Dutch private equity firm Waterland backed the strategic merger of Netherlands-based patent attorney firm NLO and French peer Ipsilon, creating one of Europe’s largest independent IP platforms.

Waterland-supported Ipsilon has acquired 100% of NLO’s shares, while the twelve partners of NLO have made a significant reinvestment in the newly formed group. The combined firm now boasts over 400 professionals and operates from multiple offices across seven countries, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

The private equity-backed deal reflects a growing trend of sponsor-led consolidation in the European legal and intellectual property services market. While PE firms have historically been active in adjacent legal sectors, such as tax consultancy, IP remains a comparatively untapped space.

Valérie Feray, founder and CEO of Ipsilon, said the merger marks a transformative step towards building the leading European player in intellectual property. “By combining complementary cultures, strategies, and a shared focus on high-growth technology sectors, we are pushing the frontiers of IP,” she said.

NLO, known for its strength in life sciences, digital communications, and chemical technologies, brings an extensive client base that includes Samsung, Heineken, Essity, and Danone. Ipsilon has long been recognised in France for its capabilities in mechanics, electronics, and process engineering, with clients such as L’Oréal, Renault, and CEA.

Although both firms will retain operational autonomy for now, they will begin integrating workstreams at the sector group level. A joint management board has been established, with attorneys from all national divisions, including NLO, contributing to strategic oversight.

The merger also includes plans for investment in AI-driven IP management, automation, and advanced data security—initiatives aimed at maintaining a competitive edge in a sector facing rising cost pressures and increasing demand for digitalisation.

According to NLO managing partners René van Duijvenbode and Jeroen Cornelis, the deal allows the firm to accelerate growth in a consolidating market. “By joining forces with Ipsilon, we will unlock our full potential and drive the future forward,” they stated.

The merger positions the group to respond to new challenges such as the launch of the Unified Patent Court and growing demand for scale in international IP litigation and prosecution.

Source: Juve Patent