About

Shawn’s practice is focused on cross-border M&A and private equity. He has an international background and experience that are ideally suited to that environment.

He regularly advises clients on big-ticket M&A that involves co-ordinating teams in multiple jurisdictions. As a result, he knows how to run a global cross-practice transaction and manage teams in dozens of jurisdictions.

He works with clients in the energy sector, multinational consumer product groups and some of the international banks. He also regularly acts for both Dutch and international private equity clients and investment funds.

Shawn originally qualified as a South African lawyer and leads the firm’s activities and presence in sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as  South Africa.  Namibia, Angola and Zambia. His background means that he understands the importance of cultural differences and how they may impact on ways of doing business.

One of Shawn's areas of focus is South Africa. Clients interested in South Africa and South African companies investing abroad will benefit from his understanding of this market.

Recent deals/Highlights

• Essent, the largest Dutch utility, on the €9.3bn sale of its production, trading and supply business to RWE AG and on the resolution of its ongoing dispute with Delta Energy regarding the nuclear power plant in Borssele, the Netherlands.
  
  
• Sara Lee on the disposal of its household and body care business, including transactions with Unilever, Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Spotless and Godrej.
  
  
• Lanxess on the acquisition of the elastomer (a synthetic rubber) business of the Royal DSM NV.

Career to date

Shawn was educated at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. In 1999, he moved to the Netherlands to work with Loeff Claeys Verbeke, before joining our Amsterdam office in 2000.

Qualifications and education

European Advocate in the Netherlands

Solicitor in England and Wales

Attorney in South Africa

Languages

Dutch, English and Afrikaans