NETHERLANDS Law and Practice Contributed by: Maarten de Boorder, Samuel Garcia Nelen, Jelmer Kalisvaart and Bas Vletter, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP Beethovenstraat 545 1083 HK Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 20 301 7338 Fax: +31 20 301 7300 Email: Samuel.GarciaNelen@gtlaw.com Web: www.gtlaw.com
1. Trends 1.1 M&A Market
high, competition authorities appear more open to well-structured transactions supported by credible remedies and early engagement. Overall, the Dutch M&A market is characterised by disciplined optimism, with risks viewed as manageable planning considera - tions rather than barriers to execution. 1.2 Key Trends Entering 2026, several structural trends continue to shape Dutch M&A activity. Digitalisation and the adop - tion of AI remain central strategic priorities, with com - panies increasingly acquiring or partnering to access advanced capabilities rather than building them in- house. Public market activity has also increased, driv - en by take-private transactions, joint bids between financial sponsors and strategic buyers, and rising shareholder activism focused on value creation and strategic direction. European consolidation is an increasingly impor - tant theme, supported by a policy environment that emphasises industrial resilience and long-term com - petitiveness. At the same time, deal making is becom - ing more sophisticated, with greater emphasis on regulatory readiness, financing certainty, and stake - holder engagement. ESG considerations, portfolio optimisation, and strategic partnerships – including cross-border collaborations – continue to influence transaction rationales. While geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory complexity, and multi-jurisdictional review processes remain key challenges, market participants have adapted to oper - ating within these constraints. As a result, the Dutch M&A ecosystem remains an attractive and dynamic
The Dutch M&A market enters 2026 with renewed momentum, supported by a clearer macroeconomic outlook and increased willingness among corporates, financial institutions, and private equity funds to pur - sue strategic transactions. Stabilising interest rates, a more pragmatic approach to geopolitical risk, and greater familiarity with regulatory and technological complexity have improved confidence across the market. While deal makers remain mindful of execu - tion risks, there is broad readiness to transact, with a strong focus on strategic fit, integration value, and closing certainty. Activity is visible across both public and private mar - kets. Corporates are using M&A to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen supply chains, and opti - mise portfolios, while private equity firms remain active, deploying significant levels of committed capital through platform investments and targeted add-ons. Exit routes have become more varied, and valuation mechanisms increasingly reflect shared performance risk. At the same time, the funding landscape has broadened, with private credit, insur - ance capital, and sovereign wealth funds playing an increasingly important role alongside traditional bank financing. Cross-border European consolidation is regaining prominence in 2026, particularly in sectors such as energy, financial services, and telecommunications, where scale and capital intensity underpin strong industrial logic. While regulatory scrutiny remains
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