategically skilled lawyer.’
‘With Ward Aerts and Rolf Everhardus, the team has knowledgeable, approachable and dedicated partners.’
‘Rolf is very to-the-point and practical. Ward is always willing to try and find the reasonable solution for issues that arise.’
Key clients
- Royal Imtech N.V.
- Bankruptcy trustee of BCC Group
- Intimus International Netherlands BV
- Port Authorities of Rotterdam
- Bergen op
- Zoom
- Etten-Leur
- Halderberge
- Moerdijk
- Roosendaal
- Rucphen
- Steenbergen
- Woensdrecht
- Zundert
- Cerberus Capital Management LP
- De Donge group companies
- Online Seminar cluster
- Ortolan Nederland Credit Oplossingen GmbH
- Svenska Handelsbanken AS
- Atlantic Marine Services B.V.
- Fortress group companies
- Centraal Beheer Achmea
- ISA Pharmaceuticals
- Crowe PEAK
- Dutch water authorities
- Basil
- Tower Services Europe
- Agora Retail B.V.
- Agora TR B.V.
- Amora BBW group
- Copaco
- Province of Utrecht
- Uljee Food Group
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Thijs Hekman, Fouad el Houzi