Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

With the arrival of Nicole Van Ranst from Newton and new practice head Steven De Schrijver from ASTREA, the corporate team at Agio Legal is capable of handling an increased volume of transactions in the life sciences and TMT sectors.
With offices in Brussels and Kinshasa, DALDEWOLF exhibits notable cross-border expertise, handling M&A for Congolese clients as well as a large volume of transactions for Chinese investors looking to expand their activities in Belgium.
Harvest Business Law Firm is a boutique with a focus on advising start-ups on their early-stage investments as well as on handling M&A and financing matters in the context of real estate transactions.

Firms in the Spotlight Commercial, corporate and M&A

Lauwers Law

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Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

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Commercial, corporate and M&A in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

A strong reputation for handling impactful cross-border M&A enables Allen & Overy LLP to act for a roster of leading private equity funds as well as blue-chip corporate and financial clients. The team is particularly well-equipped to advise on high-value acquisitions and investments in the energy, TMT and financial services sectors, while also standing out for its expertise in connection with public takeovers and takeover defence. Clients also profit from the firm’s full-service offering, which enables the team to handle regulatory, tax and financing questions as well as post-M&A litigation. Public M&A lawyer Hans Kets and practice head Wouter Van De Voorde, who is a key contact for private equity deals and joint ventures, are based in Antwerp, while Dirk Meeus and domestic transactions expert Pierre-Olivier Mahieu work out of the firm’s Brussels office. Also in Brussels, Frederiek Adams advises on transactions in the life sciences sector, while Sophie Rutten assists listed companies with a wide array of corporate law matters.

Practice head(s):

Wouter Van de Voorde


Other key lawyers:

Pierre-Olivier Mahieu; Dirk Meeus; Frederiek Adams; Hans Kets; Sofie Haelterman; Sophie Rutten; Juno Hautekiet; Alexandre Holvoet


Testimonials

‘Very strong team that delivers quality work every time. Good collaborative spirit and very available with the necessary flexibility. ’

‘Wouter Van de Voorde is very knowledgeable, has a lot of relevant experience in corporate M&A and capable of coming up with innovative solutions. All in all, he is a solution-minded commercial lawyer, exactly what a modern company needs.’

‘Wouter Van de Voorde and his team are very hands-on and trustworthy.’

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s corporate practice stands out for its ability to handle market-leading transactions and corporate governance matters, with the team regularly advising on M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, joint ventures, and demergers. Alongside privately and publicly held multinationals and Belgian companies, the team also regularly advises public sector clients on an array of privatisation and governance matters. Anti-takeover defence matters and corporate governance questions in the context of ESG represent growing areas of focus for the team. The practice is co-led by Laurent Legein and Laurent Ruzette, who are particularly noted for their advice in the context of unique and complex transactions including “option to acquire” deals and corporate spin-offs, and by Marijke Spooren, who boasts extensive experience handling private equity investments.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Legein; Laurent Ruzette; Marijke Spooren


Other key lawyers:

Christophe Wauters; Jan-Frederik Keustermans


Testimonials

‘The Cleary team is a stand-out team with a broad practice encompassing work on leading public and private M&A and capital markets matters, as well as a profound knowledge of the questions that are specific to listed companies. Their broad expertise, swift availability and strong delivery make them a go-to firm in these areas.’

‘Laurent Legein, leading practitioner with a very broad knowledge of M&A and listed company matters and clear strategic thinking.’

‘Marijke Spooren, very responsive and pragmatic partner who always goes the extra mile for her clients.’

Key clients

AbbVie


Ahold Delhaize


Aliaxis


Allianz


Amador Bioscience


ArcelorMittal


Banque Degroof Petercam


Befimmo


Bekaert


BNP Paribas


bpost


Carlyle


Collibra


Consortium Ducale


CVC Capital Partners


D’Ieteren


Eurofima


Frère Bourgeois


Groupe Novasep


Goodyear


Infrabel


International Post Corporation


IQVIA


Monument Re


Nethys


NN Group


OCI


Ontex


Ottobock


Showpad


Sixth Street Partners


Sofina


Solvay


Umicore


Warburg Pincus


Work highlights


  • Represented Banque Degroof Petercam in its proposed sale to Indosuez Wealth Management, an entity of the Credit Agricole group, for €1.55bn.
  • Advised Solvay on the ongoing preparation of a separation into two independent listed companies, being Syensqo and Solvay.
  • Advised Ontex on the sale of its Mexican business activities and related exports to regional markets to Softys.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance fields a ‘knowledgeable, proactive, and very experienced’ corporate team capable of handling high-value transactions, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors, in addition to advising on complex corporate governance and regulatory matters. The practice’s client base encompasses major publicly and privately held Belgian corporates and private equity houses, start-ups, and a growing number of international clients, who instruct the team to advise on complex cross-border investments in the Belgian market. Broad transactional capabilities allow the team to handle distressed acquisitions, restructurings, and joint ventures in addition to advising on traditional M&A. Experienced corporate and regulatory expert Xavier Remy co-leads the team with private equity specialist Niek De Pauw, and Patrice Viaene, who has expanded his portfolio of clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors since his promotion to partner in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Xavier Remy; Niek De Pauw; Patrice Viaene


Other key lawyers:

Gillis Waelkens; Celine Feys


Testimonials

‘Very client-focused and very knowledgeable of our industry sector.’

‘Patrice Viaene is very commercial, looks for solutions, and has a great and persuasive manner when dealing with sellers.’

‘Pleasant team to work with. Knowledgeable, proactive, and very experienced.’

‘Great people with deep expertise and knowledge of subject matter. Solution providers.’

‘They are experts on their field. If you work with Clifford, especially their team in Belgium, you know that you are in good hands.’

Key clients

TotalEnergies


Kingspan


SaroAfrica


FPIM/SFPI


Azelis


Publigas CV


Deliverect


Elia


Jonckers


LIBERTY Steel Group


Resortecs


Temaesek


Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC


EQT


Fiberklaar


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Eurofiber


Coloc Housing


Straco


EyeSee


Work highlights


  • Advised TotalEnergies on its exclusive negotiations with Alimentation Couche-Tard for the setting up of a partnership in Belgium and Luxembourg.
  • Advised Saroafrica International Limited with the acquisition of a majority share in the SIAT GROUP, a Belgian plantation group focused on palm oil and rubber plantations mainly located in Africa, from FIMAVE.
  • Advised a bidder in the competitive auction sale for the Belgian offshore wind developer Parkwind.

Linklaters

With a large team capable of advising private and public clients on high-value and innovative M&A, often with cross-border elements, Linklaters maintains a significant market presence in the corporate space. In addition to its transactional expertise, the team also regularly provides regulatory, tax and employment advice in connection with demergers, corporate reorganizations, and joint ventures. Under the leadership of Arnaud Coibion, the practice maintains close relationships with reputed Belgian and foreign companies in the infrastructure, energy, and chemicals sectors, while also serving a growing number of private equity funds owing to the expertise of An-Sofie Van Hootegem and Evita Bassot. Further key names in the team include corporate finance expert Charles-Antoine Leunen, experienced cross-border M&A specialist Eric Pottier, and Filip Lecoutre, who is particularly noted for his public M&A work.

Practice head(s):

Arnaud Coibion


Other key lawyers:

Eric Pottier; Charles-Antoine Leunen; Filip Lecoutre; An-Sofie Van Hootegem; Nils Vermeulen; Jérémy Filbiche; Evita Bassot; Victor Burki


Testimonials

‘Very agile team that is willing to think along with the needs of the client within short timeframes. Dedicated partner on the case who is always supported by the expertise needed at that moment.’

‘Filip Lecoutre is a very calm person with excellent logical and analytical skills. Confident and always with sufficient empathy.’

‘Victor Burki  has excellent research and writing skills. Has a certain degree of assertiveness that is needed for the job combined with good oration skills.’

‘Strong M&A practice with high responsiveness on deals and good execution capabilities. The team (and wider Linklaters platform) is also very strong in terms of knowledge offering towards clients (both digital and in-person). ’

Filip Lecoutre is experienced in M&A matters and very responsive on ongoing matters. Nils Vermeulen is a strong senior associate with proven experience in M&A matters who never hesitates to go the extra mile on transactions.’

‘Great understanding of the client’s need and excellent experience in M&A. Wide network of offices allowing for a one-stop shop. Diversity at partner level and excellent collaboration with the client.’

‘Charles-Antoine Leunen is a trusted business partner. He has an excellent understanding of the market and provides strategic advice. An-Sofie Van Hootegem is an excellent lawyer with knowledge of market practice. Good negotiator.

Jérémy Filbiche has a good understanding of commercial issues and is able to translate them into transaction documents.’

Key clients

Agfa-Gevaert


Ardian


E&Y


Euroclear


Gimv


Hg Capital


Ontex


Proximus


Sofina


Solvay


Verlinvest


Work highlights


  • Advised Les Mousquetaires – Intermarché on the acquisition of 89 supermarkets from Mestdagh SA.
  • Advised Virya Energy on the sale of 100% of the shares in Parkwind NV to JERA Green Ltd., a subsidiary of JERA Co, Inc.
  • Advised Proximus on the acquisition of a majority stake in Route Mobile, a global company specialising in CPaaS services with a market capitalisation of €1.1bn.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL‘s ‘strong international network‘ enables the team to excel in cross-border M&A, including private equity deals, divestments, and strategic acquisitions in the life sciences, tech, and financial sectors. The integrated corporate finance team also handles the regulatory, financing and negotiation elements of buyouts, investments and take-private acquisitions. While practice head Roel Meers is noted for his advice on corporate governance and finance matters, Koen Vanhaerents has extensive experience with a wide array of public and private M&A. Dominique Maes and Luc Meeus stand out for their advice in connection private equity transactions, while Davinia Martens and Kim Stas are recommended for their advice on corporate structuring and compliance questions.

Practice head(s):

Roel Meers


Other key lawyers:

Koen Vanhaerents; Dominique Maes; Luc Meeus; Davinia Martens; Kim Stas; Arne Naert; Pieter-Jan Denys


Testimonials

‘True partnership approach.’

‘Solution-seeking, available, great to have at your side.’

‘Excellence and pragmatism; dedicated lawyers with flexible minds.’

Key clients

Abriso-Jiffy


AgomAb Therapeutics NV


Apheon


Aquinos Group SGPS, S.A


Baloise Group


Bremhove NV


BVI Medical


Dentius


EDF Luminus


Federale Participatien Investeringsmaatschappij – Societe Federale De Participations et d’Investissements


Fluxys


Galapagos NV


Graphius Group


Gunvor Group


Ingram Micro


ISS Group Holdings Ltd


KeBeK


Keesing Media Group


Koramic Holdings


Mayfair Equity Partners


PMV


Resilux


Sequana Medical NV


Straco


TVH Group


Veolia


Vivalto Vie Holding SAS


Work highlights


  • Advised Apheon on an investment in AlliA Insurance Brokers group.
  • Advised Infra Group’s management team on its reinvestment following the acquisition of a majority stake in Infra Group by PAI Partners.
  • Advised Donaldson Company, Inc. on the acquisition of Univercells Technologies SA from Univercells and a UK subsidiary of the investment group Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co.

Eubelius

Eubelius‘ large roster of corporate and commercial lawyers is active across both domestic and cross-border M&A, leveraging its client base of large Belgian corporates and its close connections with international partner firms to handle a wide array of buy- and sell-side transactions. In addition to strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and venture capital investments, the team regularly advises on contentious and non-contentious commercial contract matters as well as corporate governance arrangements. The team is headed by a consortium of four lawyers: Ignace Claeys and Pieter Callens are key contacts for commercial matters, managing partner Matthias Wauters is well-versed in capital transactions and corporate litigation, and Lars Van Bever focuses on M&A in the real estate sector.

