NLO and Ipsilon Forge Leading IP Giant in EU
Deal News | Mar 28, 2025 | Waterland Private Equity Inves
In a landmark deal in the intellectual property (IP) sector, NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (NLO) and Ipsilon, facilitated by Waterland Private Equity, have joined forces to create the top IP firm in the European Union. Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and Paris, France, respectively, the two firms have a shared vision of transforming the European IP landscape by offering a full-service, tech-driven approach to IP management and consultation. The merger results in a combined headcount of over 400 professionals across seven countries, significantly enhancing their global reach. This strategic consolidation aims to accelerate the digitization of IP services with AI-driven management, automation, and robust data security solutions. By uniting their strengths, both firms aim to fulfill their growth ambitions, adapt to changing market dynamics, and meet clients' complex and evolving needs in life sciences, chemistry, electronics, IT, and legal services. Waterland's active involvement underlines its commitment to fostering leadership within the IP industry.
Sectors
- Intellectual Property
- Private Equity
- Technology
Geography
- European Union – The merger positions NLO and Ipsilon as the leading IP firm in the EU, with significant expansion across European countries.
- Netherlands – Home to NLO's headquarters, the Netherlands is a central location for this strategic partnership.
- France – Ipsilon's headquarters in Paris, France, is pivotal to the merger's success in the European market.
Industry
- Intellectual Property – The article focuses on the merger of two major IP consulting firms, NLO and Ipsilon, impacting the European and global IP landscape.
- Private Equity – Waterland Private Equity's facilitation of the merger highlights its role in the strategic investment and consolidation within the IP sector.
- Technology – The firms aim to utilize AI-driven solutions and digital transformation in their IP services, addressing the needs of tech-focused industries.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (NLO) | Target Company | Company | A leading European firm of patent and trademark attorneys, headquartered in the Netherlands. |
| Ipsilon | Bidding Company | Company | A leading international IP consulting firm based in Paris, France. |
| Waterland Private Equity | Facilitating PE Firm | Company | A private equity firm that facilitated the merger between NLO and Ipsilon. |
| Ren van Duijvenbode | Managing Partner at NLO | Person | Co-managing partner at NLO, involved in the partnership with Ipsilon. |
| Jeroen Cornelis | Managing Partner at NLO | Person | Co-managing partner at NLO, key in the strategic union with Ipsilon. |
| Valérie Feray | Founder of Ipsilon | Person | Founder of Ipsilon, spearheading its mission to become the leading IP firm in Europe. |
| Louis Huetz | Partner at Waterland Private Equity | Person | Partner at Waterland Private Equity, overseeing the partnership. |
| Pierre Naftalski | Director at Waterland Private Equity | Person | Director at Waterland Private Equity, involved in the strategic collaboration. |