‘Very knowledgeable and extremely pragmatic in its approach’, A&O Shearman‘s corporate and transactions practice takes on a wide range of high-profile domestic and international transactions. It is experienced in innovative, strategic dealmaking, with notable expertise in the life sciences, technology, and energy sectors. At the helm of the practice, Wouter Van de Voorde often acts for private equity clients, media companies, and energy conglomerates. Dirk Meeus and combines experience in private equity, M&A, and equity capital markets, while Hans Kets is a go-to for international deals. Frederiek Adams specialises in private equity matters, and Sophie Rutten is sought after for work involving listed companies. Pierre-Olivier Mahieu left the firm in early 2025.

The corporate and M&A practice at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL is ‘experienced and pragmatic’, leveraging its international network to advise on cross-border M&A transactions. It combines ‘very strong life sciences industry knowledge‘ with longstanding experience supporting clients from the financial services sector. Team head Roel Meers ‘has become the authority for life science transactions‘ and chairs the industry group across the EMEA region. Koen Vanhaerents is sought after for his cross capabilities in the corporate and capital markets fields, while private equity matters are often handled by Dominique Maes. Corporate restructuring is a key part of Davinia Martens‘ practice, and along with Kim Stas, regularly advises on corporate governance and compliance matters.

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.

Praised for its ‘excellent experience in M&A transactions’, the commercial, corporate, and M&A team at Clifford Chance boasts particular strength in energy sector work, both domestic and international. Team head Xavier Remy is a go-to for large M&A and joint venture transactions, while Niek De Pauw is noted for his ‘excellent business acumen, negotiation skills and creative mindset’, combining corporate, private equity, and equity capital markets expertise. Along with the energy sector, technology and infrastructure sector work are a mainstay of Patrice Viaene‘s practice; Celine Feys is also experienced in matters regarding the technology sector.

Linklaters‘ corporate offering provides ‘excellent legal analysis, transactional drive, and top-notch negotiation support’ to its clients, which range from large corporates and financial institutions to private equity funds. The financial services sector is a particular area of strength for the team, which also offers infrastructure, energy, life sciences, and healthcare expertise. Arnaud Coibion, practice head, specialises in private and public M&A, joint ventures, and corporate law, and also boasts experience in equity offerings. Filip Lecoutre‘s transactional practice covers all types of entries into, and exits from, investments, while An-Sofie Van Hootegem ‘is a true deal-maker’ with notable private equity experience, which is also an area of expertise for Evita Bassot.

The corporate finance department at ARGO Law combines ‘strong professionalism with pragmatism’ as a transactional boutique supporting private equity funds, listed companies, and private businesses. Its work includes corporate restructurings, strategic transactions, and financial operations. Nico Goossens co-heads the team, specialising in capital markets, private equity, and M&A: his work often involves advising on the Belgian aspects of international transactions, primarily those involving the US. Co-head Kris Verdoodt is a particular go-to for private equity clients, while Bert Van Ingelghem often advises family-owned companies.

The ‘pragmatic and result oriented’ corporate and M&A and commercial law and consumer protection teams at Eubelius handle corporate law advice, restructurings, corporate litigation, and M&A assistance, both domestically and in cross-border transactions. Matthias Wauters has specialist knowledge of capital market transactions, often working with not-for-profit organisations, while Lars Van Bever has a particular focus on corporate real estate, capital markets, private equity, and venture capital mandates. For commercial dispute resolution, including arbitration, Ignace Claeys is the go-to: Pieter Callens is also a key contact for commercial matters.

Liedekerke‘s corporate and M&A practice is ‘simply outstanding’, with expansive experience in shareholder buyouts, start-up funding, distressed M&A, and market entry acquisitions. It often handles cross-border matters, both inbound and outbound, and has particular expertise regarding real estate companies. Practice head Damien Conem leverages restructuring and private equity knowledge in his work for corporate clients, while capital markets is an element of Wim Dedecker‘s practice, which often involves energy sector clients. Christel Van den Eynden is a go-to for corporate governance matters, and Céline Tallier is also recommended.

