Daphne Bens

Partner
Joint Managing Director, Europe
Very good adviser who understands the international legal issues and the business issues and has a can-do attitude.
— Chambers
Amsterdam
About

Daphne Bens, head of the Dutch Corporate group, has over 20 years' experience in advising (multi)national corporations as well as listed companies in complex cross-border M&A transactions. Daphne's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures and general corporate law.

Daphne has a specific focus on the Technology sector and the Hospitality and Leisure sector and is member of the DLA Piper core teams in these sectors. She has also been a member of the jury of the Philips Innovation Awards in recent years.

In 2002, Daphne was seconded at DLA Piper Hong Kong and Singapore.

Areas of FocusTechnologyCorporateMergers and AcquisitionsPrivate EquityRestructuring
Professional QualificationsAdvocaat admitted with the Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten

EXPERIENCE

  • Advised NCC Group on the sale of Fox Crypto to CR Group, a European security company serving military and critical infrastructure clients. The divestment is part of NCC Group’s strategy to streamline its business and focus on cybersecurity.
  • Advised Simon & Schuster on its acquisition of VBK, the largest publisher in the Netherlands, as part of its strategy to expand beyond English-speaking markets.
  • Advised Ballast Nedam on its acquisition of Hurks Groep, strengthening its position in the Dutch construction and project development market, particularly in Central and South Netherlands. The deal is part of Ballast Nedam’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of decentralized construction companies and marks its fourth acquisition in the Netherlands in 2024.
  • Advised Intrepid Group Pty Limited (an Australian travel company) on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Sawadee Amsterdam B.V., a Dutch travel company that focusses on small group adventure holidays, from its ultimate shareholder Travelopia Holdings Limited (a KKR portfolio company).
  • Advised the shareholders of Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco on their combined sale to Investindustrial. The transaction created a single integrated global platform with operations across Europe, the US, and Asia.
  • Advised Navigo Lighthouse B.V. on the sale of 12Build Secure B.V. and the seller’s reinvestment in an Australian holding company. The deal was conducted through a competitive auction process.
Languages
  • Dutch
  • English

Awards

  • Recommended by Chambers and The Legal 500, (2025)
  • Chambers Feedback: Daphne Bens is "an excellent adviser, and her ability to negotiate is particularly strong. She is very commercial and able to focus on the key issues which matter most in our business." She is " a level headed lawyer who is calm under pressure. She has excellent client-handling skills and a strong grasp of our business context." She is "highly qualified and a pleasant person to work with." Bens advises clients on acquisitions, including by way of auction processes, as well as sales, mergers and investment funding rounds. She often handles matters involving the life sciences and technology industries.
  • The Legal 500 Feedback: "Daphne Bens is a very capable and commercial advisor".
Education
  • Post-Graduate Degree, M&A, Reed Business Information, 2004
  • LL.M., Pallas European Business Law, Post Graduate Academy of Radboud University, 1998

  • Certificate, Corporate and Civil Law, University Utrecht, 1997

    Certificate, Company Law, University of East London, 1996

Media Mentions

Memberships And Affiliations

  • American Chambers of Commerce in the Netherlands (AmCham)

My latest insights

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Maura Dineen appointed as Country Managing Partner of DLA Piper Ireland

1 September 2026 .3 minute read

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DLA Piper advises Hoist Finance on acquisition of debt purchaser Azzurro Associates

12 February 2026

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Andrew Dyson named as DLA Piper UK Country Managing Partner

14 November 2024 .2 minute read

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Phone

+31 (0)20 5419 834
(Work)
+31 (0)6 5200 5904
(Mobile)

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