Managing partner Dirk Meeus co-heads the firm's global corporate group. Sources describe him as "a very good negotiator with unmatched experience in public M&A." He is currently assisting KBC with transactions such as the sale of its private banking subsidiary KBL.

Pierre-Olivier Mahieu combines "profound legal knowledge and a deep understanding of business," say clients. He led global teams for foreign investors Sigdo Koppers and MAp Airports in their transactions in Belgium. He is fluent in Spanish after practising in the country, and continues to assist Spanish clients with business in Belgium.

Wouter Van de Voorde is "a true deal maker. He gets the train on the right track and gets it to the right station at the right time," according to one interviewee. He drove CVC to success in its EUR1.2 billion auction sale of Taminco to Apollo Global Management.

Hans Kets has made an excellent impression on the market for his work on the delisting of Omega Pharma. Public M&A is a particular specialism, other examples of which include Hansen Transmissions' takeover by ZF Friedrichshafen.

Fabian Beullekens spent ten years practising corporate and commercial law in Brussels before relocating to Luxembourg. He is regarded as particularly skilled in handling M&A, private equity and joint venture matters.

Clients are enthusiastic in their praise for Jan Meyers, saying "he is very good in giving commercial, strategic advice but at the same time very thorough, reads everything and drafts very well." Traditionally known for his work for the State, recently he has been assisting Electrabel with the formation of its joint venture with the Blue Sky consortium. He is much sought after for boardroom advice or complex litigation at the highest level.

Laurent Legein rises to the first tier on the back of an impressive roster of recent clients and deals, above all the distressed bank Dexia. He led the team for Dexia's EUR4 billion sale to the Belgian state, and the sale of its Luxembourg branch to Precision Capital. Other highlights include J.C. Flowers' acquisition of Fidea and BC Partners' sale of Bureau van Dijk. Clients describe him as "brilliant. Very fast in reacting to a sophisticated or complex situation."

Clients say that recently elected partner Laurent Ruzette "very quickly understands the key business issues." He has focused on distressed banks in recent months, helping BNP Paribas Fortis disentangle itself from Ageas.

Sources highlight Jacques Reding as "attentive, sensitive and skilled." He helped Coca-Cola restructure its tea joint venture with Nestlé in late 2011.

"Very driven" counsel Deborah Janssens works extensively for Telenet on projects such as its proposed acquisition of KPN Belgium (Base). Her other clients include Bekaert, which she has recently advised on transactions including the sales of its specialty films and worldwide industrial coatings activities.

Antwerp-based European managing partner Jean-Pierre Blumberg is revered by clients and peers alike. "You can discuss deals with him in a pragmatic way and come to solutions - he's more a like business partner than a lawyer," enthuses one client. Recent deals include advising Marc Coucke's companies on the public takeover of Omega Pharma.

Known for his work in both finance and corporate law, the highly respected François De Bauw manages the firm's Brussels office and sits on its international board.

Clients say that Nico Goossens is "someone who can pick up the pieces and bring everyone back to the table again." He recently advised KBC on the sale of its shares in Fidea to J.C. Flowers for EUR243 million.

Practice head Paul Van Hooghten often assists private equity houses such as Gilde, which acquired the Actief group from KBC Private Equity for EUR110 million.

Eric Pottier does complex transactions and litigations for clients such as Ageas, whom he has been helping with legacy issues relating to its cross-exposure to BNP Paribas Fortis. Clients affirm that he is "not only very skilled but accessible, efficient, responsive and extremely results-driven."

Arnaud Coibion enters the rankings on the back of tremendous market feedback. As one source enthuses, "he's very on the ball, pragmatic and considerate. He quickly understands the needs of his clients and finds solutions to suit everyone." Coibion has particular strengh in the energy and utilities sectors, and he is currently advising Fluxys on its joint acquisition alongside Snam of Eni's interests in Interconnector UK and Interconnector Zeebrugge Terminal and Huberator.  

Philippe Hamer has been involved in many of the team's key deals including Nieuwe Steen's merger with VastNed Offices/Industrial. Sources describe him as "very practical, a good negotiator and pleasant to work with."

