Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton combines ‘technical precision with a very pragmatic and business-oriented approach’. The ’highly technically skilled and solution-driven’ Laurent Legein demonstrates longstanding expertise in cross-border M&A and bid and tender processes. A ‘seasoned and well-respected negotiator’, Laurent Ruzette offers a wealth of experience regarding cross-border M&A, strategic investments, and corporate governance mandates. Marijke Spooren is highly sought-after for her expertise in corporate law issues, regulated sector M&A, and private equity investments. Corporate and securities law expert Ruben Foriers and the ’extremely responsive, precise, and pragmatic’ Jean-Sébastien Rombouts provide support to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Technical ability, pragmatic & solution driven.'
- 'They offer qualitative and commercially sound legal advice, always attuned to our strategic goals.'
- 'The team combines outstanding technical precision with a very pragmatic and business-oriented approach. They are consistently available, responsive and capable of translating complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.'
- 'Laurent Legein is highly technically skilled and solution-driven. His availability for his clients stands out and is second to none.'
- 'Laurent Ruzette is a great team leader and a seasoned and well-respected negotiator.'
- 'Ruben Foriers is very knowledgeable, attuned to our strategic goals, and always available to provide clear and actionable advice.'
Key clients
- AB InBev
- AbbVie
- AG Real Estate
- Ahold Delhaize
- Aliaxis
- Allianz
- Amador Bioscience
- ArcelorMittal
- Banque Degroof Petercam
- Bekaert
- Belgian State
- BNP Paribas/BNP Paribas Fortis
Work highlights
Representing Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille in its strategic investment in, and partnership with, Equine Care Group.
Advising Vandemoortele in its acquisition of Bunge’s European Margarines & Spreads business
Advising Colruyt Group NV in the proposed sale of 81 stores of its French integrated retail activities to Groupement Mousquetaires.
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
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ruben Foriers
Practice head
Laurent Legein; Laurent Ruzette; Marijke Spooren
Other key lawyers
Ruben Foriers; Jean-Sébastien Rombouts