Professional background
I am an Amsterdam-based corporate partner and have been practising since 2010. I act for both buy and sell side, strategic parties and investors and focus on complex transactions like (international) investment strategies, carve-outs, spin-offs and (multi-party, multi-role) joint ventures. My practice mostly, but not exclusively, evolves around transactions in regulated or otherwise governmental influenced industry sectors like (renewable) energy, life sciences and defence.
Although being a sector-independent corporate lawyer, I have ample experience in transactions in the energy sector (both hydrocarbons, renewables and other sustainability initiatives). Having worked as in-house counsel for two years at a Dutch manufacturer for offshore oil & gas equipment, and later being seconded to the Dutch market-leading developer of ground-mounted and floating solar farms, I have broad experience in the development of energy projects. I also advise on regulatory aspects of energy (electricity and heat).
I am a member of the Fieldfisher's Energy & Natural Resources, Life Sciences, Cannabis and Space & Defence global sector teams.
Representative M&A mandates:
- Advising Fagron on its acquisition of Pharmavit Europe
- Advising a globally active tank operator on the divesture of its agencies division
- Advising Fagron on its acquisition of Curaphar
- Advising a family owned, Dutch based, globally active TIC company on its majority acquisition of a horticulture specialist
- Advising a family office on its acquisition of Life Europe
- James Fisher & Sons Ltd. on its acquisition of Ortega military submersibles out of bankruptcy
- Advising UNIT4 on various transactions, including its acquisition of Fiscaal Gemak
Representative Energy mandates:
- Advising Wayland Holding on the sale of Wayland Energy (heat) to Yeager, a portfolio company of Pioneer Partners
- Advising GroenLeven/BayWa r.e. in 10+ sales of Netherlands-based solar and wind parks
- Advising Renewi on various participations, including in its cooperation with Nordsol and Shell in the development of the first Netherlands-based Bio-LNG plant
- Advising an European oil major on its acquisition of the market leader in road tolling automation
- Advising Distro Energy, a subsidiary of the Rotterdam Port Authority, on various corporate and regulatory matters
- Advising a heat company on its acquisition of the Schiebroek Heat Project
- Advising a sustainability fund in the sale of its participation in a portfolio of Italy-based wind parks (lead counsel)
- Advising a downstream hydrocarbon cooperative in the set up of its EV charger joint venture
I am registered for the following legal practice areas in the Netherlands Bar’s register of legal practice areas:
1. Corporate Law
2. Economic planning law (Energy law)
(some examples of listed recent work date from prior to joining Fieldfisher)
Education
Course climate change and energy transition. Examination paper: 'Closed distribution systems, a useful tool to combat e-grid congestion?' (graded excellent / A+)
Energy law in practice
National and European Energy Law
Company law
Course Mergers & Acquisitions: law, finance & skills
Awards & recognition
Geert de Nijs is highly recommended. He listens to the client and tries to get the deal done without overcomplicating things but with a keen eye on the important aspects of the matter. The availability of him is excellent.
Geert de Nijs has exceptional knowledge within the energy sector and understand his client's needs.
Geert de Nijs supports projects in an excellent manner: he is not only strong and creative on the strict legal merits but also has a good eye for dimensions such as the relationship between shareholders and its possible evolution over the years, which is equally invaluable advice.
Authored pieces
Legislative developments in the combat against e-grid congestion in the Netherlands
An introduction to the regulatory landscape of THC-containing cannabis in the Netherlands
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Feilim O’Caoimh Partner, Co-head of Energy and Natural ResourcesCorporate and CommercialEnergy and Natural Resources
What others say…
Geert de Nijs is highly recommended. He listens to the client and tries to get the deal done without overcomplicating things but with a keen eye on the important aspects of the matter. The availability of him is excellent.
Geert de Nijs has exceptional knowledge within the energy sector and understand his client's needs.
Geert de Nijs supports projects in an excellent manner: he is not only strong and creative on the strict legal merits but also has a good eye for dimensions such as the relationship between shareholders and its possible evolution over the years, which is equally invaluable advice.