Gijs Smit
Linklaters
Netherlands
Heading Linklaters’ energy and infrastructure sector team in the Netherlands, Gijs Smit is a leading advisor on buyer- and seller-side M&A, joint ventures, and regulation in the renewable electricity and heat sectors.
A major repeat client is leading electricity provider Essent. In a landmark deal, Smit assisted Essent in the acquisition of aquifer thermal energy storage solutions provider Equans Energy Solutions. Also for Essent, Smit advised on the acquisition of a 70% stake in solar panel installation and services company Solar Concept. The mandates help support the client in growing its portfolio of sustainable heat and electricity assets.
Smit is a stand-out thought leader, authoring internal and external insights into topics including ESG, sustainable development, and renewable and green energy. Writing for the Magazine for Financial Law, Smit co-authored an article on the current regulatory framework and challenges in the voluntary carbon market space. Smit is also leading the firm’s pro bono contribution to the University of Oxford’s net zero policy monitor, which is tracking and evaluating the alignment of national legal and regulatory systems with net zero targets.