Practice head(s):

Matthias Wauters; Lars Van Bever; Ignace Claeys; Pieter Callens


Other key lawyers:

Philippe Mulliez; Joris De Wolf; Filip Jenné; Erwin Destuyver; Jeroen Delvoie; Felix Dobbelaere


Testimonials

‘An outstanding corporate and M&A team, both from an academic and transactional point of view, combining the advantages of an independent law firm with an extensive network of partner firms abroad. Good to mention the regular legal updates (mailings and client seminars) and dedicated client platform.’

‘Erwin Destuyver combines exceptional dossier and M&A knowledge with strong negotiation skills and an extreme degree of efficiency and pragmatism.’

‘Excellent quality of work, responsiveness, and proactivity. We can count on the Eubelius corporate team. Excellent knowledge of the files, professional advice, incredible availability, effective collaboration.’

‘Joris De Wolf is a partner with in-depth knowledge of the Belgian Company Code and legislation, their subtleties and the workings of listed companies.’

‘Filip Jenné is the perfect trusted advisor: always available to provide excellent expertise tailored to the actual needs of the client.’

‘Erwin Destuyver made an excellent impression, with an excellent ability to move the negotiation forward with a solution driven mindset.’

‘Lars Van Bever has an excellent knowledge of our business/environment/peers A top-notch expert; very meticulous. Joris De Wolf has in-depth knowledge of corporate (governance) topics, but also very hands-on advice which can be easily implemented.

Filip Jenné is a real deal-maker, with a practical approach and a very good understanding of our business requirements.’

Key clients

Fedrus International


Clarebout Potatoes


BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity Belgium


AG Real Estate


Trustteam


SNCB-NMBS


Dovesco


EPI Company SE


Elia


Magnax


The Adecco Group


Maisons Baijot


Warehouses De Pauw


Alter Pharma Group


EQT Life Sciences


European Innovation Council Fund


SFPIM


Besix


skeyes


Damier Group


Cofinimmo


Nextensa


Kinepolis


What’s Cooking Group


Work highlights


  • Assisted Clarebout Potatoes with the takeover of Mydibel.
  • Assisted 3D Investors with the sale of its entire stake in Pauwels Consulting.
  • Advised BNP Paribas Fortis and Matexi on setting up HappyNest, a joint venture offering residential real estate on the Belgian market in a rent-to-own formula.

Liedekerke

Liedekerke is capable of advising on the full gamut of corporate matters, though the practice particularly stands out for its advice in connection with financing arrangements, distressed M&A, and private equity deals. Additionally, clients in the real estate, retail, and energy sectors regularly instruct the team to advise on the buy- and sell-side of strategic transactions. The team is led by Damien Conem, who maintains close relationships with private equity and energy sector clients and is well-versed in cross-border M&A. Other key contacts in the team include Christel Van den Eynden, who is well-regarded for her advice on transactions in the TMT sector, corporate and securities transactions expert Wim Dedecker, Jacques Meunier, and private equity specialist Céline Tallier.

Practice head(s):

Damien Conem


Other key lawyers:

Christel Van den Eynden; Wim Dedecker; Jacques Meunier; Maurits Arnauw; Céline Tallier


Testimonials

‘The M&A team led by Damien Conem is very client-driven and pragmatic. The team is very efficient while providing very to-the-point and sharp advice.’

‘Hands-on team: flexible, deal-oriented, focused and skilled.’

‘Damien Conem provides very good advice. Damien has the ability to come up with pragmatic solutions which make the deal work and go further. He thinks out of the box. ’

‘My main contact is Christel Van den Eynden. Very nice person, very responsive and professional. It is always a pleasure working with her.’

‘Liedekerke has all the necessary M&A skills and has enabled us to cover all the legal, tax and structuring aspects required to complete our investments successfully and securely.’

‘Jacques Meunier is a highly competent and experienced lawyer perfectly suited to M&A operations and negotiations in complicated contexts.’

‘Not only a high standard in professional skills but also extremely good in partnering with the client. Furthermore, their professional network and negotiation skills are outstanding. The team is a good combination of different personalities, with Christel van den Eynden in particular sticking out.’

‘Professional skills combined with really understanding the client and the legal Belgium network. ’

Key clients

Sligro Food Group


Nethys


Honotel


Botalys


Virya Energy NV


Xebia Group B.V.


Providentia


Korys


Etn. Fr. Colruyt NV


Transocean Ltd


BNP Paribas Fortis


Profinpar Fund S.C.Sp.


Proximus NV


Adjacent V2 LP


Acton Capital


BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity Belgium


Work highlights


  • Advised Sligron on a judicial reorganisation of the Belgian company Metro Cash & Carry Belgium NV.
  • Advised the majority shareholders of Xenics NV, BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity Belgium, on the sale of their shares to Photonis Group.
  • Assisted Cohabs with the entry into the capital of global real estate investor Ivanhoé Cambridge, Belfius Insurance and the real estate arm of the Belgian Sovereign Fund in a EUR 450m financing round.

Loyens & Loeff

The ‘excellent professionals‘ at Loyens & Loeff stand out for their multidisciplinary M&A offering, combining corporate expertise with extensive tax knowledge to cover a broad range of transactional matters. In addition to its focus on cross-border corporate acquisitions, the team is recognised for its ability to structure and advise on the financial and tax due diligence aspects of large-volume private equity deals. Robrecht Coppens is a key contact for private equity work and also regularly assists with governance and restructuring matters. Coppens co-leads the team with Thomas Lenné, who offers expertise in the energy, life sciences and technology sectors. Wim Vande Velde departed the team in November 2022, while former practice head Grégoire Jakhian retired in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Robrecht Coppens; Thomas Lenné


Other key lawyers:

Mathias Hendrickx; Mélanie Schollaert


Testimonials

‘The L&L team is very easy to work with and I have enjoyed the collaboration with them.’

‘L&L thinks about the long run and invests time into getting to know their clients and listening to their concerns. L&L is also willing to inform its clients that sticking to a certain position might not be in their best interest. ’

‘Fantastic communication skills.’

‘Exquisite problem-solving approach.’

‘Great team for M&A in Belgium. Composed of excellent professionals, in particular Thomas Lenné. The team covers all the needs of large industries in the context of legal, environmental, HR and tax-related issues.’

‘Loyens has assisted us with corporate & finance law matters in Benelux for many years. We are very happy with the long-term relationship.’

‘We have always received efficient, quality and timely professional support from every individual in the firm, particularly Mélanie Schollaert.’

Key clients

Platinum Equity


Intermediate Capital Group


Pioneer Point Partners


EQT


Bencis Capital Partners


Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen


Bregal Investment


Hasco Invest


Smartfin Ventures


SATS Investments


Santander Group


Stellantis


Connect Group


Nijkerk Holding


Koramic


Alludo


Cementir Group


Sound Bioventures Management


Demant A/S


Work highlights


  • Assisted the private equity firm ICG with the €1bn sale of its stake in Infra Group to the private equity firm PAI Partners, followed by a partial reinvestment.
  • Advised Solenis on the €4.6bn acquisition through a merger of all the securities in Diversey Holdings.
  • Advised SATS Investments in connection with the €2.25bn acquisition of 100% of the Worldwide Flight Services group.

Lydian

In addition to handling high-value private equity deals for the likes of Naxicap, Lydian is capable of advising domestic and international clients in the financial, industrials, and life sciences sectors on upper mid-market M&A. Questions surrounding corporate governance are a further area of focus for the team, which regularly assists with ESG and structuring questions and advises clients on their entries into the Belgian market. The practice is co-led by Peter De Ryck, who handles private equity and real estate matters, Tom Geudens, and Maxime Colle, whose expertise encompasses public and private M&A as well as corporate structuring. Florence Colpaert is noted for her advice on private equity transactions.

Practice head(s):

Peter De Ryck; Maxime Colle; Tom Geudens


Other key lawyers:

Florence Colpaert


Testimonials

‘Lydian has assisted us in one large M&A transaction as well as in the structuring of several joint ventures. In all these deals I have always been impressed by their competence.’

‘Peter De Ryck is extremely knowledgeable and efficient. ’

‘Approachable,responsive, and commercial.’

‘Innovative team with a very solutions-oriented approach.’

‘Peter De Ryck is demonstrates a pragmatic and efficient approach, keeping in mind the client’s best financial interests in mind the whole time. Clients like to come back because of the establishment of a relationship built on trust and mutual cooperation.’

‘Highly motivated team of lawyers with good knowledge of the venture capital and startup scene in Belgium. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Florence Colpaert, the leading managing associate in our transaction, was outstanding.’

Key clients

5N Plu Inc


Adfil


Allen SA


Baloise


Bay Street Inc


Belfius Insurance


Billups


Bose


Carl Zeiss


Ciner Glass


Coil


DWK Life Sciences


Dana


Dense Air Limited


Enstar (EU) Limited


Equals Group PLC


Eurovia


FMR LLC


Fedegari Group


Franchise Brands PLC


Groupe Astek


Groups-IPS NV


House of HR


IBM


IQGeo Group PLC


IU Group


Kuka AG


Kyndryl


La Martiniquaise


Leggett & Platt


Matrox


McDonald’s


Named Natural Medicine


Naxicap Partners


Northleaf Capital Partners


Plukon Food Group BV


Professional Science 360 Holdings Inc


Quist Holding BV


Riedel Communications International GmbH


Roth Benelux BV


Saviola Group


Schaefer Group


Sip-Well NV


SteelCase Inc


StoneCalibre


TopCold NV


Vado Beheer


Visma


Vivalto Home


White Bridge Investments


Zurich Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Advised Naxicap Partners on the sale of House of HR NV to Bain Capital, with a total enterprise value of €3bn.
  • Advised Zurich Insurance Company on a funding round by Qover S.A: a capital increase and the sale of certain shareholder’s shares to Zurich, resulting in Zurich holding 21.26% of Qover’s share capital.
  • Assisted IQGeo Group PLC with all Belgian law aspects of the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Comsof NV.

Stibbe

In addition to its ability to advise on high-value private equity transactions, the ‘experienced, pragmatic and solution-driven‘ team at Stibbe stands out for providing public and privately held companies in the industrials, energy, and life sciences sectors with complex transactional advice. The team handles both traditional M&A as well as a range of complex public takeovers, joint ventures, and multinational deals. Practice head Stefan Odeurs is noted for his ability to assist private equity funds with a wide range of transactions, an area that capital markets and corporate finance experts Dries Hommez and Jan Peeters also excel in. Pascal Vanden Borre is very experienced with public M&A, takeover bids, and cross-border investments, while Jan Bogaert is noted for handling transactions in regulated sectors.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Odeurs


Other key lawyers:

Dries Hommez; Jan Peeters; Jan Bogaert; Pascal Vanden Borre; Marc Fyon


Testimonials

‘We appreciate the availability of the team and the partner, the quality and expertise of the team, and the creativity in problem solving.’

‘The entire experience of working with Stibbe was very positive.’

‘All of Dries Hommez’s advice was clear and thoughtful.’

‘Experienced, pragmatic and solution-driven team.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted Carpenter Corporation with executing a “white knight” and poison pill strategy to thwart Greiner’s hostile takeover bid for Recticel, ultimately securing the acquisition of Recticel’s engineered foam business.
  • Advised the co-founder of House of HR NV on the sale of House of HR NV by Naxicap to Bain Capital, a sale of 100% of the shares as well as a subsequent reinvestment.
  • Advised Energy Infrastructure Partners AG and its Belgian consortium members on the acquisition of a 19,85% stake in Fluxys from Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Quebec.

Van Bael & Bellis

Van Bael & Bellis is instructed by a growing roster of clients primarily in highly regulated sectors such as IT, infrastructure, and life sciences to advise on the full gamut of domestic and cross-border transactions. The team handles strategic transactions as well as private equity and venture capital deals and frequently collaborates with global partner firms to provide domestic regulatory advice on multinational matters. Practice head Michel Bonne is a key name for restructuring and distressed M&A, while Caroline Daout is especially active on cross-border mergers and transactions. Hannelore Matthys is noted for her expertise in the energy and life sciences sectors.

Practice head(s):

Michel Bonne


Other key lawyers:

Carloine Daout; Hannelore Matthys; Virginie Lescot


Testimonials

‘All technical aspects of the transactions have been executed perfectly. Going beyond these technical aspects is where VBB really shine.’

‘Michel Bonne is an excellent communicator, which is so essential in our sector. Especially breaking down complex legal aspects for non-legal professionals is a key element. Shaziea Habibi regularly outperforms any requirements from a legal/technical point of view and we are keen to work with her the next time.’

‘Hannelore Matthys is highly competent.

‘The team is very knowledgeable and highly responsive.’

‘Hannelore Matthys delivers valuable and active involvement in every phase of a transaction process, including discussions with counterparties and preparation of complex draft documents.’

‘The team is a lot of fun to work with. They are pragmatic and hands-on, always available and cheerful, and able to quickly figure out what really matters to a client.’

‘Michel Bonne is one of our go-to lawyers in the jurisdiction. He’s always available and knows what’s what in any given transaction. Caroline Daout is always full of energy and a great pleasure to work with. Hannelore Matthys is one of the upcoming stars in the practice.’

‘Caroline Daout is very hands-on, nice to work with and has a high level of understanding of the subtleties of dealmaking.’

Key clients

Beiersdorf


Parcom


Sopra Steria


Betsson


Axway


Carmeuse


Group of Butchers


Altano Gruppe


InVivo Group


Elicio


Bidfood


Indigo Group


Unigrains


Alpha Blue Ocean


Adjuvant Global Health Technology Fund


Work highlights


  • Assisted Sopra Steria Group with a €518m all-cash public offer for all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of Dutch-listed IT services provider Ordina.
  • Assisted Betsson with the €120m acquisition of the betFIRST group within the context of a competitive auction procedure.
  • Assisted Beiersdorf with the acquisition of a majority participation in S-Biomedic.

ALTIUS

ALTIUS provides clients with a ‘high-quality service’ in connection with mid-market M&A transactions, with a strong track record of advising on both domestic and cross-border transactions, corporate restructurings and reorganisations, and private equity investments. The practice profits from the firm’s in-house tax, employment, finance, and litigation capabilities, which enable the team to advise on acquisition financing matters, complex due diligence questions, and post-acquisition disputes, particularly in the retail, energy, and TMT spaces. Tom Vantroyen, who co-leads the practice with restructuring and M&A specialists Marie Brasseur and Jérôme Vermeylen, is particularly noted for his advice on joint ventures and private equity deals.

Practice head(s):

Tom Vantroyen; Jérôme Vermeylen; Marie Brasseur


Other key lawyers:

Thijs Herremans


Testimonials

‘Tom Vantroyen is highly professional, with outstanding project management skills and communication.’

‘The team I worked with showed excellent skills in following up with the customer. High-quality service, very prepared and prompt in their replies, always able to find an alternative, valid solution to resolve the issue quickly.’

‘Jérôme Vermeylen has shown excellent preparation, a strong focus on the client’s priorities, and is always very helpful and very attentive to listening to the client’s opinion. ’

‘Altius goes above and beyond to serve its international clients’ needs by providing services in multiple languages. The attorneys at this firm possess extensive knowledge of Belgium law and the law of different jurisdictions in Europe and have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape.’

‘Tom Vantroyen has demonstrated exceptional qualities and has proven to be an invaluable asset to a key international transaction for my client.’

‘We appreciate their human approach and the ability to take off some of the pressure during negotiations. They are determined to defend the customer.’

‘Tom Vantroyen and Thijs Herremans are both experienced in cross-border M&A work. They were bright and worked very efficiently.’

Key clients

Analog Devices


Aurelius


Canon


Citymesh


CRH


Daikin


Deutsche Invest Mittelstand and Deutsche Invest Capital


Gpixel


Indufin


KONE


Macadam Europe


MSD


Pelzer


SpaceID


Wellfin


Work highlights


  • Advised Macadam Europe on its acquisition, through an asset deal over 19 jurisdictions in Europe and Turkey, of the Automotive Asset Assessment and Retail Network Services operations of SGS.
  • Advised Aurelius on the Belgian aspects of its acquisition of the shares of AGFA-Offset.
  • Advised Indufin Capital Partners in connection with its exit from AXI, a leading Belgo-Dutch IT group.

ARGO Law

Noted in the market for its strong advice in connection with buy- and sell-side private equity transactions, ARGO Law also advises on a wide range of private and public corporate M&A. The team is capable of handling public takeovers, cross-border acquisitions and investments, and disposals in a wide variety of sectors and underscores these capabilities with in-house financing and commercial capabilities. The team is co-led by capital markets and private equity experts Nico Goossens and Kris Verdoodt as well as Bert Van Ingelghem, whose expertise spans public and private M&A. Louis Hoet is another key contact in the team.

Practice head(s):

Nico Goossens; Kris Verdoodt; Bert Van Ingelghem


Other key lawyers:

Louis Hoet; Henri Nelen


Testimonials

‘The team takes a pragmatic approach, regardless of the complexity of the matter.’

‘Kris Verdoodt is very detailed but always impact-oriented.

‘Very efficient, reliable and always available very competent with strong technical skills. A pleasure to work with them.’

‘Henri Nelen and Kris Verdoodt are very efficient, reliable and always available. Very competent with strong technical skills.’

‘The corporate team works very closely with the tax team, which allows them to deliver tailored services and advice. The team has an unparalleled experience in the setup of alternative investment funds in Belgium. ’

‘The Argo team was both very professional and agile in a complex and dynamic business context. Overall quality of the work done was excellent and very consistent throughout the whole team.’

‘Louis Hoet is very approachable and hands-on. He is into the details on the transaction and very pragmatic in dealing with unforeseen circumstances.

Key clients

Waterland Private Equity Investments


Sofindev


Ardian Private Equity


Fortino Capital


Vendis Capital


Bencis Capital Partners


Vectis Private Equity


Baltisse


Strada Capital


3d Investors


Heran HealthTech Fund


Andera Partners


Rivean


Junction Growth Partners


Agri Investment Fund


Sam Baro


Telenet


VGP


CMB


Saverex


Exmar


Equine Care Group


DPG Media


Mitiska REIM


Dematra Group


Cortes Cigar Family


Trustteam


Pentahold


Tobania shareholders


Aedifica


WVT Industries


T&A Holding


Work highlights


  • Advised Saverex on its voluntary and conditional takeover bid on Exmar.
  • Assisted the shareholders of the Tobiana group with the sale of 100% of the shares in Tobania and Python Predictions to Sopra Steria.
  • Assisted the founders and other key managers of Amadys with their roll-over into ETC Group as part of the acquisition of Amadys by the latter.

CMS

International corporate clients such as Skoda and Toshiba rely on CMS’ extensive cross-border expertise, which allows the team to advise on multi-jurisdictional transactions, assist clients with Belgian buy-and-build strategies, and handle global corporate mergers and restructurings. Under the leadership of M&A and corporate finance expert Vincent Dirckx, the team also regularly advises Belgian clients on domestic sales and acquisitions. Further key contacts in the team include Arnaud Van Oekel, who handles M&A in the life sciences and energy sectors, restructuring expert Stéphane Collin, and Virginie Frémat, who is noted for her ability to advise on distressed M&A.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Dirckx


Other key lawyers:

Arnaud van Oekel; Virginie Frémat; Stéphanie Collin; David Prync; Candice Kunkera


Testimonials

‘Highly engaged team, irrespective of the size or complexity of the transaction. Genuine interest in the story behind the (anticipated) transaction and fully engaged to make it work for their client.’

‘Arnaud Van Oekel is an excellent lawyer, down-to-earth communicator with a lot of common sense and a real dealmaker attitude..’

‘Deep knowledge of local applicable law and market practices, as well as an ability to adequately and directly serve overseas clients not used to those practices.’

Key clients

Groupe Lagarrigue


Treasury Intelligence Solutions


Belgian Federal Holding and Investment Company


CXV Atlas


Colliers


Sulo Group


SNCF Voyages


Thalys International


Eurostar International Limited


Toshiba


Coreso-TSC Net


Graftys


Advachem


A.S.R.


Kereis


D-carbonize


Skoda


Work highlights


  • Assisted French Group Lagarrigue, through its newly formed Belgian group led by Aqtor!, with its “buy and build” strategy in Belgium.
  • Advised Treasury Intelligence Solutions on its acquisition of Cashforce, a cash forecasting and working capital platform.
  • Advised the Czech rolling stock manufacturer Skoda Group on the acquisition of TheSignallingCompany from Lineas and ERTMS Solutions.

Deloitte Legal

The team at Deloitte Legal advises on due diligence, assists with transactional negotiations and structuring, and collaborates with Deloitte's tax and financial advisory team to provide auxiliary advice in connection with a wide range of M&A. Focusing particularly on transactions in the energy, TMT, and industrials sector, the team is well-versed in both domestic and cros-border M&A and maintains a client base that encompasses Belgian as well as international corporate clients and private equity funds. Practice head David Roelens chiefly advises energy companies on sell-and buy-side transactions, while Marc Van tieghem assists with a broad range of corporate matters. Tim Baart left the firm in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

David Roelens


Other key lawyers:

Marc Van tieghem; Hans Vansweevelt


Testimonials

‘Collaboration with diverse departments is execllent knowledge of the business is outstanding’

‘Legally solid hands-on advice. Lawyers think together with the client and come up with pragmatic solutions. ’

‘Hands-on team, providing excellent advice.’

‘Marc Van tieghem and Hans Vansweevelt always go the extra mile to ensure the work is done and the deal gets closed. ’

Key clients

Process Automation Solutions NV


Shareholders of Mexico Natie


Shareholders of Balak Industries


Shareholder of Essef


Sweco Belgium BV


Aurelius Investment Funds


Precirix NV


eTheRNA Immunotherapies NV


Swave BV


Solithor BV


Vebego International B.V.


Home Invest Belgium NV


Montea NV


House of Talents


Indigo Diabetes NV


Bpost NV


Xeikon Prepress


Lineas NV


Bernard Saey


SPC BV


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of Mexico Natie on the sale of the group to Katoen Natie.
  • Advised Bernard Saey on the sale of Coil Pro NV and Sattua BV to MCB International B.V.
  • Advised Sweco group on the acquisition of VK architects+engineers.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is very active in the middle market and has a ‘genuinely international footprint‘ that enables the Belgium-based team to effectively collaborate with global offices on cross-border transactions. In addition to advising global private equity funds and corporate clients on their Belgian investment activities, the team regularly handles joint ventures, strategic M&A, and corporate reorganisations for its domestic client base. The practice is particularly active in advising on transactions in the industrials and energy sectors; a key contact in this space is Michael Heene, who heads the practice together with cross-border M&A and restructuring experts Koen Selleslags and Erwin Simons. Aubry Daerden is frequently sought out by private equity clients.

Practice head(s):

Michael Heene; Erwin Simons; Koen Selleslags


Other key lawyers:

Aubry Daerden


Testimonials

‘Available, to the point, high legal expertise in complex M&A files, excellent negotiation skills.’

‘The strength of DLA Piper and their commercial, corporate and M&A practice is that they have all the knowledge in-house to deal with different topics, but still make it aligned towards the needs of the customer.’

‘The people of DLA Piper are always willing to go the extra mile and do not fear last-minute and very urgent requests. They always deliver.’

‘Well-balanced team, with Michael Heene providing a primus inter pares approach which is highly appreciated by both team and client.’

‘Good level of specialization across the team, from associate to partner level. Good availability and sense of urgency. Good cooperation cross country.’

‘One of the unique features of this practice is its genuinely international footprint, allowing clients to tap into vast resources, skills, and experiences from different jurisdictions, ensuring they receive comprehensive advice tailored to multiple markets.’

‘Aubry Daerden’s expertise in M&A transactions is unparalleled. His insights have been pivotal in navigating complex deals.’

‘Koen Selleslags is a very experienced M&A lawyer. He never loses his cool, even despite enormous pressure or a tight timetable. Very engaged. ’

Key clients

Alychlo


ArcelorMittal


STEF


Linde


QBic


Argenta Bank


Atos Belgium


Azelis


Aliaxis


BASF


Belfius Bank


CFE


Checkroom NV


Cushman & Wakefield


Delaware Group


DEME


Fluvius System Operator CV


Indaver


Imperbel NV


Infrabel


ING


InvestLink NV


Katoen Natie


KBC Group


Linux Foundation


Lotus Bakeries


Miko


Miraclon


Montana Aerospace AG


Nationale Loterij


NewPort Capital


Pfizer


Reckitt


Renewi


Resmed Inc


Schréder


SD Worx


Showpad


Torqx Capital Partners Belgium NV


Standard de Liège


TotalEnergies


Van Genechten Packaging


Willemen Groep


argenx


ElmediX


Zoetis


Ontex


Work highlights


  • Advised Fluvius System Operator CV on a €2bn investment in a joint venture with Telenet to enhance the HFC network infrastructure in Flanders through the transfer of their existing network assets to NetCo.
  • Assisted AG Insurance NV/SA with its acquisition, together with bank BNP Paribas Fortis NV/SA, of the Touring-group, a Belgian company in the mobility sector.
  • Advised Katoen Natie on the acquisition of Mexico Natie Group.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher services a client base that encompasses private equity and venture capital funds as well as Belgian and international companies, with particularly strong links to the IT sector. The team maintains a strong focus on cross-border M&A and corporate governance matters and advises on a growing number of distressed transactions, restructuring matters, carve-outs and disposals. Practice head Louis-François du Castillon is an M&A expert who regularly advises on private equity and real estate transactions, while Marie Evrard is a key contact for joint ventures and corporate governance matters. Corporate and commercial expert Lars Raedschelders is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Louis-François du Castillon


Other key lawyers:

Marie Evrard; Lars Raedschelders


Testimonials

‘As a US buyer, this was our first cross-border deal in the EU. Fieldfisher was invaluable in helping us navigate everything we needed to close the deal.’

‘Louis-François du Castillon was a trusted partner throughout the entire deal process. Louis-François was very commercially minded in his approach and made sure the diligence process and SPA supported the deal thesis.’

Key clients

Ahead Digital


Tricount


BE 2


CNR Records


SHIPPR.


Valmet Automation OY


Sereni Capital


Businvest Holding SRL


BeeBonds


Groupe Beaumanoir


OSEPI


Natus Medical Incorporated


EUNetworks


Santero Therapeutics


Eqwin


Sortlist


Urbantz


Ordercast


SymphonyAI


Swen Capital Partners


Savino Del Bene S.p.A.


Roba Van Der Rijn NV


Groenlandgroup


Houben Business Group


RWE


Centrica


Sunrock


Axpo


V² Construct


Work highlights


  • Advised euNetworks on a controlled auction-conducted acquisition of the dark fiber business of Electrabel through a business branch transfer agreement.
  • Advised Valmet Automation OY and Valmet INC on the acquisition of NovaTechEurope BV.
  • Assisted Sereni Capital with the entry of a new equity investor through a capital increase and issuance of new shares.

Jones Day

Standing out in particular for its activity in the private equity and venture capital spaces, the team at Jones Day is also well-versed in strategic M&A, handling a large volume of life sciences transactions in addition to advising on strategic partnerships and joint ventures, fundraising, and start-up financing matters. The practice is also noted for its cross-border capabilities, frequently working across the firm’s international offices to advise on the Belgian regulatory dimensions of multijurisdictional matters. Practice head Thomas De Muynck is described as possessing ‘unparalleled legal acumen‘ and chiefly advises on private equity deals in the life sciences sector. Jonas Van Den Bossche is noted for his expertise in the chemicals sector, while Paul Van Hooghten advises on a wide array of corporate restructuring and M&A matters.

Practice head(s):

Thomas De Muynck


Other key lawyers:

Jonas Van Den Bossche; Paul Van Hooghten; Steve Nuyts


Testimonials

‘Thomas de Muynck and Steve Nuyts are knowledgeable, available, patient, nice, and always keep their calm, which is much appreciated in an M&A transaction. ’

‘What truly sets the Jones Day team apart is the exceptional talent and dedication of their team. Their attorneys, paralegals, and support staff bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every case.’

‘When it comes to the individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with at Jones Day, they truly stand out as exceptional legal professionals.’

‘They understand our business and provide custom-made solutions that involve relevant specialists when needed.’

Key clients

American Industrial Partners


Arsenal Capital Partners


Biobest Group


Encevo


Fortino Capital


Hi Inov Capital


iStar Medical


Jensen-Group


McCain Foods


Pandox


Partech Capital


Rockley Management


Specialized Bicycle Components


The Riverside Company


Work highlights


  • Advised iSTAR Medical SA on its strategic alliance with AbbVie for a value of up to $535m, a deal using the novel “option-to-acquire” structure.
  • Advised Jensen-Group on the formation of a joint venture with MIURA whereby Jensen-Group acquired 49% of the shares of Inax Corporation and MIURA acquired a 20% stake in Jensen-Group.
  • Advised Biobest Group NV on its capital increase in an amount of €98.5m, subscribed by Sofina SA and other private investors.

Monard law, joined by Buyle

The corporate practice at Monard law, joined by Buyle has expanded at senior and junior levels, gaining restructuring expert Louis Verstraeten from ASTREA in June 2023 and banking and finance specialist Jean-Pierre Buyle and his team in April 2023. The unit continues to handle a wide range of transactional and corporate governance matters for Belgian start-ups and companies in the industrials and energy sectors. Commercial agreements and disputes are another key area of focus for the team, owing to the expertise of commercial expert Kristof Zadora, who co-leads the practice with transactional specialist Nicole Segers. Other key names in the team include corporate experts Pieter Van den Broeck, Jeroen Raskin, Benoit Samyn, and Natalie Ulburghs.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Segers; Kristof Zadora


Other key lawyers:

Louis Verstraeten; Pieter van den Broeck; Jeroen Raskin; Benoit Samyn; Natalie Ulburghs; Jean-Pierre Buyle


Testimonials

‘Kristof Zadora is exceptional in his commitment towards us as a customer, it is a great pleasure working with him.’

‘Natalie Ulburghs is a very good negotiator with extensive experience in M&A deals.’

‘Pieter Van Den Broeck is a very business-minded and pragmatic advisor, easy to work with and gives hands-on assistance and guidance. Exceptional service.’

‘Pieter Van den Broeck is a clever and hands-on lawyer  who maintains a very close relationship with his clients. Always available. Natalie Ulburghs is a sharp M&A lawyer with particular knowledge in the energy industry. ’

‘Monard Law’s Commercial, corporate, and M&A practice distinguishes itself through its sound and reliable team of professionals who consistently demonstrate a commercially-minded approach.’

‘Monard Law boasts a team of legal professionals who exemplify the highest standards of expertise, dedication, and professionalism. Their deep knowledge of the law, combined with their ability to adapt to ever-changing legal landscapes, sets them apart from the rest.’

‘The individual lawyers are very capable and look after every interest of the customer. They really go the extra mile to support their customers.’

Key clients

Abus


AGC Networks


Alltech


ANL Plastics


Aurobindo


Bionerga


Blinds Holding


Bosal


Breex


Brightwolves


Cegeka


Comfort Energy


Covess


Daltix


Down to Earth


Energreen


ERT


ESAS


Fluvius System Operator


Genae


Green and Durable


Greenyard


Hedin Automotive


International General Insurance Group


Jost Group


Legia capital


Living Tomorrow


MCB group


Merit Capital


Natra


Nuhma


Nyrstar Shareholders


Philip Morris


Portunes


Primagaz


Quanteus


S-LIM


Verisure


Westfa


Work highlights


  • Advised MCB International on the purchase of the Saey Group, including legal due diligence, negotiation and contract drafting in a controlled auction context.
  • Assisted Hedin Automotive with its multi-brand expansion in Belgium, including the acquisition of four Mercedes dealerships and four separate acquisitions of Toyota dealers.

NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh‘s corporate practice is active across the Benelux region, with regional clients frequently instructing the team to advise on strategic transactions, private equity and venture capital deals, and restructuring projects that span across the three Benelux jurisdictions. In addition to its Benelux-based work, which also encompasses complex joint ventures, corporate governance, and corporate litigation matters, the team is regularly instructed by international clients to handle the Belgian aspects of global transactions. The team is co-led by Nicolas de Crombrugghe, who excels at handling M&A in regulated sectors such as energy and financial services, private equity expert Philippe Remels, and Dirk Van Gerven, whose ‘legal excellence‘ encompasses a wide range of M&A and restructuring matters.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Van Gerven; Philippe Remels; Nicolas de Crombrugghe


Other key lawyers:

Christophe Walthion; Olivier van Wouwe


Testimonials

‘A competent team with smart strategies.’

‘Very experienced team with leading professionals who strive for excellence. Outstanding technical skills and legal expertise, availability, business understanding, and pragmatism. ’

‘Very user-friendly team, with a “can do”-attitude.’

‘The furm gives excellent, pragmatic, commercially-oriented advice.’

‘Dirk Van Gerven is super-responsive and gives good, strategic, calm advice.

‘Dirk Van Gerven is in my opinion one of the best commercial, corporate and M&A lawyers in Belgium. Outstanding leadership, legal excellence, and creativity when dealing with complex transactions and structures.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Bank


Cloostermans-Huwaert Group


Colruyt


ENGIE


Johnson & Johnson


Route Mobile


Royal BAM Group


Suazio


Swissport


Technip Energies


Vanbreda Risk & Benefits


Work highlights


  • Advised Technip Energies on the creation of its hydrogen joint venture Rely with John Cockerill.
  • Assisted the shareholders of Suazio with their sale to Namsa and their reinvestment.
  • Advised the Cloostermans-Huwaert Group on Amazon’s acquisition of all shares in Innovation C² BV, the holding company.