Xavier Remy draws praise for his expertise in the energy sector, where he assists clients such as Fluxys. He led the team on Sanoma's acquisitions from ProSiebenSat.1 and is hailed as "very diplomatic, someone that all parties can trust."

"I've rarely met a lawyer with such a good understanding of business and business needs," say clients about Vincent Macq. He represented Fluxys in connection with a joint venture with EDF and Total for a new EUR1 billion LNG terminal in Dunkerque.

One interviewee asserts that Geert Verhoeven is "a smart, client-oriented lawyer. When there are difficulties he works all night to find solutions." He is assisting the Blue Sky Development consortium of leading industrials with its joint venture with Electrabel (GDF SUEZ).

Chris Sunt was recently appointed to the board of Dexia Bank Belgium. His practice focuses on advisory work for valued clients such as BNP Paribas Fortis. Sources say he has "an incredible analytical mind."

The highly regarded Jan Peeters is known to his clients as "somebody who's very aware of market practices, commenting above and beyond the basics." He notably advised Eni on the framework of its EUR157 million acquisition of Nuon Belgium.

Stefan Odeurs handles M&A, private equity and corporate finance for institutional investors and public and private companies. “He has the capacity to work extremely hard, and a never-give-up mentality,” clients comment.  

Clients say Pascal Vanden Borre "really goes for the deal - it's like he's in it for his own money."

Dries Hommez is hailed by sources as a “fantastic lawyer with great potential." He focuses on M&A, venture capital and private equity, and is also experienced in corporate finance. 

Jan Bogaert is a specialist in international transactions and corporate finance. He was previously based in Brussels, but has relocated to Hong Kong to head the firm's newly established office.

Koen Vanhaerents "walks into a room and makes an impression," say commentators. A former Belgian managing partner, he is involved in senior management and heads the corporate finance group. 

Peter Leys led the Omega Pharma transaction for Waterland. "There's always a difficult point in knowing how far to go before the deal breaks, and he's very good with that. He's also very creative and can think outside the box," say clients.

Dominique Maes has been active in the restructuring of the banking sector of late, and sources commend him as "thorough and very hard-working."

Young partner Roel Meers specialises in capital markets. Commentators describe him as a "very good drafter who puts in the hours." He represented listed metals company Nyrstar in transactions such as the EUR440 million acquisition of Breakwater Resources, where he assisted lead counsel Goodman LLC.

Peers commend Marieke Wyckaert for her "fantastic knowledge of corporate law" and for being "extremely efficient in negotiations." She recently assisted Aedifica with acquiring various retirement homes worth around EUR100 million.

According to his clients, Lars Van Bever has "an enormous memory - he knows the law almost by heart." He recently advised Warehouses De Pauw on its acquisition of EUR8.5 million shares in Genk Distribution Platform from Standard Life.

Commentators agree that Thierry Tilquin is "doing a lot of useful and important work," notably for the State in recent nationalisation transactions. In 2011 he acted for SFPI concerning the Dexia acquisition and its minority share in Brussels airport.

Peers regard Philippe Malherbe as "a very impressive lawyer with very good legal knowledge." He assisted BMW with Belgian aspects of the auction purchase of ING Car Lease.

Kristien Carbonez heads the firm's London office. She specialises in all areas of IP and connects UK-based clients with EU regulatory expertise. She is qualified at the Brussels and New York Bars.  

Clients say Peter Callens is "extremely constructive, and can quickly form an opinion on something based on his wealth of experience." Combining litigation and transactional skills, he recently helped Singaporean firm GMG Global with the Belgian aspects of its new 35% stake in Siat.

Practice head Grégoire Jakhian was notably involved in Apollo Global Management's purchase of Taminco. His practice includes general corporate/M&A matters and restructuring.

Geert Bogaert is the primary contact for the firm's Italy desk in Belgium. This advises Italian clients on legal issues in Belgium and throughout the Benelux region. The desk offers multiple practitioners of Italian origin and with extensive experience of the Italian market.

Guy Palmaers divides his time between Luxembourg and Brussels. He is well known for his work throughout the Benelux region, and is seen to be particularly skilled in energy-related M&A.

