Characterised by a combination of ‘high level of legal expertise’ and ’deep specific sector experience’, the banking and finance and corporate finance team at Baker McKenzie BV/SRL is noted for its experience in the biotech and healthcare sectors. The capital markets offering, led by Roel Meers, stands out for its equity capital markets work, collaborating with colleagues internationally, while leveraged finance, real estate finance, and syndicated lending are key areas of strength for the banking and finance team headed up by Michael Van Acker. Within the banking and finance team, Joren Janseunne is particularly noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Combine a high level of legal expertise with deep specific sector experience and are able to translate the many regulatory constraints and implications into practicable and understandable action points for layman clients like for instance management teams doing a first time IPO.'
‘Both Roel Meers and Koen Vanhaerents are seasoned capital markets and corporate lawyers. Their legal expertise is outstanding and so is their knowledge of their clients' businesses, issuers and banks alike, and of the investors point of view and market cycles.’
‘Out of the box thinking, capacity to deliver a condense opinion in a format understandable to non-lawyers.’
‘Strong expertise in bank and uni-tranche financing that we use for financing buy-outs. Good relationship with local banking community which is relevant to get things done.'
‘The team is very knowledgeable and experienced. Very communicative and easy to collaborate with.’
‘Very good team mastering tax and corporate in the same person.’
‘Luc Meeus is a very good tax and fund lawyer, very well connected in the Belgian tax ecosystem.’
'Roel Meers is very experienced and very knowledgeable, also about complicated transaction structures. He also supported by a strong team of younger lawyers - all in all makes it one of the best legal ECM teams on the Belgian market.’
Key clients
- Agristo
- Alexander Peter Wealth Management
- American Express
- Apheon
- Arab Banking Corporation S.C.A.
- Assuralia
- Baloise Belgium NV
- Bank Degroof Petercam
- Belfius Bank NV
- Berenberg
Work highlights
Advised Biocartis Group on the agreement by the company's Secured Creditors on a recapitalization of its operating subsidiaries and comprehensive balance sheet restructuring transaction that materially de-levered the operating business by reducing its debt burden by EUR132mm and recapitalised it with EUR40m of new equity capital under the ownership of the Secured Creditors.
Advised JP Morgan on a bridge financing for bpost SA/NV for the purposes of its acquisition of Staci's shares from Ardian and other minority shareholders, with a view to position itself as a leader in e-commerce and omnichannel logistics and fulfilment in Europe.
Advised Gimv on the acquisition by WorxInvest of a 27.81% stake in Gimv from the Flemish Participation Company (VPM) in a transaction valued at EUR375m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michael Van Acker; Roel Meers
Other key lawyers
Koen Vanhaerents; Joren Janseunne; Luc Meeus