About

VAN BERKUM is a law firm specialising in M&A transactions between EUR 5 million and EUR 50 million.

Our clients are primarily founders, family-owned businesses, and entrepreneur-led funds.

We distinguish ourselves from other firms through a strong focus on simplicity, action, and solutions, with a personal and cost-conscious approach.

Harm van Berkum — Advocaat

Harm van Berkum

Ex-KCT (Dutch Special Forces). MEP assistant in the European Parliament. Anti-fraud unit at the European Commission. Then nearly 30 years in big-law M&A — from the first Dutch utilities privatisation to multi-billion structured finance for top investment banks.

Today I help founders, family businesses, and entrepreneur-led funds close €5m–€50m deals.

Father of four. Serial builder (electric guitars, automated trading systems, websites, apps). Music maker. Lifelong student of the mind who helps people escape their mental traps. To stay sharp I chase waves on a kite and put on ice & roller hockey skates.

In 2012 I went independent — not because I had to, but to do it better: smaller deals, sharper people, zero overhead, full focus. I think commercially, weigh real risks, find ways forward, and reconnect parties. My ideal clients are straightforward, honest operators with humour who want a trusted advisor who actually thinks with them — not just another lawyer.

Fluent in English & French. Lived and worked across Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK.