Interview with Arnout van Holten, Rivierenland Corporate Finance
For Rivierenland Corporate Finance, acquisitions are about more than just figures and contracts: trust is the absolute foundation. Founder Arnout van Holten makes it immediately clear what he is aiming for: complex processes must be reduced to their essence, so that entrepreneurs retain control and overview in all phases of a deal. ‘You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with,’ he says. ‘I need a solicitor by my side. Sort it out. I need to know that everything is in order.’
That trust is reinforced by the way LXA Solicitors operates. In a field where solicitors are often associated with high bills and tightly worded contracts, LXA sets itself apart through accessibility, clarity and pragmatism. Carel and his team take their time, even outside the meeting room, creating space for genuine connection. This personal approach translates directly into business confidence.
“Good cop, bad cop. They have the guts to go for maximum results.”
In terms of content, Arnout sees the same balance reflected in the files. Whereas lawyers tend to iron out every risk, he and LXA seek to strike a balance between legal robustness and practical applicability. Contracts must not only be complete, but above all readable and workable. This entrepreneurial approach – understanding the context, taking action and offering solutions that really work – makes entrepreneurs feel heard and supported.
Arnout also appreciates the firm’s broad range of services. From M&A to employment law, from asbestos issues to complex restructurings: LXA’s multidisciplinary expertise is accessible yet of a high standard. This makes it easy to submit a wide range of issues to them without compromising on quality.
And when it really matters, LXA shows guts. In negotiations, they do not shy away from taking a firm stance. ‘Good cop, bad cop. They have the balls to go for the maximum result,’ says Arnout. According to him, the ability to remain strategically sharp and force breakthroughs where others hesitate is exactly what is needed to successfully guide entrepreneurs through complex transactions.
