Strategic alliance AKD and HIL

As of 30 May 2006 the lawfirm AKD Prinsen Van Wijmen (AKD) and Holthuis International lawyers (HIL) have entered into a strategic alliance aimed at the Chinese market. A Letter of Intent that was drafted for this strategic alliance was signed at the offices of HIL at Shanghai in the presence of amongst others Mr. Opstelten (the mayor of Rotterdam) and the Dutch Consul General at Shanghai, Mr. Jan Peter Wever.

The cooperation is intended to offer legal services to Chinese companies with investments and activities in the Dutch market and to Dutch companies doing business in or with China. The alliance can prepare and give guidance in legal proceedings that are conducted by Chinese lawfrms that it works with.

Leo Boersen, who is involved with the alliance on behalf of AKD Prinsen Van Wijmen is very enthusiastic: "This is a very promising alliance. We can now assist Chinese clients in practically all areas of the law, whilst at the same time fully understand the special approach that is required when working for Chinese clients. At the same time, with HIL's assistance and extensive network, we can now also offer legal service "on the ground" in Shanghai and the rest of China.

The ever expanding Chinese economy has led to an increased demand for legal services from Chinese companies with investments in the Netherlands. This demand is expected to continue to grow. AKD provides its services for China business through a specially formed dedicated China Group.

China is especially interesting for AKD's litigation department. At this moment, the increased trade with and investment in China is leading to more and more disputes that go to litigation or arbitration. Again, the alliance's combined expertise puts it in an ideal position to assist its clients, in conjunction with Chinese lawfirms.

HIL has been active in China since the firm was established in 1997 and is the first Dutch law firm with an official local office. At the end of 2004 the Chinese Ministry of Justice issued a licence for that office. HIL's offices are in Shanghai's financial centre and it has a team consisting of international and Chinese lawyers. HIL maintains close ties with leading Chinese law firms.