Richard advises private equity funds and other investors on all types of cross-border leveraged M&A. He heads Houthoff’s Private Equity practice in the London Offices.

  • Advising a.s.r. on the division of Amvest’s real estate activities. Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn (PFZW) will acquire a.s.r.'s shares in the management and development organisation as of 1 January 2026 and will become the sole shareholder of Amvest Vastgoed B.V. Amvest's current development portfolio will be divided between PFZW and a.s.r.
  • Advises Lumileds International on a definitive agreement under which San’an Optoelectronics and Inari Amertron Berhad will acquire Lumileds Holding B.V. and its European and Asian subsidiaries.
  • Advised Tepsa, backed by I Squared Capital, on the acquisition of GES Netherlands and its subsidiary GES Rotterdam. Tepsa is an independent operator of bulk liquid storage terminals. GES Rotterdam operates a 24-hectare terminal located in the Europoort area of the Port of Rotterdam. With a current tank storage capacity of 212.000 m3 and 18 hectares of unused land available for development, the terminal offers a strategic position for Tepsa’s intended growth in de ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) region.
  • Economics (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
  • Law (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 2011

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.
Life Sciences
The Life Sciences sector is rapidly growing all around the world. It's a sector where issues not only develop quickly but can also have a major social and economic impact. This can be seen in areas such as biotechnology and in the development of innovative medicines, medical devices and foodstuffs.
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.
Mediation
Business conflicts are inevitable and nothing new. However, they are becoming more commonplace in the wake of developments in society, as an increasingly diverse group of stakeholders exerts pressure in the boardroom and society is growing more juridified. To resolve these conflicts, parties increasingly explore alternative methods.
Software Deals
M&A is an efficient way for companies to gain access to new software solutions and assets, including skilled and specialised people. We view a successful M&A software deal as one where the strategic options have been considered, a healthy risk-profile has been completed, and most importantly, where value has been created over time.
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.
Life Sciences
The Life Sciences sector is rapidly growing all around the world. It's a sector where issues not only develop quickly but can also have a major social and economic impact. This can be seen in areas such as biotechnology and in the development of innovative medicines, medical devices and foodstuffs.
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.
Mediation
Business conflicts are inevitable and nothing new. However, they are becoming more commonplace in the wake of developments in society, as an increasingly diverse group of stakeholders exerts pressure in the boardroom and society is growing more juridified. To resolve these conflicts, parties increasingly explore alternative methods.
Software Deals
M&A is an efficient way for companies to gain access to new software solutions and assets, including skilled and specialised people. We view a successful M&A software deal as one where the strategic options have been considered, a healthy risk-profile has been completed, and most importantly, where value has been created over time.

"Richard Witvliet has been a valued partner in both fast-paced transactions where we had to compete at speed and also on slower deals where reasoning and emotional intelligence have been important."

Legal 500

Commercial, Corporate and M&A (2025 Edition)

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Legal 500

Commercial, Corporate and M&A (2025 Edition)

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Legal 500

Private Equity (2025 Edition)
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