Michiel is a partner in our Corporate practice group and one of the most prominent corporate and private equity lawyers in the Netherlands with over 25 years’ experience. He specialises in corporate transactions, including public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and strategic capital markets and governance.

In his career, Michiel has advised on more than 200 transactions both on strategic M&A and private equity. With his economic and financial background and experience, Michiel is adept at advising on all aspects of the transaction or situation at hand.

He focuses on advising in the context of cross-border transactions, restructuring transactions, complex joint ventures, large scale projects and carve-outs in an array of industries including renewables, circular economy and infrastructure. Michiel provides broad corporate advice as a boardroom adviser to several listed and non-listed companies and investors. He also advises on the redomiciliation of foreign listed companies to the Netherlands.

Michiel served on Houthoff’s Executive Committee until 2018. Between 2010 and 2014, he headed the Corporate/M&A Practice Group.

  • Advised Ariston Holding N.V., a global leader in sustainable solutions for thermal comfort, with ordinary shares listed on Euronext Milan, on the acquisition of CENTROTEC Climate Systems GmbH.
  • Advised Titan, a leading independent liquified biomethane (LBM/bio-LNG) and LNG supplier to the maritime and industrial sectors, on a successful funding round leading to InfraVia obtaining (through one of its investment vehicles) a 45% equity stake in Titan.
  • Advised Egeria on the sale of Dutch Bakery Group B.V. to investment manager 3i Group PLC.
  • Law (University of Groningen)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 1998

Expertises

Corporate/M&A
Mergers and acquisitions are among the most transformative decisions a business can make – whether driven by ambitions for growth, entry into new markets, evolving industry dynamics or long-term investment objectives. These transactions demand clear insight and the ability to navigate legal and regulatory complexity across jurisdictions.
Private Equity
Houthoff advises private equity clients on transactions, acquisitions, financing and structuring. Our team offers strategic and legal support from entry to exit.
Manufacturing
Houthoff’s Manufacturing Team advises manufacturers, chemical companies and industrials on M&A, environmental due diligence, cartel claims, outsourcing and international production opportunities in emerging economies.
Retail & Consumer Goods
The inevitable shift to omni-channel selling leads to more complex distribution and data processing and requires strategic collaborations and good chain directors to create and maintain a level playing field.
Technology
Whether it's about the largest and fastest-growing companies having technology at the core of their business model, financial institutions developing new ways to commercialise their services or industrials relying heavily on technology for their products – technology is top of mind.
Transport & Logistics
The growing consumer market, the arrival of large European distribution centres and rising demand in the construction sector are all contributing to a greater demand for physical goods flows, and with it a growing need for transport.
Corporate/M&A
Mergers and acquisitions are among the most transformative decisions a business can make – whether driven by ambitions for growth, entry into new markets, evolving industry dynamics or long-term investment objectives. These transactions demand clear insight and the ability to navigate legal and regulatory complexity across jurisdictions.
Private Equity
Houthoff advises private equity clients on transactions, acquisitions, financing and structuring. Our team offers strategic and legal support from entry to exit.
Manufacturing
Houthoff’s Manufacturing Team advises manufacturers, chemical companies and industrials on M&A, environmental due diligence, cartel claims, outsourcing and international production opportunities in emerging economies.
Retail & Consumer Goods
The inevitable shift to omni-channel selling leads to more complex distribution and data processing and requires strategic collaborations and good chain directors to create and maintain a level playing field.
Technology
Whether it's about the largest and fastest-growing companies having technology at the core of their business model, financial institutions developing new ways to commercialise their services or industrials relying heavily on technology for their products – technology is top of mind.
Transport & Logistics
The growing consumer market, the arrival of large European distribution centres and rising demand in the construction sector are all contributing to a greater demand for physical goods flows, and with it a growing need for transport.

Leading Partner

Legal 500

Commercial, Corporate and M&A (2025 Edition)

"Michiel Pannekoek is a very solid lawyer you can always count on. He is always available when you need him. In addition to legal advice, he always gives you strategic advice."

Chambers Global & Europe

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (2025 Edition)

"Michiel Pannekoek is sharp, concise and clearly has a lot of expertise in cross-border transactions."

Chambers Global & Europe

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (2025 Edition)

Ranked

Chambers Global & Europe

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

Private Equity (2025 Edition)
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