The corporate/M&A team at Loyens & Loeff is characterised by its ‘excellent, comprehensive knowledge’, with sector specialisms in energy and infrastructure, real estate, life sciences, and healthcare. It works closely with publicly listed companies and non-profit associations. Thomas Lenné, heading the team, is a ‘trusted partner’ of private equity funds and other investors in their international investments, while venture capital matters are headed up by Robrecht Coppens. Mélanie Schollaert is particularly recommended for her work in international mergers, and Mathias Hendrickx is highlighted for his support in corporate negotiations.

Lydian‘s corporate and finance team is ‘very efficient and agile’, focusing on M&A and private equity buyouts with experience in large-scale, international transactions. Practice co-head Peter De Ryck is recommended as ‘extremely responsive, hands-on, helpful and professional’, offering particular expertise in real estate transactions. Alongside De Ryck, Maxime Colle co-heads the team: Colle’s practice spans a wide range of sectors, with notable experience in private equity, technology, and life sciences. Florence Colpaert was made partner in January 2024 and is team co-head, often supporting private equity clients and is experienced in the energy and telecommunications sectors.

Stibbe boasts a ‘rare combination between highly skilled lawyers and business savviness’ in its corporate and finance team, which often handles the advisory, transactional, compliance, and litigation elements of cross-border matters. It has particular strength in private equity matters, and regularly handles restructurings. At the helm of the team, Stefan Odeurs often advises funds on their investments in leveraged transactors. Jan Peeters specialises in both public and private M&A, as does Pascal Vanden Borre, while Jan Bogaert is a go-to for strategic and industrial M&A, including in the infrastructure, energy and technology industries.

Van Bael & Bellis‘ ‘broad' corporate and M&A practice ‘includes all disciplines required to serve you in M&A’, often handling high-value matters in highly regulated sectors, such as life sciences, agriculture, and finance. Team head Michel Bonne is praised as ‘very hands-on’, with experience handling cross-border matters, while Hannelore Matthys has a transactional focus on regulated industries. Caroline Daout is a go-to for public and private M&A, offering expertise in private equity and equity capital markets.

The combination of ‘full-service approach and high level of technical expertise’ marks ALTIUS as ‘a leading law firm in the Belgian market’, with a corporate and M&A team which works closely with acquisition finance, tax, and employment partners in transactions and due diligence investigations. Tom Vantroyen is ‘a seasoned corporate lawyer with particular expertise in PE’, often taking on cross-border M&A transactions. Vantroyen co-heads the team with Jérôme Vermeylen and Marie Brasseur; Vermeylen’s practice focuses on M&A, joint ventures, and corporate reorganisations while Brasseur has specific expertise in the renewable energy sector.

The corporate and M&A team at CMS takes a ‘very pragmatic approach’ to strategic restructuring, M&A transactions, buyouts, and takeovers. It regularly supports high-profile, multinational clients in their cross-jurisdictional transactions. Vincent Dirckx, practice head, has expertise spanning private equity and venture capital matters in the retail, life science, and renewable energy industries. For private and public company restructurings, Stéphane Collin is the go-to, and the energy sector is a particular area of expertise for Arnaud Van Oekel.

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. ‘Outstanding, reliable, efficient’, Aubry Daerden also co-heads the team, which was bolstered in September 2024 by the addition of Virginie Frémat, who joined from CMS.

The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ corporate team at Jones Day works with its US and international colleagues to support clients in cross-border M&A, with particular emphasis on the life sciences sector and experience with venture capital clients. Thomas De Muynck heads the team, combining ‘in-depth knowledge of all legal technicalities’ with ‘a business and pragmatic approach’. Jonas Van Den Bossche is ‘a seasoned M&A partner’ with a focus on complex corporate transactions, joint ventures, and real estate transactions. Pierre-Olivier Mahieu was a new arrival in early 2025.

The commercial, corporate and M&A team at Monard law, joined by Buyle is made up of transactional lawyers, litigators, and advisors. It acts both buy and sell-side in M&A transactions, often representing growth companies, and its commercial expertise spans the hospitality, healthcare, automotive, and energy sectors. Nicole Segers heads the corporate team, with Kristof Zadora leading the commercial group. Pieter Van den Broeck is particularly noted for his ‘strategic insight, leadership, and client-centered approach’.