Simont Braun

Simont Braun‘s practice handles a wide range of corporate matters for its client base of family-owned and listed Belgian companies, including traditional private and public M&A, real estate transactions, and corporate governance issues. The team also frequently works cross-practice to advise on a range of auxiliary matters, including financing, corporate litigation, and tax issues. Tom Swinnen, who handles a large volume of buy- and sell-side transactions, joint ventures, and private equity deals, co-leads the team with cross-border M&A expert Axel Maeterlinck and Steven Callens, who is specialized in both corporate M&A and dispute resolution. Another name to note is Nikita Tissot, who advises on transactional and financing issues as well as on restructuring. Sandrine Hirsch retired in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Tom Swinnen; Steven Callens; Axel Maeterlinck


Other key lawyers:

Nikita Tissot; Sander Van Loock


Testimonials

‘Very responsive team with very good knowledge of their practice and the market.’

‘Very pragmatic mindset and willing to think out of the box. The team truly tries to understand the very essence of an issue in order to look for innovative ideas.’

‘Tom Swinnen offers very honest two-way communication, very high responsiveness, and a commercial mindset.’

Key clients

Brutélé


NewB


Greatoo Intelligent Equipment


Century Box


Ring Capital


Groupe Meilleurtaux


Active Partners


InBev Belgium


Eurofins


Co.Station Belgium


House of HR


Work highlights


  • Advised Brutélé on the sale of its shares to Enodia, followed by the contribution of Brutélé’s TMT business to VOO SA before its acquisition by Orange Belgium.
  • Assisted the French-based Meilleurtaux with its acquisition of the Belgian-based credit and insurance broker Mid Finance.
  • Advised Active Partners on a funding round of €22 million in Classified Cycling.

Strelia

Strelia combines contentious and non-contentious capabilities in its corporate offering, which allows the team to comprehensively advise a large number of large Belgian and international companies in the life sciences, TMT, and energy sectors on strategic transactions, divestments, joint ventures, and post-M&A claims. Under the leadership of M&A and private equity specialist Gisèle Rosselle, the practice regularly collaborates with international partners to advise on multi-jurisdictional deals and is also prolific in handling Belgian mid-market transactions. Other key members of the team include managing partner Olivier Clevenbergh, who is noted for his expertise in corporate disputes, and M&A and joint venture expert Katrien Vorlat.

Practice head(s):

Gisèle Rosselle


Other key lawyers:

Laurent Verhavert; Olivier Clevenbergh; Katrien Vorlat; Céderic Devroey


Testimonials

‘The team is close-knit, very responsive, and available despite their busy practice.’

‘Gisele Rosselle and Céderic Devroey go the extra mile for their clients and co-counsel.’

‘Proactive approach in M&A from the team.’

‘Known for its flexibility, completeness, and client-centric service.’

Key clients

Engie


Sixt


Carrefour


Accor Invest


UPS


Herschel


Energy One Group


LCL Datacenters


Addtech Nordic


Herta


Norks Hydro


Andlinger


Hyloris


Stantec


Kryseo


Saint Brice


Rexel


European Banking Federation


Scioteq


Cadmus


IOGP


Medallia


Jenssen Hughes


Tradeshift


Eumedica Pharmaceuticals AG


Netcompany Intrasoft


Banijay


One Square


Bronze Capital


Allegion


Alcopa


Work highlights


  • Advised the Engie group on the divestment of its dark fiber network to UK group euNetworks.
  • Advised Nasdaq-listed Addtech on its acquisition of the MCS Europe Group.
  • Advised LCL Data Centers on its windmill project acquisitions as part of its energy transition strategy.

White & Case LLP

The team at White & Case LLP is noted for its ‘profound understanding of cross-border complexities‘, which enables it to collaborate with the firm’s international partner offices to advise clients in a wide range of industries on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions. In addition to private equity investments, the team handles strategic transactions, spin-off deals, share capital increases, and commercial matters. The practice is co-led by Thierry Bosly, who is noted for his expertise in cross-border M&A and restructuring matters, and Carlo Meert, who handles private equity transactions and corporate finance issues. Thomas Glauden heads the team’s Luxembourg office in addition to advising on Belgium-based M&A matters. Private equity expert Philippe Hendrickx is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Thierry Bosly; Carlo Meert


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Glauden; Philippe Hendrickx; Nick Hallemeesch


Testimonials

‘I had the honour to work with Philippe Hendrickx. He consistently impressed me with his profound expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.’

Key clients

Cobepa SA


CVC Capital Partners


IK Partners


PPF


Regnology Group


Colisée


ABB AG


Cosfibel


Fluxys


Cluepoints


Cary Group


HY24


Cosucra


Work highlights


  • Advised ABB AG on the separation of Accelleron from the ABB group in preparation for its $2.7bn spin-off and listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
  • Advised Cosucra Group Warcoing SA in connection with a process to search for potential strategic partners to support its further growth.
  • Advised Cary Group Group on the acquisitions of Autoglass Clinic, Care4cars and Touring Autoglass.

ASTREA

In addition to handling work in the private equity space, ASTREA‘s transactional practice advises on strategic M&A in a wide array of sectors, with a particularly established base of media and automotive clients. The team’s portfolio of M&A work includes real estate transactions, start-up and scale-up investments, and cross-border deals. Frédéric Verspreeuwen, who advises on governance and litigation matters in addition to transactional work, co-leads the practice with private equity and venture capital expert Micha Van den Abeele and corporate finance specialist Dieter Veestraeten. Former practice co-head Steven De Schrijver left the team in late 2022.

Practice head(s):

Frédéric Verspreeuwen; Micha Van den Abeele; Dieter Veestraeten


Other key lawyers:

Seppe Laenen


Testimonials

‘We work with Astrea on M&A and corporate law matters. Astrea is a human-sized firm that is very accessible.’

‘The M&A team is very dedicated. Frédéric Verspreeuwen follows the files himself and thinks along with his client. He is a very good negotiator who is keen to find a solution.’

Key clients

INEOS Olefins Belgium


Gerantis


Jaguar Land Rover Belux


Argenta Spaarbank


Inbev Belgium


Allia Insurance Brokers


Toyota Belgium


Ford Motor Company (Belgium)


Middleby


Bockhold


GEO GROUP


IXX Pharma


Down 2 Earth Capital II CommV


Plantyn NV


Garvis


Gimber


November Five


DPG Media


Geo Investment Group


Cyan Renewables


Mawdsleys


Securex


ByMyCar


Seafrigo


contrast

Commercial arrangements and strategic M&A are key areas of focus for the team at contrast, which maintains close connections with clients in the retail sector and is well-equipped to advise on the corporate and commercial aspects of reorganisation and transformation projects, franchising issues, and governance matters. Practice co-heads Bart Bellen, who focuses on contentious and non-contentious transactional matters, and Milena Varga, who is an expert on commercial and competition law, are also well-known for providing advice to an array of international trade associations and sector organisations.

Practice head(s):

Bart Bellen; Milena Varga


Other key lawyers:

Ine Schockaert; Kristof de Wael; Laurence Vanhyfte


Testimonials

‘The team distinguishes itself through its highly pragmatic approach, displaying a deep understanding of operational and business challenges.’

‘Milena Varga’s expertise is unparalleled, bringing a depth of knowledge that consistently surpasses expectations. Her exceptional communication skills ensure seamless collaboration, translating complex ideas with clarity.’

‘They are very committed to getting the job done. Intelligent, with a sense of realism.’

Key clients

K+S Aktiengesellschaft


Mirage Retail Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Mirage Retail Group in several commercial disputes and legal actions.

intui

The M&A practice at intui handles cross-border and domestic transactions for corporate clients in a wide array of sectors as well as for a growing number of public and private investment funds. The team maintains a particular focus on assisting with shareholders’ agreements and is bolstered in this approach by the ability to draw on cross-practice litigation and commercial law expertise. Anneleen Steeno is a key contact for contentious and non-contentious M&A and shareholder work; she co-leads the team with dispute resolution expert Robbie Tas and Caroline Hotterbeekx. Real estate transactions expert Kim Van Herck is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Anneleen Steeno; Robbie Tas; Caroline Hotterbeekx


Other key lawyers:

Kim Van Herck; Matthias Jans


Testimonials

‘Exceptionally good at mediation.’

‘Anneleen Steeno and Matthias Jans are both result-driven & extremely flexible.’

‘The team at intui we worked with had all the unique skills that make great teams. Next to all of that they were also nice people to work with, a quality that can not be stressed enough.’

‘Anneleen Steeno listens very well, works hard to understand the case and her advice has been spot on. Together with associate Matthias Jans they also provided excellent and flawless paperwork.’

‘What is particularly pleasing in working with intui is the personal approach. The people are very flexible and know how to act quickly. I also noticed that the network they have is very extensive, enabling them to quickly find the right answers to our questions.’

‘The team is always very well informed and all members are very knowledgeable. The intui team displays professionalism, but is also pragmatic and very nice to work with.’

‘Anneleen Steeno is very efficient, pragmatic, focuses on the key points and indicates the risks within the transaction. She is very knowledgeable and stands out. She commits to her promises and is very good at providing feedback.’

‘We value the personal commitment, knowledge of our business, and willingness to find a solution.’

Key clients

Vulpia Group


Puratos Group


Tinc


Vortex Capital Partners


Groep Cretskens


Quality By Design


Solvari


DCA


DCU Invest


Meam


Easypay Group


Shareholders of Jonnydepony


Webomatic


Work highlights


  • Advised the family shareholders of Easypay Group on the sale of their interests to Partena Professional.
  • Advised TINC, Foremost Immo and B.S.I. on the sale of 100% of the shares in Bio-Versneller to TPG Real Estate.
  • Advised the shareholders of Jonnydepony on the sale of a majority stake to Banijay Benelux.

Laurius

The corporate practice at Laurius comprises a large roster of lawyers capable of advising Belgian and international clients on a wide range of mid-market M&A, spanning real estate transactions, private equity deals, carve-outs, and distressed acquisitions. The consortium of practice heads includes managing partner Dirk Wellens, who is noted for his restructuring and M&A expertise, David Ryckaert, who is an expert in corporate litigation and venture capital transactions, real estate and healthcare transaction specialist Christina Trappeniers, and private equity expert Caroline Wildemeersch.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Wellens; David Ryckaert; Caroline Wildemeersch; Christina Trappeniers


Testimonials

‘Highly flexible, capable of adapting to our business constraints, and focused on our needs in terms of understanding our business.’

Key clients

Healthcare Activos Yield SOCIMI SA


Buysse & Partners Smart Assets


ACG Group


BMB Bouwmaterialen


Induscabel Sanitaire & Techniques SA


Mainetti


Circet Benelux NV


Unique NV


Copus Group


Orelia Zorg NV


Bingli NV


Belga Films


Qhold International NV


Silex Insight SA


Kozmoz Universe


Work highlights


  • Advised Buysse & Partners Smart Assets NV (BPSA) on the acquisition of the Las Palmas building in Rotterdam.
  • Advised the shareholders of Callens, Pirenne, Theunissen & C° BV on the sale of their accounting firm Vandelanotte.
  • Advised Itinecar NV on the acquisition of Vernaeve NV.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke focuses on providing advice to clients in the life sciences, TMT, and retail sectors, with a capacity for handling a wide array of corporate governance, transactional, and commercial matters. David Haex is very active on mid-market M&A and venture capital transactions, while Stefan Deswert assists with a wide array of commercial agreements as well as carve-out matters with IP elements. Hadrien Chef, who stands out for providing corporate advice to biotech and medtech clients, is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

David Haex; Stefan Deswert


Other key lawyers:

Hadrien Chef; Frank Hoogendijk; Marie Canivet


Testimonials

‘The team are always one step ahead and have a particular drive to understand our business and the needs of our legal team.’

‘David Haex and Frank Hoogendijk are particularly recommended for their pragmatic approach.’

