Ruben Rekers

Company: NautaDutilh
Job Description: M&A Lawyers (Senior Associate)
Age: 30
Years of working experience in M&A: 6

What are the specialties of this talent?
Ruben specialises in private M&A, with a focus on private equity and venture capital. He worked on several technology-sector transactions, ranging from growth capital investments to complex cross-border acquisitions. A selection of his publicised deals from the last two years is:     

• One Equity Partners’ portfolio company Yorktel’s envisaged merger with Kinly;   
• M33 Growth’s portfolio company Leading2Lean’s acquisition of SwipeGuide;   
• Bowmark Capital on the exit of its investment in Tax Systems, following Tax Systems’ earlier acquisition of TaxModel;   
• Carlyle’s portfolio company Acrotec Group’s acquisition of Lasertec;   
• Nova Metrix on its sale of Van Essen Instruments;   
• HAL Investments’ portfolio company Infomedics on the acquisition of Anders Medical Factoring’s activities;   
• Elsewhere Partners’ investment in AppSignal;   
• Quatt on its Series A investment round; and   
• Renewaball on its Series A investment round led by Rubio Impact Ventures;     

Ruben holds master’s degrees in Company Law and Financial Economics (both cum laude). He further enhanced his expertise by obtaining a postgraduate degree in Mergers and Acquisitions (cum laude) at the VU Amsterdam in 2024. In 2025, while working in New York, he completed the Venture Capital University programme organised by Berkeley Law and the National Venture Capital Association. These achievements highlight Ruben’s curiosity and drive to keep developing. 

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
Ruben is the most senior M&A lawyer in our New York office. That role, amplified by the time zone difference, requires a high degree of independence and an ability to take on a direct client-facing responsibility in high-pressure cross-border transactions, often involving top US law firms. He excels due to his clear communication and sharp problem-solving skills. These are strong personal qualities through which Ruben distinguishes himself from his peers.     

Jaap Stoop (Partner and Head of Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) emphasized Ruben’s independence and client-focus: “Ruben really deserves this nomination. Just recently, he completely independently led a fairly large and high-paced international transaction for me, while being excellent at managing the team and taking care of the clients’ needs.”     

Rebecca Pinto (Partner Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) added: “Ruben embodies the spirit of true teamwork and consistently approaches every task with enthusiasm, regardless of the challenges posed by demanding clients or co-counsels. His constructive mindset and unwavering commitment to finding solutions demonstrate an extraordinary ability to keep the client’s interests at the forefront, ensuring high-quality, thoughtful service. This truly sets him apart as a rising star in the field of M&A.”     

Ruben also stands out for his financial knowledge, which complements his exceptional legal skills. This allows him to engage confidently with investors and financial advisers on critical deal aspects and key economic terms, which is rare and valued. For example, he has a thorough understanding of how valuation techniques intersect with purchase price adjustment mechanisms. Combined with his strong academic foundation, two years of corporate and commercial litigation experience, and continued investment in postgraduate studies, he brings a well-rounded perspective to every deal.    Gaike Dalenoord (Partner Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) noted: “Ruben has the exceptional talent of combining a high level of legal expertise at a young age with an excellent understanding of financial and economic dynamics.”     

Alexander Bevers (Associate Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) added: “Ruben quickly masters complex legal concepts and identifies what truly matters. For example, I was really impressed in one deal how quickly he analysed separate input on highly sector-specific regulation and trade law to flag a reputational risk, which ended up being a dealbreaker for the client. Such instances don’t appear in deal rankings, but it was inspirational to see Ruben elevate input from outside his direct specialism and present his analysis with clarity and conviction to the client’s top management.” 

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Within the firm, Ruben is recognised not only as a skilled deal lawyer but also for fostering a learning environment. He mentors junior associates, involving them in all aspects of transactions and offering constructive feedback. Colleagues highlight how he combines clarity and a calm management style with approachability. His enthusiasm and humour make him a valued team player.      

Jorn Riemersma (Junior Associate Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) shared: “Working with Ruben on various transactions has been fun and inspiring. He leads complex M&A transactions with composure and clear direction, while always making time to guide junior colleagues like myself on as many aspects of the transaction as possible. His feedback is constructive and thoughtful, and he welcomes it in return. He stands out by creating a supportive learning environment.”      

Ruben is also making an impact by sharing knowledge through presentations on complex topics, such as company valuations, purchase price adjustments, and the equity bridge. In New York, he developed M&A learning modules for all new trainees. Upon his return to Amsterdam, he aims to restart the internal venture capital course that he co-developed. Through these efforts, Ruben strengthens the organisation’s know-how, culture, and talent pipeline.     