NautaDutilh‘s corporate and M&A practice continues to grow, with the addition of Axel Maeterlinck and Nikita Tissot from Simont Braun in July 2024 building on its established strength across the Benelux region. Maeterlinck now co-heads the practice group, bringing experience advising listed and unlisted companies on their M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions. Co-head Dirk Van Gerven often advises on reorganisations and acquisitions, while Philippe Remels has extensive expertise in regulated sectors.

The corporate, M&A, and commercial teams at Osborne Clarke have notable sector focuses in technology, media and comms, retail and consumer, and life sciences and healthcare; the ‘technical and legal understanding’ is highlighted by clients. David Haex heads the corporate and M&A team, often supporting multinational clients in their Belgian transactions, while Stefan Deswert heads up the commercial team, with particular strength in dispute resolution. Hadrien Chef is noted for his bio and med-tech expertise.

The corporate and finance team at Quinz is ‘very knowledgeable and extremely pragmatic in its approach‘, and is a boutique firm which emphasises collaboration between its litigation, competition, and life sciences teams when supporting corporate clients. As co-head of the corporate and M&A practice, Bart Lintermans regularly supports private equity and real estate clients. Co-head Klaas Thibaut specialises in M&A transactions, with significant expertise in the sports industry. Willem Witters joined the team from Stibbe in September 2024.

Simont Braun‘s corporate M&A practice stands out for its ‘personal and tailored approach‘ towards clients, with particular experience handling deals involving public entities and major real estate transactions. The team is jointly headed by Tom Swinnen and Steven Callens: Callens specialises in cross-border M&A, corporate law and governance, and dispute resolution, while Swinnen often works with entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial families. Sander Van Loock has experience spanning contract, commercial, and corporate law. Axel Maeterlinck departed the team to NautaDutilh in June 2024.

Strelia‘s corporate and M&A practice combines ‘attention to detail’ with ‘understanding of the bigger picture’, working closely with colleagues in the firm’s employment, ESG, and regulatory teams to handle multi-jurisdictional deals across the TMT, energy, life sciences, and financial sectors. ‘Brilliant’ team head Gisèle Rosselle also heads up the firm’s ESG offering, combining this expertise with notable experience in M&A and private equity transactions in the technology sector. Katrien Vorlat is regularly sought after by non-profit organisations.

White & Case LLP‘s corporate and M&A offering takes a ‘creative problem solving approach’ to its work, often handling matters with a significant private equity element domestically and internationally. Thierry Bosly, team co-head, ‘is an excellent negotiator’. His practice focuses on cross-border M&A, and he also acts as the firm’s private equity co-head globally. Co-head Carlo Meert acts for private equity and corporate clients, with notable experience in the renewable energy sector. Philippe Hendrickx departed the firm in October 2024.

Acting not only as ‘legal advisors but also strategic partners’, ASTREA‘s corporate and finance team has sector specific expertise across the technology, automotive, media, venture capital, and real estate industries. The team’s roster of practice heads includes Frédéric Verspreeuwen, who is particularly experienced in restructuring matters; corporate real estate go-to Micha Van den Abeele; finance specialist Dieter Veestraeten; and Seppe Laenen, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2024.

Recommended for its ‘excellent legal counsel and outstanding client service’, contrast‘s commercial, corporate and M&A offering has particular experience assisting international cooperative and non-profit structures. The team often handles matters with complex regulatory elements, working with the firm’s competition practice. Bart Bellen co-heads the practice with Milena Varga; Bellen is praised for his prioritisation of ‘commercial objectives’, and Varga is a go-to for commercial law, particularly in the retail sector.

Cresco Advocaten‘s corporate and M&A team takes a ‘creative attitude to corporate structuring and corporate legal topics’, with a particular focus on work for private equity funds. It leverages expertise in the technology sector to support start-ups and scale-ups in the industry. Founding partner David Dessers heads the corporate offering, ‘a tower of trust for many Belgian tech ventures’, working closely with Olivier Van Raemdonck and Glenn L’hoëst.