‘The team I worked with was both very strong in legal and technical topics and also able to give advice on the strategy to negotiate the clauses.’

‘Hadrien Chef is a top-level professional. He manages the case and the team with pragmatism and experience. He motivates the team and has a eye on every detail. He has a certain sense of business that helps to see legal input as a negotiation asset.’

‘Violette Keppenne is a very reliable, collaborative and hard-working team member. She strives for excellence in everything she does. ’

‘We appreciated working with OC. The team was extremely available and could deliver extremely qualitative work in a short period of time. The team delivers faster than expected and exceeds expectations.’

‘The team was extremely available and took sufficient time to inform us and give us everything we needed to make the right decisions.’

Key clients

BioSenic


FSM Group


Qinetiq


The Adecco Group


Sunrise


Merchery


Allcargo Logistics


Cream Consulting


Audiense


Acapela


OncoDNA


Xerox


P&V Assurances


Work highlights


  • Advised  Bone Therapeutics (now BioSenic) on a reversed merger with the French company Medsenic.
  • Advised the FSM Group on its sale to the Ambitious People Group.
  • Advised QinetiQ on its sale of QinetiQ Space to Redwire for €32m.

PwC Legal

The ‘broad and experienced multidisciplinary team‘ at PwC Legal stands out for its ability to draw on the firm’s international network in advising both domestic and multinational corporate clients on M&A, corporate reorganisation projects, and digital transformations. The team’s strong regulatory capabilities enable it to provide due diligence advice in connection with cross-border corporate and private equity transactions, commercial agreements, and multijurisdictional corporate undertakings. Led by transactional and governance expert Karin Winters, the team also draws on the expertise of Pierre Queritet, who is very experienced with M&A, and ESG specialist Bart Vanstaen.

Practice head(s):

Karin Winters


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Queritet; Bart Vanstaen; Ive Serneels; Stijn Vanbaelen; Sixtine Borres


Testimonials

‘ A broad and experienced multi-disciplinary team.’

‘Pierre Queriet is a seasoned and pragmatic professional.’

‘Bart Vanstaen is an excellent lawyer: quick, pragmatic and flexible. Good lawyer and team for corporate transactions.’

‘Professional team, willing to devote all its attention to the issue at stake when you need it most. Close collaboration and involvement of top people make the difference.’

‘Karin Winters has a truly professional and hands-on style.’

Key clients

GSS Group Star Services


KITRY


Remondis Belgien


Oleon


Shell


Barry Callebaut


Belorta


Work highlights


  • Assisting BelOrta with a project to achieve the integration with another large fruit auction house (BFV).
  • Assisted IDI with the sale of 100% of Flex Composite Group.
  • Acted for and provided global worldwide corporate governance, compliance, and transactional assistance to all Belgian subsidiaries and branches of Shell.

Quinz

Boutique firm Quinz offers its base of life sciences, TMT and real estate clients ‘top M&A expertise‘. Close collaboration with the firm’s litigation, competition, and life sciences teams equips the practice to handle the contentious and non-contentious matters of complex transactions, with a particular focus on cross-border private equity investments and transactions. The practice is jointly led by Bart Lintermans, who specializes in private equity and real estate deals as well as commercial matters, and Klaas Thibaut, who is noted for his expertise in the venture capital space.

Practice head(s):

Bart Lintermans; Klaas Thibaut


Other key lawyers:

Cody Demuytere; Wout Hooyberghs; Charlotte De Cort; Sayanah Staelens; Sander Kevelaerts


Testimonials

‘Available, hands-on, pragmatic, top M&A expertise, ensure that the deal is done.’

‘Great company culture, pragmatic lawyers, impeccable service.’

‘Wout Hooyberghs is an excellent lawyer. Hard-working, always available, and extremely knowledgable.’

‘Responsive, solution-focused, and pragmatic.

‘They have a gift for addressing complex situations with simple solutions.’

‘Quinz has an exceptional M&A team that combines impeccable legal skills with a thorough understanding of our business.’

‘Wout Hooyberghs is an excellent negotiator and a fun lawyer to work with. His drive and availability make him an excellent point of contact.’

‘Very good business understanding. Good level of partner-level involvement. It feels like they are part of the in-house team.’

Key clients

ABB


AG Insurance


Ampersand Capital Partners


Auctus Capital Partners


CIM Capital


Downtown Real Estate


Ethias


Ethias


Euroports


Gemeentelijke Holding


Gimv


Icelake Capital


Rabo Ventures


Reynaers Aluminium


The Usual Hotels


UCB


Umicore


V-Bio Ventures


Xcentric Hotels


Work highlights


  • Advised Gimv with several transactions for an aggregate value exceeding €60 million.
  • Advised Boston-based Ampersand Capital Partners on its acquisition of P95.
  • Advised ExeVir in connection with its series A financing round of €42 million and the negotiation of a €16.5 million non-dilutive funding package.

Quorum

Transactional boutique Quorum acts as strategic advisor to private and listed companies, both domestic enterprises and international corporations with operations in Belgium, on the whole range of issues from incorporation, negotiations and closing the deal to post-completion litigation risk assessment, commercial litigation and distressed M&A. The team provides integrated legal, tax and compliance advice, and frequently acts on deals with a cross-border element. It also often assists start-ups and scale-ups, and has niche expertise in setting-up buy-and-build structures and consecutive acquisitions. Managing partner Davy Gorselé heads up the team with nearly two decades of experience in a multitude of domestic as well as cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Davy Gorselé


Other key lawyers:

Michiel Pouillon; Pieter Dierckx; Michiel Roovers; Sylvie Thieren


Key clients

AQ Group


Alpha Renewable Energy Fund


Amotek Technologies


Blackbird Business Events


Brussels Airport Company


Capital A Investment Partners


CenEnergy


Contargo Road Logistics B.V. (Rhenus)


Dentius


Discovery Holding


E-Capital


Engie (listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris)


Good!D


InOpSys


iFlux


Integra Fund


Induver


JP Foods


Kebek Private Equity


Louis Dreyfus Company


Manuport Logistics (part of the Euroports group)


Nesto


Nova Natie


Octave


Odot


On IT


Origin International


Parte


Projective


Select HR


SDG Capital


SmartFin Capital


Standard Investment


Steliau International


TrainM No


The Glue


Unifiedpost Group (listed on Euronext Brussels)


Van Moer


Visma (listed on Oslo Stock Exchange)


VistaLink


Vortex Capital Partners BV


WEP


Mail to Pay Group


Work highlights


  • Assisted the fund management of Alpha Renewable Energy Fund with the structuring and incorporation of Alpha Renewable Energy Fund’s management and Alpha Renewable Energy Fund itself.
  • Assisted the Steliau International with the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Alcom electronics NV and 100% of the shares in Alcom electronics B.V.
  • Assisted Visma with the acquisition of (ultimately) 100% of the shares of Beeple BV.

Schoups

Schoups is equally capable of advising on private equity deals and corporate M&A, with the team frequently drawing on cross-practice employment, commercial, and litigation capabilities to advise on real estate transactions, cross-border acquisitions and sales, restructuring initiatives, and joint ventures. A consortium of four lawyers head up the practice: Mathilde van der Stegen advises on M&A from Brussels, while Antwerp-based lawyers Stefaan Wauman, Christine Heeb and Gwen Bevers focus on corporate and private equity transactions as well as corporate restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Gwen Bevers; Christine Heeb; Stefaan Wauman; Mathilde van der Stegen


Other key lawyers:

Joost van Riel; Jesse Docx


Testimonials

‘They know their job and have good know-how.’

‘The team’s strength is being focused and sharp, steering a transaction process in the right direction. Always on the ball. Never losing sight of the client’s final objective.’

‘Gwen Bevers is smart, sharp and focused. Stefaan Wauman is smart, hands-on and knows how to translate difficult legal theory into easily understandable speak.’

‘ Flexible, fast, competent and humble lawyers.’

‘Stefaan Wauman is a very pragmatic lawyer trying to find a balance between essential elements in a transaction and secondary aspects.’

‘This practice handles cases in a very efficient manner and provides very focused and thoughtful feedback.’

‘Gwen Bevers is highly qualified in corporate legislation and is easily accessible. He will always act with the aim of coming to a deal instead of slowing down the deal.’

‘Gwen Bevers and Christine Heeb had an impressive grasp of the topics we addressed and were always prepared to give a fast service if needed.’

Key clients

Aertssen


Cordeel


Customs Support Group


Sitra


Colruyt


Credendo


Creafund


Alpina


Human8


Shoe Investments


Mentha Capital


BTV


Heylen Vastgoed


Vavato


Work highlights


  • Advised Aiden, a portfolio company of Mentha Capital, on various simultaneous add-on acquisitions in Belgium.
  • Advised the shareholders of Heylen Vastgoed on an investment by a prominent shareholder.
  • Advised Human8 on three different add-on acquisitions in five foreign jurisdictions and the ensuing reinvestments in the Belgian holding company.

Squire Patton Boggs

The team at Squire Patton Boggs serves both institutional clients as well as a wide array of domestic and international corporates, start-ups and scale-ups from sectors ranging from education to industrials. Clients frequently instruct the practice to handle traditional M&A, cross-border real estate transactions, and distressed acquisitions in connection with restructurings. Practice head Bart Vanderstraete is well-regarded for his advice on private equity and corporate transactions as well as commercial agreements; other key contacts in the team include Marga Caproni, who advises on the employment aspects of domestic and cross-border M&A.

Practice head(s):

Bart Vanderstraete


Other key lawyers:

Marga Carponi; Amaury de Borchgrave d’Altena; Denis Barat; Alexandra Duysters


Testimonials

‘Squire Patton Boggs stands out for its comprehensive range of legal services, providing clients with one-stop solutions.’

‘Denis Barat stands out for his remarkable combination of flexibility, unfailing commitment and speed of reaction.’

Key clients

The Craftory


HomeServe


AGC Glass Europe


Live Nation


Braskem


Primo Water Corporation


Aroundtown


Nord Anglia Education


Vialto


Work highlights


  • Advised investment fund The Craftory on the new capital rounds in Edgard & Cooper.
  • Advised glass products manufacturer AGC Glass Europe SA on an asset deal in connection with the sale of the business of its subsidiary AGC Hemelaers.
  • Advised Nord Anglia Education on the acquisition of an international school in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Van Olmen & Wynant

In addition to advising on VC-backed financing rounds as well as on buy-and sell-side private equity transactions, Van Olmen & Wynant‘s core areas of expertise include employee stock option plans and strategic transactions involving family-owned businesses. The team is co-led by Koen Hoornaert, who is active across a spectrum of corporate transactional and governance matters, and Luc Wynant, who is particularly focused on handling share acquisitions, capital markets and private equity-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Luc Wynant; Koen Hoornaert


Other key lawyers:

Laurent Detaille


Key clients

AED Rent


Alertis NV


Anrova Solutions BV


Capital-E


DSTNY


Eurofilters Group


Eurofilters Group (Volinvest & Capinvest)


Expertum Group


Farys CV


Group Joos NV


ING Belgium


JSP Invest


Juunoo


KRKA Belgium


Kampani NV


LKQ Belgium


Moonbag


Newton Force


Paleo BV


Petronas Lubricants


Qualiphar


Schelstraete Delacourt Associates NV


Selecta Belgium


Soda Data NV


Team Industries NV


Work highlights


  • Assisted Paleo with its series A financing round led by DSM Venturing and Planet A Ventures.

