KPMG Study Finds Large Firms May Be Leaving Netherlands

By Kalen Smith, Big4 Blogger

A new report from KPMG has found that many larger companies throughout the Netherlands are considering relocating. KPMG said that the regulatory and economic environment in the Netherlands has become less accommodating to entrepreneurs.

Another concern is that companies are becoming less loyal to their countries of origin as they transition to a global economy. According to Jurgen van Breukelen, chairman of KPMG Netherlands, the findings are significant. Many large international firms have preferred to locate to the Netherlands and lawmakers will need to take new measures to encourage them to stay.

The Netherlands is the first country to implement the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive. This is expected to increase financing opportunities for many firms.

A separate study from KPMG has indicated that the Netherlands is now regarded as one of the leading countries for alternate investment opportunities. More international firms could relocate to the Netherlands to take advantage of new opportunities to raise capital.

Marco Frikkee, partner with KPMG, reported that easing tax laws are one of the best ways to draw businesses from overseas. Frikkee felt that the AIFMD will be one of the most effective ways to draw new businesses to the Netherlands and keep existing firms from relocating. Lawmakers may consider additional financial restructuring policies to deter many larger firms from leaving the country.