Deloitte Legal‘s corporate and M&A team works closely with corporate finance and private client colleagues, as well as Deloitte Tax and Deloitte Accountancy, to handling the full set of transaction documentation. Department head David Roelens focuses his practice on both cross-border and domestic M&A and private equity, supported by Hans Vansweevelt and Véronique Van Eessel, whose corporate finance expertise supports their work in restructurings and M&A.

Fieldfisher‘s corporate team handles a range of matters, from complex corporate advisory work to large, cross-border M&A deals. Its sector strengths include technology, life sciences, and energy. At the helm of the team, Louis-François du Castillon often advises US, UK, and Japanese companies on their Belgian transactions, in addition to working with emerging companies in their financing rounds. Marie Evrard is a key contact for joint mergers, and Lars Raedschelders has a growing practice supporting renewable energy clients.

Characterised by ‘a profound depth of expertise and an unwavering commitment to client success’, the M&A department at Intui offers expertise across mid-market M&A, joint ventures, and equity investments, often working on cross-border deals. Anneleen Steeno ‘will do the undoable’ to support clients across the manufacturing, agriculture, elderly care, and creative industries; Steeno heads the team alongside Caroline Hotterbeekx and Robbie Tas, the latter a go-to for shareholder disputes.

Praised for their ‘efficient, hands-on mentality’, the corporate and M&A and commercial and business law teams at KPMG Law in Belgium have particular experience in the technology sector. Koen Selleslags joined the team in February 2024 from DLA Piper, focusing his practice on corporate and M&A, with an emphasis on corporate structuring. The corporate team also features Patrick Geeraert and Frank Cleeren. Thomas De Clerck is another key name in the team, with a focus on international acquisitions and divesting projects, and Gert Cauwenbergh often advises start-ups.

The corporate and M&A team at Laurius advises international franchises and growth companies on their entrance into the Belgium market, with additional experience advising management teams on large buy-outs – David Ryckaert is the key contact for this area of work. Dirk Wellens focuses on private equity transactions and restructuring, Caroline Wildemeersch specialises in intricate investment and divestment transactions, and Christina Trappeniers is a go-to for clients in the real estate arena, with an emphasis on healthcare sector clients.

The corporate and M&A team at PwC Legal has experience spanning corporate reorganisation, insolvency, restructuring for nonprofit organisations, and M&A transactions. It often handles large-scale real estate M&A mandates. Karin Winters heads the team, with expertise regarding cross-border mergers. Ive Serneels has notable experience with FDI regulations, and Bart Vanstaen is a go-to for restructuring. Pierre Queritet departed the team in November 2024.

Boutique firm Quorum is ‘not just effective, but indispensable’ to its clients, which range from start-ups and scale-ups, to established international companies. Its workload includes corporate financing, private equity investments, and both inbound and outbound transactions. Davy Gorselé, managing partner, is sought after for his strength in negotiations; Michiel Pouillon leads the commercial, corporate, and litigation practice, and Sylvie Thieren is a go-to for French speaking clients.

Schoups‘s ‘highly skilled, creative, hard-working’ business law team is particularly noted for its due diligence capabilities, working closely with colleagues in the firm’s HR, environmental, energy, commercial contracts, and litigation teams. It often acts for buy-side clients in major acquisitions, with experience in the healthcare sector. Practice co-head Gwen Bevers advises on both domestic and international M&A and restructurings, co-head Christine Heeb is a particular go-to for real estate clients, and co-head Stefaan Wauman often takes on private equity-related matters.

Lauded for its ‘pragmatism, client focus and independent advice’, the corporate and M&A team at Van Olmen & Wynant has wide-ranging expertise, including advising on equity structures, public and private security offerings, restructuring, and association law. It is noted for its specialised expertise in employee stock option plans. Luc Wynant heads the corporate practice, combining expertise in corporate and financial law; Koen Hoornaert is particularly experienced in supporting family businesses.

The commercial, corporate and M&A offering from Ambos provides clients from the healthcare, construction, financial services, transport, and telecommunications sectors with advice on the full range of corporate governance, acquisitions, and restructuring matters. Jens Van Hecke heads the corporate and M&A department, while Philippe Van Dijck takes the lead on commercial matters. Roel Nieuwdorp retired in December 2023.

