Yvo specialises in competition law and EU law and leads Houthoff’s Competition practice group. His practice includes merger control notifications with the EU Commission and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, and foreign direct investment screening (FDI) matters. He is experienced in cartel investigations and EU antifraud investigations, and also advises on EU regulatory law matters.

Both in private practice and his past career as a government agent before the European Court of Justice, Yvo has extensively litigated various competition and other EU law disputes (including State aid and subsidy matters) before the EU courts. He also worked in-house at Philips International, advising on cartel cases, and on competition law and compliance issues.

  • LL.M. Antitrust and International Trade Law (Fulbright Scholarship) (University of Michigan Law School)
  • LL.M. Antitrust and EU Law (Maastricht University)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 1999

Expertises

Competition
We advise and assist national and international companies, institutions and governments in procedures before the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the European Commission, foreign competition authorities, and the relevant (specialised) courts.
EU
EU law has a huge impact on almost all sectors and businesses. In many sectors, fair competition in the internal EU market is ensured through highly detailed and complex regulations relating to market access, production processes and products and services offered on the market.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
Foreign Direct Investments
The European Union is the largest destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs): whether by private investors from abroad, or by State Owned Entities. Amid growing concerns about countries using those SOEs for geopolitical purposes, however, further and stricter rules for screening FDIs are being introduced, both by the EU and its individual Member States and by countries such as the US and the UK.
ESG & Sustainability
Behind the daily headlines on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues hide complex challenges such as permitting, subsidies, funding and reporting obligations. These matters affect the expectations and demands of all corporate stakeholders.
Competition
We advise and assist national and international companies, institutions and governments in procedures before the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the European Commission, foreign competition authorities, and the relevant (specialised) courts.
EU
EU law has a huge impact on almost all sectors and businesses. In many sectors, fair competition in the internal EU market is ensured through highly detailed and complex regulations relating to market access, production processes and products and services offered on the market.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
Foreign Direct Investments
The European Union is the largest destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs): whether by private investors from abroad, or by State Owned Entities. Amid growing concerns about countries using those SOEs for geopolitical purposes, however, further and stricter rules for screening FDIs are being introduced, both by the EU and its individual Member States and by countries such as the US and the UK.
ESG & Sustainability
Behind the daily headlines on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues hide complex challenges such as permitting, subsidies, funding and reporting obligations. These matters affect the expectations and demands of all corporate stakeholders.

Ranked in Band 2

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"What sets him apart is his capability to appease stakeholders of all levels in high-pressure situations."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"Whilst explaining the legal framework, associated risks and options, he speaks the language of the business, which makes him an excellent sparring partner throughout the whole organisation."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

EU and Competition (2025 Edition)
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Publications

17 December 2024
17 December 2024
Competition Outlook 2025. Houthoff.
15 November 2024
15 November 2024
International Comparative Legal Guide to: Foreign Direct Investment Regimes 2025, 6th edition. Global Legal Group.
7 June 2024
7 June 2024
Netherlands: Big tech under security amid stricter merger control. Global Competition Review.
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