Walter van Overbeek

Advocaat | Partner

Contact

Walter van Overbeek
Amsterdam
+31206056161
+31651608209
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Practice Areas

Litigation
EU
Competition
Privacy and Data Protection

Sectors

Automotive
Manufacturing
Retail & Consumer Products

Languages

Dutch
English
German
French
Portuguese

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Walter has a general commercial practice and specialises in contract law, litigation and competition law. He advises on matters concerning production, distribution, franchising, agency and consumer law. Walter regularly assists producers such as original equipment manufacturers, importers and retailers in setting up, changing, or phasing out their networks within the EU. He possesses unique experience in the areas of electric vehicles and connected vehicles, as well as in international contracting related to technology licensing and contract manufacturing (assembly) of motor vehicles within the EU.  

Walter also leads the Automotive Industry Group, representing mainly manufacturers and their importers. He has successfully assisted several distribution model changes and network restructurings. Walter is regularly asked by manufacturers to coordinate large projects in different countries, working intensely with local counsel all over Europe.
  • Recommended
    Legal 500, EU and Competition (2025 Edition)
Walter has a general commercial practice and specialises in contract law, litigation and competition law. He advises on matters concerning production, distribution, franchising, agency and consumer law. Walter regularly assists producers such as original equipment manufacturers, importers and retailers in setting up, changing, or phasing out their networks within the EU. He possesses unique experience in the areas of electric vehicles and connected vehicles, as well as in international contracting related to technology licensing and contract manufacturing (assembly) of motor vehicles within the EU.  

Walter also leads the Automotive Industry Group, representing mainly manufacturers and their importers. He has successfully assisted several distribution model changes and network restructurings. Walter is regularly asked by manufacturers to coordinate large projects in different countries, working intensely with local counsel all over Europe.
 
Walter is country expert for distribution at the International Distribution Institute (IDI).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Dutch Law (cum laude) (Utrecht University)
  • LL.M. International Business Law (with distinction) (University of Hull)
  • Highlighted Matters
    Advised and represented the shareholders of Fe Corporation B.V. on the sale of the IKEA retail operations in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Inter IKEA.
  • Highlighted Matters
    Advised ZWIN B.V., Aletschwald B.V., Michel Kerres Management B.V. and KERAM OG B.V. on the sale of the Limburg BMW dealer group Keram (K2M Holding B.V. and its affiliates) and the real estate property owned by the group to Emil Frey (Ekris).
  • Highlighted Matters

    Car importers usually appoint two types of repairers: those that also sell new vehicles on the basis of a dealer agreement and stand-alone repairers, that only repair vehicles. Obviously, the temptation for the latter to also sell new vehicles is big. In a recent case, where a Hyundai repairer sold new vehicles without a dealer agreement, the importer terminated the repairer agreement for cause. The repairer subsequently challenged the validity of the termination, arguing that he acted as an intermediary. Houthoff successfully defended the position of the Hyundai importer; the termination was upheld.

  • Highlighted Matters
    The growing importance of e-commerce creates conflicting interests between manufacturers or wholesalers and retailers, particularly if these retailers perceive the activities of their suppliers as unfair competition for their stores. Houthoff has supported the franchisees of one of the Ahold banners in working out a solution that seeks to find a solution for this by introducing rules, a compensation scheme and clear rights and obligations for both parties.
  • Highlighted Matters

    Early 2017, Profile launced a campaign in which it alleged that 'Profile Brand Service' (Profile Merkonderhoud) was much cheaper (up to 28%) than the service of the authorised repairers. It did not use and trademark rights of car manufacturers.

    Again, Houthoff acted on behalf of 18 car manufacturers and made an end to the Profile campaign, as Profile was unable to demonstrate that it was always much cheaper than the authorised repairers.

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