Interview with Linklaters LLP Amsterdam partners

Last Updated on Monday, 24 October 2011 12:02 Sunday, 23 October 2011 16:13

Written by China Times

0 Comments

Peter Goes, merger and acquisition specialist and partner at Linklaters LLP in Amsterdam, and Pieter Riemer, partner at Linklaters LLP in Amsterdam and member of Linklaters International Board received an interview by China Times to talk about Peter Goes’ upcoming move to Linklaters Beijing office as part of their move to strengthen Linklaters’ presence in China and their international strategy.

What is the main reason for Linklaters to strengthen position in China by relocating senior European partners there?

P. Goes: One of the main reasons why I am relocating to our Beijing office to strengthen our position there we find it is a good idea to go to Beijing is that we have seen the trend that an increasing number of Chinese companies are going abroad and trying to acquire non-Chinese companies. I think it is a good idea to go to Beijing with my experience ofabout the European market and to help the Chinese companies.

A couple of years ago, we mainly focused on helping non-Chinese companies setting up business in Cchina. However, for the recent one or two years, we have seen a shift where China is becoming a proper grown economy and the Chinese entrepreneurcompanies s are looking abroad to expand their own market, which means that we need to have more people who have western experience in China. We have also seen generally in Asia a great growth potential which means we need to have more resources in Asia than what we would probably have here in Europe.

What are the major sectors of Linklaters?

P. Goes: There are a number of sectors in on which we specialize (globally) would like to focus but I think energy and financial sectors are our major focus andsectors (specifically in the Netherlands) where we have strong experience.

Historically, we have been very strong in the sector of financial institutions, mainly banks, insurance companies and investment companies. That is why ICBC is also one of our clients. We have helped them with setting up in Amsterdam. Apart from that, we are very strong in the sectors of energy, mining, utilities, oil & gas.

What is the Long-term goal to strengthen the presence in China?

P. Goes: Our long term goal is to remain strong and become even stronger. We have to compete on a global scale and the competition mainly takes place in Asia at this moment. That is also why we shift more experienced people to Asia in order to enter the competitive market and further grow in that huge market.

P. Riemer: Linklaters is a relationship driven firm. It is all about the relationships with our clients. We have increasingly more important relationships in China. And to serve those relationships properly, we need the presence in China. We have already had the presence for some time, but we need a stronger presence, so it is a long-term investment, we expect to continue to stay there to further expand in Asia.

Will the Chinese legal system become an obstacle in offering legal assistance?

P.Goes: The Chinese legal system in relation to contract is actually similar to the Western European legal system - the continental system or what we call the civil law system. The Chinese have looked at the German legal system which is close to Dutch legal system. Therefore, continental lawyers are actually easier to do legal business in china than it would be for English and American lawyers. English and American laws are similar and it is what we refer to as the common law, which is mainly the law in Hong Kong. The law in Mainland China is closer to our legal system.

Which businesses could have more opportunities in Europe?

P. Goes: There are lots of opportunities for Chinese companies in Europe. For example, Chinese banks have great opportunities on a macroeconomic scale, like state bonds or capital support for western banks. Also for heavy industry and know-how industry, there are also many opportunities.

P. Riemer: For the Dutch market, it is a difficult moment. There is a lot of unemployment, so Chinese companies investing in Europe and the Netherlands would be welcome. It is not only become of their specific expertise in certain area but also because they would create more employment possibilities in the Netherlands.

Why does the Amsterdam office among all the other offices send a partner to China?

P. Goes: The Dutch generally are very internationally focused. We have a very open economy. We are used to doing business abroad or in a foreign language. It is our daily business doing deals and helping clients in a cross-border setting.

P. Riemer: Historically, the trade between the Netherlands and China can be dated back to a long time ago. Like Peter, I have been in China as well to visit some of our Chinese clients, companies like China Mobile, ICBC. I met many Dutch people doing business in Beijing. There are a lot of interactions between the two countries. The Netherlands is the biggest trade partner of China from Western Europe after Germany. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for us to finally send an Amsterdam partner to Beijing to accommodate the needs of the Dutch clients.