Ambos

Ambos maintains a client base composed primarily of Belgian and international SMEs in the life sciences sector, TMT firms, and financial services actors. All of whom instruct the team to handle the negotiation and legal due diligence aspects of strategic and private equity acquisitions, restructurings, and joint ventures. Jens Van Hecke is well-versed in M&A and handles both domestic and cross-border matters, frequently working with international partners to manage the Belgian aspects of international deals. Van Hecke co-heads the practice with commercial expert Philippe Van Dijck.

Practice head(s):

Jens Van Hecke; Philippe Van Dijck


Testimonials

‘An excellent, very responsive team, highly specialized. They are also very pragmatic and to the point. We love working with them.’

‘Jens Van Hecke is an outstanding lawyer, with a huge experience in his field. He is extremely reliable, always available, and provides top-notch advice. His legal-technical skills are excellent, and he is also extremely hands-on and pragmatic.’

 

Key clients

Aeroservices


Ardena


Asteria Infrastructure


Azerion


Belmoney


Biocair


Bouwatch


De Bonte International


Deoleo


EuroChem Antwerp


Work highlights


  • Advised Azerion, a Euronext Amsterdam listed Dutch company, on the acquisition of the Belgian group companies of Radionomy from Targetspot SA.
  • Advised Aeroservices, a ground handling company, on the expansion of its activities into Belgian’s largest freight airport.
  • Advised Asteria Infrastructure on the sale of its tower business for mobile network infrastructure to a German private equity firm.

Cambrian

Recognised in the market for its client base of venture capital and private equity funds, the team at Cambrian has ‘deep knowledge‘ of M&A, with its team advising both investors as well as start-ups and entrepreneurs on early-stage fundraising matters, buy-and-build transactions, and cross-border investments. Pieter Capiau is particularly well-regarded for handling transactions in the tech sector; Capiau co-leads the team with sell-side M&A expert Yannick Verrycke and Wim Van Berendoncks, who is a key contact for advising on the formation and structuring of venture capital funds.

Practice head(s):

Pieter Capiau; Yannick Verrycke; Wim Van Berendoncks


Other key lawyers:

Laura Rosseel; Reinart Vos; Sammy Perel


Testimonials

‘Cambrian is very hands-on and has deep knowledge and experience with M&A.’

‘Pieter Capiau is outstanding in his M&A work.’

‘Strong team, always thinking alongside the client and with a pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Qbic


Lumiares


Hummingbird Ventures


SmartFin


Timeseer.AI


Think2Act


Sweetwood Ventures


The Clubdeal Fund


Willow


Customs4Trade


9.5 Magnitude Ventures


LRM


Mint Tandartsen


Heran Partners


IMEC


Road21


Venly


F3 Finance


Lynxcare


Shift Invest


Teamleader


Oper Credits


Protagonist Investments


Anisoptera


Cresco Advocaten

An established presence among clients in the TMT sector, Cresco Advocaten focuses on handling transactions for start-ups and scale-ups as well as private equity and venture capital funds. The team is active across buy- and sell-side M&A and offers particular strengths in advising on buy-and-build strategies, joint ventures, and fundraising matters. Practice head David Dessers is well-regarded for advising on tech investments and transactions, while Olivier Van Raemdonck and and Glenn L’hoëst are key contacts for private equity and venture capital work.

Practice head(s):

David Dessers


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Van Raemdonck; Glenn L’hoëst


Testimonials

‘Cresco’s multidisciplinary team complemented has specific expertise on corporate venturing. This makes them the best one-stop solution for our cases.’

‘Cresco has an exceptional team. It all starts with the founder, David Dessers, who is visionary in how to practice commercial, corporate and M&A law. ’

‘Glenn L’Hoëst is a great lawyer who work on cases like it is his own company to defend. His market knowledge is exceptional and accurate, he follows all the latest news in the tech and M&A sector.’

‘David Dessers is a visionary man who is an example in the Belgian law scene for commercial, corporate and M&A practice. His visionelevates each member of the team. ’

‘David Dessers and Glenn L’hoest have expert knowledge of corporate venturing. ’

‘Extremely responsive, on-the-ball team with good pro-activity; committed to assist throughout the process and afterwards; pragmatic and valuable legal advice.’

‘ The team has strong commitment and availability. It goes the extra mile and is proactive.’

Key clients

9.5 Ventures


Airbus Ventures


Angelwise


BISC Global


Castelmore


Credix


Dovesco


Innovation Industries Fund


KBC Focus Fund


KBC Group


Limburgse Reconversie Maatschappij


M80 Partners


Main Capital


Mercedes-Benz Trucks Belgium Luxembourg


Pitchdrive Fund II


Projective


Rein4ced


Resengo


Robovision


SmartFin Capital


Sweepatic


TechWolf


UFO Drive


Xange Ventures


imec.xpand II


Work highlights


  • Advised M80 Capital and its portfolio company Yuma on a buy-and-build strategy in Belgium and abroad.
  • Advised Qover on its €30m venture capital financing by Zurich Insurance.
  • Advised TheSignallingCompany and its shareholder Lineas on a strategic sale to Skoda.

Crowell & Moring

In addition to handling a large volume of mid-market M&A, the team at Crowell & Moring frequently collaborates with international partner firms to provide domestic due-diligence advice in the context of cross-border transactions. The team is particularly well-versed in handling transactions in the automotive, TMT and life sciences sectors and frequently draws on IT and IP expertise when assisting with M&A. Frederik Van Remoortel, who is equipped to assist with transactional and data protection issues, co-leads the practice with Emmanuel Plasschaert, whose M&A expertise is complemented by employment and litigation specialisms.

Practice head(s):

Frederik Van Remoortel; Emmanuel Plasschaert


Other key lawyers:

Eric Montens; Delphine Keppens; Charlotte Stynen


Testimonials

‘Crowell & Moring, and particularly Frederik Van Remoortel, delivers commercial and legal business support to our full satisfaction. Our close cooperation gives us the feeling of having a in-house lawyer who assists us with all aspects of legal support.’

‘Frederik van Remoortel is a very experienced and punctual lawyer with a deep understanding of our company legal needs.’

‘We appreciate the personal contact, rapid service and good discussions.’

Key clients

Adra


Brussels 2030 VZW


CLASP


D’Ieteren


Dealerclub Mercedes Benz


EURobotics AISBL


Easyfairs Belgium


Eurobend


Event Masters


European Association of Mercedes Benz Dealers


Fashion Box


Grohe


Ingersoll Rand


Jacoti


Novosanis


Orasure


P95


PPTA


Regulatory Assistance Project


Telenet


Tereos Group


Tribes


Universal Music


Vias institute


Volvo Dealerclub


bioMérieux


Work highlights


  • Assisted the news site Euractiv and its shareholders with the sale of all shares to the European media group Mediahuis.
  • Assisted the Belgian Mercedes-Benz Dealer Association with negotiations at Belgian level around the introduction of Model D in Belgium.
  • Assisted BioMérieux with the restructuring of the activities of the BioMérieux group in Belgium, reducing the number of companies in Belgium from 3 to 1.

EY Law

EY Law maintains a number of offices in Belgium and frequently collaborates with a network of international firms to handle a wide range of cross-border corporate governance issues, restructurings, and M&A. The team is led by a consortium of lawyers across the country that encompasses restructuring experts Peter Suykens, Peter Suykens, and Angela Nowosad; transactional specialists Lindsey Clare, Herman De Wilde, and Lieven Bultinck; and private equity contact David Du Pont, who joined from Ashurst in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Peter Suykens; David Du Pont; Angela Nowosad; Virginie Ciers; Herman De Wilde; Lieven Bultinck; Lindsey Clare


Testimonials

‘ The team provides excellent attention to requests made and timely response to needs of our company.’

‘They have a very proactive approach to work we engage them to do. Respond promptly to acknowledge requests made and provide status updates as needed.’

‘David Du Pont has a hands-on approach. Stays calm at all times. The team gets things done and are very pleasant to work with.’

‘Solid M&A practice, versatile, hands-on partner involvement.’

Key clients

Unilin BV


Koramic Investment Group NV


Work highlights


  • Assisted Lambrechts Studeont NV with the sale of 100% of the shares in New Crown Service Partners NV.
  • Advised Tempus Thuisverpleging on various acquisitions in the home nursing sector.
  • Advised Finnish group Mirka Oy on an asset acquisition pursuant to which it acquired the distribution activity of its products in the Benelux from Dutch group Imbema.

KPMG Law in Belgium

KPMG Law in Belgium maintains offices across the country and is capable of advising on strategic transactions in the industrials, real estate and TMT sectors, commercial agreements, and corporate restructurings. The team is led by a consortium of lawyers that includes acquisitions and reorganisations expert Patrick Geeraert, commercial and M&A specialists Frank Cleeren and Thomas De Clerck, as well as Wouter Lauwers and Gert Cauwenbergh .

Practice head(s):

Patrick Geeraert; Frank Cleeren; Thomas De Clerck; Wouter Lauwers; Gert Cauwenbergh


Other key lawyers:

Louis-Maxim Desmadryl; Charlotte Reabel


Testimonials

‘Mutidisciplinary team – pragmatic and solution focused. International coverage due to offices all over the globe which is very helpful for complex international legal problems.’

‘Legal advice that works. Hands-on, practical advice.’

‘The collaboration we have with KPMG Law is one of pure trust because of the top service we receive. The team is very responsive from the top down. Partners and associates very much understand the urgency of certain matters and are always at our disposal in a very short notice. ’

‘Thomas De Clerck did a fantastic job in guiding us and his team towards a deal. Louis-Maxim Desmadryl displays knowledge, hard work and transparent communication.’

‘The KPMG law firm offers a unique and diverse mix of legal strengths, with excellent legal expertise, combined with a can-do approach, efficiency, ability to bridge different legislations’

‘Charlotte Reabel and Gert Cauwenbergh were able to lead complex matters end-to-end, paying attention to different angles and details. They worked in a result- and solution-driven way. They ensured continuity throughout the file with their seamless teamwork. They were also pleasant to work with, approachable and available.’

‘Patrick Geeraert is very responsive, on top of matters, knows how businesses work and provides excellent quality work.’

‘The whole team is great to work with. They are very professional and provide clear and honest feedback. they also think with the client for the most efficient solution. The documentation that you receive is clear and can be understood by people who are not actively involved.’

Key clients

Group Hemelaer


Sweet Products


Group Machiels


E-Max


LRM


Cegeka


Signpost


Hansea


Citymesh


Family Lambrecht


Lloyd’s Insurance Company


Aspect Analytics


Oregon Tool Europe


Quares


Buysse & Partners


Trixxo Group


Orkari Group


Belgotex


Groupe Berto


Armonea


team.blue


SCE-Sibloxx


Skylux


Electra


Work highlights


  • Advised Vaessen on a €50m acquisition of three new plants.
  • Advised Hemelaer, a specialist in the beef industry, on a €55m acquisition of the Teugel group.
  • Assisted Bouygues, a global engineering group, with the sale of Colas Rail Belgium.

Olislaegers & De Creus

Led by corporate, finance, and commercial experts Michael Olislaegers and Kristof De Creus, the boutique firm Olislaegers & De Creus is instructed by the likes of the Hilton Hotel Group to advise on notable corporate reorganisation and operations projects and also assists clients in the energy, industrials and TMT sectors with real estate transactions, fundraising, commercial contracts and distribution agreements, and buy- and sell-side M&A. The team’s wide offering is bolstered by extensive experience handling regulatory and litigation issues.

