Corporate/M&A: Belgium

Dirk Meeus maintains an excellent reputation for his extensive experience in M&A and sources hail him as "pragmatic and exceedingly knowledgeable, with a keen sense of the commercial aspects of a deal." Practice head Pierre-Olivier Mahieu is regarded as "solution-oriented and has his clients' best interests in mind at all times." He is commended for his in-depth knowledge of the Belgian and Spanish markets. Younger partner Wouter Van de Voorde continues to build his market visibility. "He is resilient and highly adept at bringing parties to a swift agreement in negotiations," states one source.

Fabian Beullekens is mentioned in our editorial for Luxembourg - Corporate/Commercial 

A standout name in the field, Jan Meyers impresses across the board with his remarkable analytical and communication skills. Sources indicate that "he is an excellent corporate lawyer and is also well-versed in tax and public law, which is extremely useful in M&A deals." Laurent Legein receives similar commendations for his detailed M&A knowledge and extensive experience. He leads on a number of the firm's most prominent deals. Jacques Reding is highly regarded for his expertise in banking and finance issues in addition to his corporate know-how. Laurent Ruzette is another essential member of the team, skilled in M&A but also with a significant grounding in public law. He continues to represent BNP Paribas in a corporate litigation with a group of shareholders. Counsel Deborah Janssens is admitted to the Bar in both New York and Brussels and sources assert that "she is bright, hard working and always delivers on time."

European managing partner Jean-Pierre Blumberg is renowned as a "first-class practitioner." His experience extends from public and private M&A to joint ventures and equity offerings. He recently advised Dexia and other minority shareholders on their divestment from energy supplier SPE. Sources hail François De Bauw as "client-oriented and a top-notch relationship manager." Nico Goossens continues to build his market reputation, winning praise for his sharp negotiation skills. He recently advised VPG on the structuring of a EUR300 million logistics platform with AEW Europe and Tristan Capital Partners. Practice head Paul Van Hooghten also receives much positive feedback: "He has vast deal experience which he combines with exceptional leadership skills and a down-to-earth manner."

Koen Vanhaerents enjoys a superb reputation as one of the top M&A lawyers in Belgium. Clients praise his "strong analytical skills and ability to steer negotiations towards a positive outcome." Peter Leys is regarded as "a solid generalist with valuable experience and an eye for detail." He recently advised KBC Private Equity on the sale of all its outstanding shares in Microtherm Engineered Solutions. Dominique Maes runs a practice focusing on corporate restructurings and buyouts. One interviewee observes: "He has a hands-on approach and is fully aware of the strategic needs of the client."

Philippe Hamer runs a practice focused on restructurings and public and private M&A. According to one client: "He combines a deep knowledge of Belgian and international law with a flair for negotiations and a practical approach." Xavier Remy is recognised for his in-depth knowledge of the energy sector. His approachable, down-to-earth manner is a hit with clients.

Interviewees describe practice head Vincent Macq as "one of the best corporate lawyers in Belgium." His expertise is extremely broad, extending to public takeovers, privatisations and joint ventures. He advised RTL on its bid to buy the Belgian operations of German TV company ProSiebenSat.1. Chris Sunt is a highly-respected and seasoned practitioner with extensive knowledge of capital markets as well as corporate matters. He continues to assist BNP Paribas Fortis with its various restructurings. Geert Verhoeven is another big name in the department. A recent highlight for him involved advising the Blue Sky Development consortium on a major joint venture with GDF-Suez.

Managing partner Jan Peeters commands a great deal of respect from all quarters. Clients view him as a "brilliant practitioner" with a considerable volume of experience behind him. Olivier Clevenbergh focuses on M&A, corporate restructurings and joint ventures and is also credited with a specialist knowledge of distribution law. Clients describe Pascal Vanden Borre as "business-oriented, flexible and takes care to point out all the potential risks facing a business." Interviewees also laud his formidable negotiation skills.

Thierry Tilquin is hailed as "technically excellent" and a real asset to the department. He leads on a number of key deals, as does Philippe Malherbe. Clients laud Malherbe as "intelligent and hard-working, with an exceptional knowledge of Belgian law."

