Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s ’exceptional’ corporate practice is sought after by clients for their ‘very high-profile transactions and advisory work’, with a focus on public and private M&A, litigation, and boardroom-level corporate and securities advice. Laurent Legein ’is one of the best lawyers available on the Belgian market’, often handling private equity and equity capital market transactions. Legein co-heads the corporate team with Laurent Ruzette and Marijke Spooren; Ruzette is a key name for international corporates on M&A, reorganisations, and governance matters, while Spooren ‘is a star’ representing both buy and sell-side clients in domestic and international M&A. Jean-Sébastien Rombouts and Ruben Foriers are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quality of the work is what makes them stand out: very good technically, with a great memory of the ante-facts and prior exchanges, and ability to think strategically with us. Quality is present at all levels: from partner to junior associates. It gives a great level of confidence when dealing with the counterparty and its counsel.’
‘Laurent Legein is one of the best lawyers available on the Belgian market. I like in particular how he is at the same time very technical but nevertheless very business/solution oriented.'
'Jean-Sébastien Rombouts is an associate with a bright future. Very smart and pleasant to work with. Extremely hardworking.’
‘The Corporate & M&A team of Cleary Brussels is exceptional. They are very responsive, hands-on and think ahead strategically. They truly unburden the internal legal team by taking ownership of the whole project from a legal POV. They render exceptional service.’
‘Laurent Legein is one of the leading corporate M&A partners on the Brussels market, with exceptional business acumen and highly regarded in Belgium and abroad.'
- 'Marijke Spooren is a star. She is very hands on and provides actionable legal advice.'
- 'Ruben Foriers is an exceptional associate, one of the best on the Brussels market. His advice is consistently well considered and precise.’
‘For very high-profile transactions and advisory work you only want the very best. That's when we turn to Cleary Gottlieb.’
Key clients
- AB InBev
- AbbVie
- Ahold Delhaize
- Aliaxis
- Allianz
- Amador Bioscience
- ArcelorMittal
- Befimmo
- Bekaert
- Belgian State
Work highlights
- Represented Banque Degroof Petercam SA/NV in the sale to CA Indosuez, an entity of the Crédit Agricole group.
- Advised Solvay on the global spin-off of its Specialty activities to Syensqo and the dual listing of Syensqo on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris.
- Representing BNP Paribas and its insurance subsidiary BNP Paribas Cardif in the acquisition of a stake of approximately 9% in ageas SA/NV (Ageas) from Fosun Group, a global conglomerate consumer group listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Laurent Ruzette
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Marijke Spooren
Practice head
Laurent Legein; Laurent Ruzette; Marijke Spooren
Other key lawyers
Jan-Frederik Keustermans; Jean-Sébastien Rombouts; Ruben Foriers