Dirk Panis (Senior Associate Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) wrote: “Ruben and I participated in the postgraduate VU Law M&A academy in 2024. Ruben stood out as highly dedicated and intelligent. His contributions in the lectures reflected a deep understanding of M&A transactions, often going beyond the scope of the curriculum. His level placed him ahead of many of our peers.”

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Ruben has an impact outside the organisation by building client relationships and promoting visibility. In New York, he organised a networking event held alongside the IBA’s M&A conference. He also takes initiative in meeting peers, attends conferences and visits law firms to deepen and expand the firm’s international network. In addition, he introduced an unconventional concept: a pickleball clinic for M&A associates at leading US law firms, which was a big success.     

Supporting the next generation of lawyers is also important to Ruben. He developed and held workshops on various M&A topics and negotiations at three editions of our business course for law students, as well as at other events. He is also involved in inclusion initiatives, having organised multiple JINC Bliksemstages for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Rotterdam.      

In addition, Ruben is a founder of online platform LegalHunt. His goal is to bring transparency to the legal market and to connect legal talent across different practice areas, including areas of social law that are often underrepresented. This venture not only showcases his proactive and entrepreneurial mindset but also gives him first-hand insights into some of the challenges faced by founders.

To what extent does the talent make a difference when working with clients?
Ruben’s strong track record as lead associate in private M&A cross-border transactions is a testament to his ability to make a difference to clients in transactions involving complex (international) private acquisitions and (cross-border) roll-over structures. His analytical skills and deep understanding of both venture capital and private equity transactions allow him to find creative and pragmatic solutions to bridge differences in legal frameworks and market practices.     

A partner of a top US law firm noted: “We worked with Ruben as Dutch counsel for a U.S. private equity client’s portfolio company’s acquisition of a NL-based software company. He was the first point of contact for every aspect of the transaction, and he was excellent in helping the client and U.S. counsel understand Dutch market M&A practices. Ruben is a professional and a pleasure to work with. He was also invaluable in structuring a complex cross-border roll-over into the U.S.-based company for the Dutch sellers.”     

By combining legal sharpness, commercial awareness, and a pragmatic, service-oriented mindset, Ruben delivers outstanding value for clients. He is a true deal-driver: he anticipates issues, proposes clever solutions, and ensures progress under pressure. Ruben takes ownership of every transaction element and has a strong work ethic. 

An investment manager of a leading UK private equity investment firm wrote: “Ruben delivered high quality support throughout the investment life cycle, including a clever structure that ensured a clean and synchronized exit. Ruben is a sharp, dedicated lawyer with a strong grasp of the commercial aspects and our interests. He managed the transactions with confidence, communicated issues and potential solutions with clarity, and coordinated seamlessly with other advisors and stakeholders. He was also fun to work with, and highly responsive despite a time zone difference.”:      

Clients also praise Ruben for simplifying complex issues into clear, actionable advice, enabling informed decision-making. His composed and confident demeanour, strong communication skills, and holistic perspective make him not only a trusted legal adviser but also a true strategic partner.    Judi Pulig (CFO/COO at Yorktel) wrote: “Partnering with Ruben on a transformative acquisition was an outstanding experience. His strategic insight, deep legal expertise, and calm leadership were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the deal. His collaborative approach and unwavering commitment helped turn a vision into reality with confidence and clarity.”

Arjan Kuiper (shareholder and former-CEO of Rotom Europe) added: “I’ve known Ruben from when we attracted growth capital from Waterland in 2021. Since then, he has advised me on multiple occasions, including when I stepped down as CEO earlier this year. Ruben is closely involved, always reachable, and provides clear and pragmatic advice. He has an excellent understanding of the PE dynamics and can think strategically, which makes him a great sparring partner. I can wholeheartedly recommend Ruben and look forward to partnering again in the future.”

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Olaf Baks (Partner Corporate/M&A at NautaDutilh) responded on why Ruben deserves this nomination: “Ruben is a true rising star in our private equity practice and already stands out well ahead of his peers in the market. As a senior associate, he combines legal and financial expertise at a level far beyond his years, helping our domestic and international PE clients through M&A transactions with precision and speed. Within our team, Ruben is the tireless quarterback; trusted by clients, relied upon by colleagues, and respected for his judgment on when to escalate. His energy, humility, and eagerness to learn make him not only a joy to work, but also a reminder of why we invest in exceptional talent. He is a truly standout candidate for the award.”