DLA Piper‘s corporate and M&A team is ’unique because of its extensive global footprint’ and ability to support clients across Europe and globally, particularly in cross-border, mid-market M&A deals. The team’s key sector specialties include the financial services, insurance, life sciences, and energy industries. Clients praise team co-head Michaël Heene‘s ’pragmatic approach‘, while co-head Erwin Simons is recommended for his diplomacy. The team was bolstered in September 2024 by the addition of Virginie Frémat, who joined from CMS. Aubry Daerden left the firm post-publication in November 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The M&A practice has a good reputation, always available and responsive.’
- 'The corporate and M&A team provides high-quality legal services that are efficient. The pragmatism with which the team handles complex topics is also very appreciated by our organization.'
‘Erwin Simons always has a way to defend the legal interests of our organization both internally and externally with a keen sense of humor, which makes it possible to convince people of the best possible legal manner in a very diplomatic way.’
‘Michaël Heene is very approachable, knowledgeable about the industry and has a pragmatic approach.'
‘DLA Piper's corporate M&A practice is unique because of its extensive global footprint and ability to handle complex cross-border transactions seamlessly.'
‘DLA Piper's corporate M&A team stands out because of the exceptional expertise and dedication of its individuals. They differentiate themselves from competitors through deep industry knowledge, international experience, and the ability to navigate complex transactions efficiently.'
Key clients
- ALD
- EMK
- FPIM
- Ponsardin Private Equity
- Securex
- Teker
- ArcelorMittal Belgium
- Argenx
- Belfius
- Cegeka
- Coopman family
- Deme
Work highlights
Advised the ArcelorMittal group, a leading global producer of innovative and sustainable steel products, on an investment amounting to EUR1.5bn to make the ArcelorMittal plants in Belgium climate neutral by 2050.
Assisted Cegeka with the tender offer to acquire the shares of Computer Task Group, a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ in the United States.
Assisted STEF, a French group active in temperature-controlled transport, logistics and packaging services for food products in Europe, with the acquisition of Transwest, a company providing transport and logistics services for frozen food products in Belgium and abroad.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michaël Heene; Erwin Simons
Other key lawyers
Virginie Frémat; Charlotte Peeters