Practice head Dirk van Gerven leads the Flemish Bar association. Clients commend his "commitment, experience, availability and solution-oriented thinking." He recently assisted GTCR with its acquisition of the global Sterigenics group.

Swedish-born Rolf Olofsson is known for his work in the satellite sector, particularly for Nordic clients. Head of White & Case's global communications and media industry group, he is also regularly involved in Swedish and international arbitrations.

Practice co-head Alexis Goeminne covers M&A, joint ventures, acquisition financing and corporate finance. He advised ISS on the sale of ISS Industrial Mechanical Services to Troost Mechanical Services.

Practice head Erwin Simons covers M&A, restructuring and assisting multinational corporations moving into Belgium. He was recently instructed by Sofinim to advise the Hertel group on the sale of its Industrial Sealings division.

Caroline Daout has experience across the practice area, particularly in M&A and private equity. She has a particular interest in the Congo, where her work ranges from corporate and commercial to PPP.

Delphine Nougayrède divides her time between the Moscow and Brussels offices. She advises on major corporate transactions and can assist clients with issues involving both Russian and EU law.

Hilde Laga is known to be the driving force behind the firm. Impressed sources say she is a “creative, pleasant and extremely intelligent lawyer. She always takes a pragmatic approach, which is much appreciated.”

David Roelens is credited as an “efficient, down-to-earth and practical lawyer that knows the local scene. I really trust his knowledge and professional acumen.” He advised Crédit Mutuel Nord on the acquisition of Citibank Belgium.

Managing partner and practice head Xavier Dieux is a hugely respected market figure, with one source commenting: “When Dieux says something, it is accepted because he said it.” He has a broad practice which includes M&A, public offerings, corporate finance and restructuring.

Clients regard Didier Willermain as a valued adviser, saying “he thinks clearly around abstract concepts and can link them to concrete solutions.” He covers M&A, takeover bids, reorganisations and restructuring.

Carl Meyntjens recently assisted Janssen Pharmaceutica with the sale of its worldwide Pharmaceutica animal health business to Elanco.

Eric Deltour is known for working with US clients, where he was formerly based. His broad-ranging corporate practice covers private equity transactions, takeover bids and public tender offers.

Clients say Luc Houben is "very approachable, and a great communicator with a keen business sense." He represented PepsiCo in the divestiture of its Looza production unit to Konings. He has developed a particular specialism in assisting Japanese clients with business in Belgium and Europe.

Well-regarded tax lawyer Howard Liebman advises clients on the tax issues of multinational M&A mandates. He chairs the Legal & Taxation Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.

Tokyo-based Thomas De Muynck is singled out for his strength in representing Belgian clients in Japan. He also assists Japanese multinationals with EU-related issues.

Department head Peter De Ryck comes highly recommended for his private equity expertise. He elicits enthusiastic praise from clients, who say “he is able to make a distinction between what is and is not important. He understands it is not just about being right on the legal point, it is about being right for the customer.”

The hugely experienced Paul Alain Foriers is considered by commentators as “brilliant. He comes up with the right ideas and the right approach to get something difficult through.” His expertise extends to reorganisations, public offerings, and takeover bids.

Department head Sandrine Hirsch is praised as “a tough negotiator. She pushes to make the deal work.” She handles M&A, capital markets, private equity, and joint ventures, and recently advised the managers of SYSTEMAT Group on an MBO.

Patrick De Wolf has a long history of expertise in francophone Africa, particularly in Rwanda. He recently assisted Société de Distribution Africaine with its reorganisation and merger with Optorg. Clients say that he is "very internationally oriented and understands the business mindset of getting the deal done." His activity is central to the firm's African desk, which offers multiple Belgium-based lawyers working with numerous correspondent offices to advise clients on topics including mining, infrastructure and environment.  

Commercial lawyer Francis Goffin regularly deals with Central African and particularly Congolese matters. He often stays in Kinshasa working with local corresponding office Lubala & Associés.

Formerly of DLA Piper, Herman Lemaire is known for his work in Central Africa, especially the DRC. He acts on the privatisation of state-owned DRC transport and mining companies.

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