Cross-Border M&A & Market Entry: Netherlands ↔ India
For Dutch companies entering or acquiring in India, for Indian groups using the Netherlands as a European gateway, and for cross-border holding structures — European origination paired with SEBI-regulated Indian execution via Equirus Capital.
Why this corridor, now
The Netherlands is one of India's principal European gateways: a leading source of FDI into India and a common jurisdiction for India–Europe holding and financing structures. Its strengths — high-tech and semiconductors, agri-food and horticulture, logistics and maritime, and chemicals — are directly relevant to India's growth.
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded in January 2026, reinforces the corridor with tariff liberalisation and a clearer investment framework, while Dutch holding structures continue to offer efficient routes for cross-border India investment.
The Netherlands–India corridor is most active in high-tech and semiconductors, agri-food and horticulture, logistics and maritime, chemicals, and cross-border holding structures.
Who we work with
- Dutch corporates and mid-caps — market entry, joint ventures and acquisitions in India.
- Indian groups using Dutch holding structures for European expansion.
- Indian acquirers of Dutch high-tech, agri-food and logistics assets.
- Sponsors structuring cross-border India investment through the Netherlands.
What we do
IndoWest provides European-side origination, structuring and process management. Equirus Capital — a SEBI-registered Category I Merchant Banker that has advised on 315+ transactions worth over USD 14.9 billion — provides Indian execution, including the valuation a cross-border share swap legally requires. The combined structure delivers origination and Indian regulatory depth in a single coordinated mandate. See the full scope on our cross-border M&A advisory page, or the wider context in our guide to Europe–India M&A.
The regulatory map, in brief
On the Dutch side: the AFM where relevant and the Dutch investment-screening regime (the Vifo Act) for sensitive sectors. On the Indian side: FEMA / NDI Rules, the Overseas Investment Rules 2022, and SEBI/CCI where applicable. The India–Netherlands double-tax treaty may provide relief.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Netherlands used for India–Europe structures?
The Netherlands is a leading FDI source into India and a common jurisdiction for India–Europe holding and financing structures, valued for its treaty network and investment framework. We structure these alongside tax and legal counsel.
How does a Dutch company acquire or enter India?
Through India's FDI route under FEMA / NDI Rules — by acquisition, joint venture or greenfield entry. IndoWest provides origination and structuring; Equirus Capital, a SEBI Category I Merchant Banker, provides Indian execution including any required valuation.
Does Dutch investment screening apply?
The Vifo Act may apply to acquisitions of sensitive Dutch assets (e.g. certain high-tech). It is scoped and managed as part of the transaction process alongside Dutch counsel.
What is IndoWest's role versus Equirus?
IndoWest Capital provides European-side origination, structuring and process management; Equirus Capital provides SEBI-regulated Indian execution. IndoWest does not provide investment management or SEBI-reserved activities.
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