M&A is a central practice area at Cambrian, which also offers specialist experience in fund structuring as part of its private equity and venture capital emphasis. It supports startups, investors, and companies developing new ideas, products, and technologies. Pieter Capiau, Yannick Verrycke, and Wim Van Berendoncks co-head the team; Capiau is particularly experienced in sell-side M&A transactions for technology companies.

The corporate and commercial team at Crowell & Moring is praised for its ‘professionalism and agility’, a go-to for mid-size M&A transactions, particularly with IP, IT, or data protection elements. Its growing work in acquisition matters is notable, as is its increasing volume of work for clients in the automotive sector. Frederik Van Remoortel and Emmanuel Plasschaert co-head the team, bringing data protection and employment expertise respectively.

Praised for its ‘360° coverage’, Eversheds Sutherland‘s company commercial team in Belgium works closely with international colleagues, particularly those in France and Germany. Benjamin Haberkorn leads the practice, specialising in corporate M&A transactions with an emphasis on venture capital mandates. Koen Devos often advises on complex commercial contracts, with corporate finance experience.

EY Law leverages its ‘vast knowledge-base, both technically and geographically’, to offer a corporate and M&A practice which works closely with EY Tax colleagues internationally. Peter Suykens heads the corporate team, while David Du Pont and Virginie Ciers  co-head the M&A and transaction department. Pieter-Jan Aerts leads the commercial law team, with notable experience in technology law.

The corporate and transactional practice at Racine has a workload spanning restructuring, corporate litigation, governance, M&A, private equity, and real estate transactions, headed by Anthony Van der Hauwaert. Its commercial offering, led by Stijn Claeys, has notable experience in the retail sector, both domestic and international, often advising on distribution networks.

Squire Patton Boggs‘s corporate team supports a range of corporate and institutional investors with their domestic and international transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, private equity-related mandates, and reorganisations. It is active across the chemicals, entertainment, transport, and energy sectors. Bart Vanderstraete heads the team, offering particular expertise regarding Belgian data protection law.

The corporate, M&A, and corporate tax team at Tetra Law is noted for its combination of corporate and tax expertise, regularly advising on the entirety of M&A transactions. Jérôme Terfve, team co-head, focuses on the economic activity of businesses, while co-head Baudouin Paquot regularly handles complex M&A operations.

The corporate and M&A team at AKD stands out for its mid-size private equity and M&A transactions in the Benelux technology market, regularly supporting both domestic and international clients in matters concerning fintech, biotech, and specialised software. The ‘excellent’ Timothy Speelman heads the team.

Four and Five Law BV‘s commercial, corporate and M&A team advises start-ups, scale-ups, and listed companies with combined expertise in corporate law and technology matters. The practice is led by a strong trio: Dimitri Coun is a corporate specialist, Anneleen Vander Elstraeten brings technology sector expertise, and Tessa Gijbels is experienced in venture capital transactions.

Harvest Business Law Firm fields a corporate M&A team of specialists, which stands out for ‘providing tailored, business-oriented solutions’. It advises both domestic and international clients, with experience supporting private equity and venture capital clients. Guillaume Beauthier and Adrien Lanotte co-head the team.

Boutique firm Lime offers a range of corporate and finance expertise, advising listed companies, start-ups, scale-ups, family businesses, and public sector players in M&A transactions, fund structuring, and corporate governance. Thierry Tilquin, Julie-Anne Delcorde, and Thérèse Loffet co-head the team.

The commercial, corporate & M&A team at Verhaegen Walravens covers both core M&A and spin-off transactions, as well as business establishment and joint ventures. Jacques Verhaegen, Philip Walravens, Paula Martins Costa, and Anouk De Graef together head up the team, which has technology, hospitality, senior housing, and not-for-profit sector experience.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s Brussels-based corporate and financial services team combines its corporate expertise with litigation and arbitration experience, working closely with international colleagues. Jean-Quentin De Cuyper co-heads the team as a go-to for regulatory issues in connection with financial services, while co-head Vincent Naveaux often advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The team was bolstered in April 2024 by the addition of Juno Hautekiet, formerly of A&O Shearman.