Clients laud Peter Callens as "an outstanding practitioner and top-class negotiator who always focuses on the most important elements of a deal." He leads on several key files including advising Balta Industries on its acquisition of the floor-covering business of the Domo Group. Grégoire Jakhian is notably skilled in private M&A and restructurings. He is also a member of the Bar in both Brussels and New York.

Guy Palmaers is mentioned in our editorial for Luxembourg - Corporate/Commercial 

Department head Dirk van Gerven earns substantial praise from interviewees. As one client acclaims: "He is proactive, hard working and fosters close working relationships." He recently assisted L'Immobilière Huon with its management buyout of the Belgian and Luxembourg companies of Foruminvest. Recent arrival Pascal Faes maintains his popularity amongst clients, with one saying that "he possesses an in-depth knowledge of both corporate and tax law, in addition to a business-focused approach."

Interviewees highly rate Stefan Odeurs for his ability to communicate efficiently with legal and business people alike. He is described as "an eloquent speaker, adept at bringing parties together in negotiations and achieving the best outcome for his clients." Sources recognise Dries Hommez as a solid team player with strong technical skills. "He has an analytical mind and is able to asses situations rapidly and accurately," say sources. Gisèle Rosselle is increasingly recognised for her expertise in corporate finance and private equity matters. TMT lawyer Rolf Olofsson is extremely active in cross-border project and equipment finance, particularly relating to the space and satellite industries. Qualified in Sweden, Belgium and admitted as a foreign legal consultant in the US, he has tremendous international expertise.

Alexis Goeminne remains a popular choice with clients, who regard him as "collaborative, accessible and business-minded." He continues to advise the Delhaize group on the acquisition of various supermarket businesses within Belgium.

Market sources regard Eric Deltour as "proactive and client-oriented." He has a tremendous amount of deal experience and leads on a number of the firm's key transactions. He continues to advise Elia on a variety of complex corporate issues. René Gonne specialises in restructuring and joint ventures and has developed an in-depth knowledge of the energy industry. Interviewees commend him as methodical and diligent.

Erwin Simons is a lawyer of "undeniable quality," say sources. He has broad experience of corporate issues ranging from post-acquisition restructuring to negotiating joint ventures. Clients find him approachable and pleasant to work with. Caroline Daout is highly regarded for her work with companies operating in Francophone Africa. She represents several clients in the industrial and mining sectors on various corporate matters and has built up considerable expertise in this market.

Marieke Wyckaert is renowned as an expert in corporate and securities law, subjects which she teaches at the University of Leuven. She is also a popular choice with clients, with one remarking: "I value her in-depth knowledge of corporate matters combined with a pragmatic attitude and a strong sense of ethics." Lars Van Bever is another key member of the team. His practice focuses on a variety of matters including spin-offs, joint ventures and leveraged transactions.

Hilde Laga provides considerable experience. She is particularly skilled in acquisitions and private equity issues. David Roelens is progressively building his market visibility. Clients regard "availability and creativity" as two of his key attributes.

Clients enthuse about Xavier Dieux saying "he is absolutely brilliant, one of the brightest corporate lawyers in Brussels." He earns equal praise for his academic credentials and technical abilities. Didier Willermain specialises in corporate and financial law, takeovers and business restructuring. Sources regard him as a hard-working and insightful lawyer, who provides a significant contribution to a compact team.

Luc Houben earns praise for his extensive knowledge of the Japanese market combined with an innovative approach to problem solving. In a recent highlight, he advised Toyota on its USD1.3 billion joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroen. Clients appreciate how "he applies the law in a practical manner and has remarkable technical capabilities. He also understands and respects the role of in-house counsel in a way that many other lawyers do not." Tax lawyer Howard Liebman is widely regarded as "a leading figure in international tax matters." Qualified in Belgium and the USA, he often advises US clients with business in the country and also chairs the Legal and Taxation Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.

Thomas De Muynck is mentioned in our editorial for Japan - Corporate/M&A 

Paul Alain Foriers is held in high regard by peers and clients alike for his expansive knowledge of corporate law. A renowned academic, he also lectures on a variety of legal topics at the Free University of Brussels. Sandrine Hirsch is another greatly experienced practitioner and key contributor to the team. Sources value her technical capabilities and client-friendly manner.