Practice head(s):

Kristof De Creus; Michael Olislaegers


Other key lawyers:

Siedse Willems


Testimonials

‘Kristof De Creus and Siedse Willems have assisted us multiple times in corporate and financial matters. Their knowledge and service is excellent.’

‘The team is well-organised and transparent at all levels. ’

‘Kristof De Creus comes up with solutions in a clear and understanding manner and is open to feedback. ’

Key clients

Advario Gas Terminal NV


Advario BV


Hilton Hotel Group


Van De Velde Packaging Group


Atcomex BV


D’hoine & Mackay BV


Responsum BV


Loadsure Limited


Inpico NV


Emmagenics BV


Culligan NV


Work highlights


  • Advised Advario Gas Terminal NV and Advario BV on the development of a new ammonia import terminal and potentially ammonia cracker facility in the port of Antwerp.
  • Advised Hilton Group on the anticipated rationalisation of its group structure in Belgium, Luxemburg and the United Kingdom, including the winding-up and liquidation of Hilton’s sub-holding Avenue Louise Hotel Partners.
  • Advised Emmagenics BV on the set-up of its global worldwide distribution network.

Racine

As well as advising on a wide range of corporate matters that include strategic M&A, private equity deals, restructurings, and disputes, Racine also handles an array of commercial issues, with a particular penchant for advising clients in the retail sector. Buy-and-build transactions, corporate reorganisations, and franchising and distribution issues are further areas of focus for the team, which is jointly led by commercial retail and e-commerce expert Stijn Claeys and domestic and cross-border M&A specialist Anthony Van der Hauwaert .

Practice head(s):

Stijn Claeys; Anthony Van der Hauwaert


Testimonials

‘Very knowledge and solution-driven.’

‘We appreciate the hands-on and no-nonsense approach of Stijn Claeys.’

‘Holistic approach and commercial realism.’

‘Availability, readiness to act and professionalism.’

‘The team comprises specialists with a no-nonsense mindset and a commitment to clear and efficient communication.’

‘The individual contacts we have at Racine stand out not only for their legal expertise, but also for their empathy and deep understanding of the sector and market in which we operate.’

‘The responsiveness and availability of Stijn Claeys and his team are a real plus. Customers feel immediately supported, and quickly receive clear answers to their questions. Follow-up and communication are excellent.’

‘Racine is a hands-on law firm with a partner (Stijn Claeys) that is always available and understands the business of its clients and helps its clients to find pragmatic solutions to (potential) disputes.’

Key clients

AG Insurance


Aon


MS Amlin Insurance SE


Avus


Axa Belgium


Dekra


DKV Belgium


Ethias


HDI Global SE


KBC


Legal Village


NN Insurance Belgium


Sedgwick


Van Ameyde Belgium


Argenta Assuranties


HDI Global Specialty SE


Work highlights


  • Assisted European production and distribution firm Fremantle with the acquisition of a majority stake in ATeam productions.
  • Assisted the builder’s merchant BMC with several bolt-on acquisitions as well as an intragroup restructuring.
  • Advised the shareholders of Gesibois on the combination of their activity with that of Vanrobaeys and their subsequent reinvestment in the combined group company Wopaco.

Verhaegen Walravens

Clients from a wide array of regulated sectors including gambling, TMT, and not-for-profits rely on Verhaegen Walravens‘ expertise in governance and transactional matters. The team is particularly well-versed in handling spin-off transactions, joint ventures, and corporate compliance issues, while also being instructed to assist with commercial agreements. Leaders of the practice include transactional experts Jacques Verhaegen and Paula Martins Costa, contentious and non-contentious commercial specialist Philip Walravens, and Anouk De Graef, who is a key contact for work in the real estate sector.

Practice head(s):

Jacques Verhaegen; Philip Walravens; Paula Martins Costa; Anouk De Graef


Other key lawyers:

Julie Borgerhoff


Key clients

Harsco Corporation


Prem Group


Procter & Gamble


Monus


Bancontact Payconiq Company


Groupement des Cartes Bancaires CB


European Card Payment Cooperation


CFE


Sodaphi


Tesa


Emeria


NSF Together Investment Ltd


MSMC Consulting Ltd


Springbok


Upignac Group


Viabuild


Work highlights


  • Assisted Emeria with the strategic take-over of the Flemish group Syncura and with the acquisition of the REACT Business.
  • Advised Springbok on the acquisition of all shares of D&G, a Belgian competitor.

AKD

The ‘business-oriented’ team at AKD concentrates on mid-market M&A and stands out for its relationships with private equity funds and corporate clients in the tech sector. The team, which handles corporate restructurings, strategic and private equity investments on the buy-and sell-side, and asset purchase agreements, is led by domestic and cross-border M&A specialist Timothy Speelman.

Practice head(s):

Timothy Speelman


Testimonials

‘The team is very business-oriented and has a great capacity to deliver tailormade and precise work’

‘Thimothy Speelman: very engaged and available.’

Key clients

ING Belgium


Ncardia


Banque Thaler


CWS International


PureCycle Technologies


Alcadon Group


Dessange


Ansul


Ammega


KIC InnoEnergy


Vitec Software Group


Falfurrias Capital Partners


Youfone


Valsoft


The eCloud Company


Rett Kurs


Vitec Software


Partners@Venture


Work highlights


  • Advised Orlando-based PureCycle Technologies on its €250m investment in the NextGen District of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where PureCycle intends to build its first polypropylene recycling facility in Europe.
  • Advised Ncardia on the acquisition of a Cell Therapy Manufacturing Unit from Celyad Oncology SA.
  • Advised ING Belgium on a leveraged management buy-out at the level of The Concept Group, providing ERP software solutions for the fashion, retail, hospitality and industry sectors.

Eversheds Sutherland (Belgium) CVBA (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)

Eversheds Sutherland (Belgium) CVBA (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)‘s corporate offering is complemented by integrated tax, financing, and capital markets expertise, allowing the team to handle a range of cross-border demergers, share capital acquisitions, and restructuring matters, in addition to traditional M&A. Practice head Koen Devos is an experienced transactional and restructuring expert, while Benjamin Haberkorn and Evy Verhaeghe‘s portfolios span a wide variety of corporate issues.

Practice head(s):

Koen Devos


Other key lawyers:

Benjamin Haberkorn; Evy Verhaeghe


Testimonials

‘Eversheds has an effective and technically strong corporate M&A team that is able to assist and coordinate cross-border matters. They are extremely flexible and dedicated to client needs.’

‘Partner Benjamin Haberkorn is an outstanding corporate lawyer. He is technically strong and has vast knowledge of corporate and M&A matters. His excellent commercial vision is definitely a plus for clients. He works together with his counterparts, not against.’

‘Koen Devos is very reliable, knowledgeable, humble and good at bridge-building.’

‘The team is very efficient, they understand the client’s need and are very reactive.’

‘I would like to mention Benjamin Haberkorn, an expert with a deep knowledge of M&A transactions. He is proactive and able to find innovative solutions.’

Key clients

Crestron Electronics


OTE


DURAVANT


Black Tiger


SigmaRoc


Standaard Uitgeverij


Keyrus


E.I. DuPont de Nemours


AIAC


Boels Family


K&L Gates GP

The team at K&L Gates GP is capable of handling both domestic real estate and corporate transactions for Belgian clients as well as working with the firm’s international offices to advise on the Belgian aspects of multi-jurisdictional transactions. The practice is co-led by corporate and private equity expert Jeroen Smets and Patrice Corbiau, whose advice encompasses transactional matters as well as commercial agreements and disputes.

Practice head(s):

Patrice Corbiau; Jeroen Smets


Testimonials

‘Excellent value for money.’

‘We particularly appreciate the human quality of the people involved and their constant willingness to come up with constructive proposals.’

Key clients

3D Systems Corporation


AB Alternative Fund


Hill-Rom


Microfocus


II-VI Incorporated


Solvay


Christie’s Mansion & Woods Limited


Securitas AB


Cipla Limited


Irvine Scientific Sales Company, Inc


Mölnlycke Health Care AB


The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation


Haas Automation Europe


LX Hausys


Fujifilm Corporation


MotorK Italia


Sealed Air Corporation


PR Promotion


FMC Corporation


PR Promotion


Wella International Operations


Oracle Corporation


The Nickel Institute


Trianchor Capital Management


Veden Dental


Laboratory Corporation of America


Bin Hamoodah Ltd


GN Store Nord A/S GN


A.N.S. Benelux


Work highlights


  • Advised Securitas AB on the Belgian aspects of the acquisition of Stanley Security, the electronic security solutions business from Stanley Black & Decker Inc.
  • Advised AB Alternative Fund SICAV-SIF, European Real Estate Sub-Fund, on the acquisition of AGC’s Glass’s European HQ in Louvain-la-Neuve.
  • Advised MotorK Italia on the acquisition of the digital automotive retail company Carflow.

Tetra Law

In addition to advising on the corporate aspects of mid-market M&A, boutique firm Tetra Law is able to provide its client base of Belgian and international businesses and funds with integrated tax and employment advice. Next to transactional work, areas of focus for the team include corporate governance and capital markets as well as real estate projects. The practice is co-led by tax and corporate specialists Baudouin Paquot and Jérôme Terfve.

Practice head(s):

Baudouin Paquot; Jérôme Terfve


Testimonials

‘Very experienced and solution-oriented lawyers.’

‘Baudouin Paquot and Jérôme Terfve are very experienced multidisciplinary lawyers and talented negotiators with a good understanding of family businesses.’

‘Baudouin Paquot is a great Belgian tax lawyer with a deep knowledge of the Belgian and Luxembourg real estate market. He knows how to give the right message at the right time in the right manner.’

‘Very focus on practical issues, broad market knowledge, constructive and reactive.’

‘Baudouin Paquot has great experience in M&A. I particularly appreciate Baudouin because he’s very pragmatic and attentive to human relations.’

Key clients

Beluga


Wako Group


Faduval


Fingaren


Actito


Soprism


MTV Networks


Codic International


Premium Spirits


Malterie du Château


Pierre Marcolini Group


Dental Promotion & Innovation


Artemys


Be Park


IPM


MBI services


Work highlights


  • Advised Codic International on a new project in Luxembourg covering approximately 50,000 sqm and carried out through a Luxembourg-based alternative investment fund, pooling Codic’s co-investors.
  • Assisted Pierre Marcolini Group’s historical shareholders with selling their participation to Japan-based VM2 Holdings, owned by South Korean PE fund MBK Partners.
  • Advised Be Park SA’s founder and a family-controlled private equity investment company on the negotiation of the transfer of approximately 60% of Be Park SA’s shares, including the joint venture with Electra, to INDIGO.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

The Brussels-based practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP enjoys close relations with the firm’s international offices and regularly leverages the team’s integrated corporate litigation, antitrust and regulatory expertise in connection with cross-border matters. The team advises both private equity and corporate clients on M&A, fundraising, corporate finance, and restructuring matters and is lead by Jean-Quentin De Cuyper, whose expertise encompasses corporate and commercial law as well as financial regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Quentin De Cuyper


Testimonials

‘The team is able to handle complex legal relationships between parties.’

Key clients

Codic International


Berlaymont 2000


Lagardère Travel Retail Belgium


Caisse des Dépôts et de Consignations


PAI Partners


Insight Partners


Blue Sea Holding


Saint Gobain


Syntagma Capital


Sylvestree SA, Luxembourg


Work highlights


  • Advised the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations on the build-up of its shareholding in Euroclear Holding.
  • Advised Codic International on its financing through issuance of perpetual bonds and issuance of green bonds
  • Advised Sylvestree on its development in Argentina and Brazil, including on financing and restructuring projects.