Global law firm Baker McKenzie [1] has advised Van Merksteijn Steel Group in its merger with Südwest Beteiligungen, a strategic move that strengthens the newly formed Reinforcing Steel Europe B.V. (RSE) as a leading producer and processor of reinforcing steel across Europe. The headquarters of RSE will be based in Almelo, the Netherlands.
The merger enhances RSE’s ability to implement best practices across its locations, optimize production capacity at its steel plants in Kehl and Trier, and secure a stable supply of sustainable wire rod produced in eco-friendly electric arc furnaces. With a geographically diversified presence, the combined company aims to remain close to customers throughout Europe.
Mo Almarini, Corporate M&A partner at Baker McKenzie and lead advisor on the transaction, described the merger as a significant milestone, uniting steel production, processing, and logistics into a seamless operation. The Baker McKenzie team included professionals from its Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt offices, covering corporate law, employment law, and transaction structuring.
Reinforcing Steel Europe (RSE) is a major supplier and producer of reinforcing steel in Europe, serving the construction industry with concrete steel and reinforcement products. The group includes Badische Stahlwerke (BSW), Moselstahlwerk (MSW), Baustahlgewebe, Neckardraht, and BVG Bewehrungsstahl Vertriebsgesellschaft (BVG) in Germany, Van Merksteijn Steel in the Netherlands, Intersig in Belgium, Intersig France, and VMI Atlantic in France
Sources:
[1] Baker McKenzie Advises Van Merksteijn Steel Group on the Merger With Südwest Beteiligungen https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/newsroom/2025/05/van-merksteijn-steel-group