Linklaters continues to field a ‘standout team with deep knowledge of the market’ which acts for corporate and banking clients alike, handling matters ranging from debt and equity capital markets transactions to complex project and acquisition financings, as well as financial regulatory matters and distressed financings. The practice has a growing reputation for its ability to advise on sustainability-linked facilities and transactions, having assisted infrastructure and energy clients with green bond issuances and advised banks on their sustainability-linked loan programs. Practice head Arnaud Coibion is well-versed in handling financial transactions related to energy and infrastructure projects, while Charles-Antoine Leunen and Francis Wijnakker are particularly well-versed in investment-grade and leveraged financings. ESG experts Anne-Sophie Vankemmelbeke and David Ballegeer specialise in capital market transactions, as do Thierry L’Homme and Filip Lecoutre, who are particularly focused on handling IPOs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Standout team with deep knowledge of the market, market practice, trends, etc. Very responsive with efficient staffing across seniorities.’
‘David Ballegeer combines impressive technical skills with commercial acumen. Tom Cobbaert is not only very knowledgeable, but also very responsive and efficient and deserves to have a bright future ahead of him. ’
‘Highly skilled. Unrivalled market knowledge & technical expertise.’
‘Very well organized team that is well matched and has clearly guided numerous complex and big-ticket transactions to a successful close. The team is well aware of the latest trends and evolutions in the market.’
‘We worked with Linklaters on a debt capital markets transaction with a team led by David Ballegeer and Anne-Sophie Vankemmelbeke. Both very skilled lawyers with extensive experience who communicate clearly.’
‘Strong finance team with proven experience and track record on, among others, banking (re)financings.’
‘Francis Wijnakker is an experienced finance expert with proven expertise on (re)financing matters who is strong on execution. ’
‘Francis Wijnakker: Top lawyer, very deep understanding and knowledge. Exceptional commitment and drive to get the best for his clients. Tom Cobbaert: Expert in capital markets, approachable and can explain complex matters in an easy to understand way.’
Key clients
- Ardo Food
- BNP Paribas Fortis
- Befimmo
- Belfius Bank
- BofA Securities Europe
- Cofinimmo
- Elia Transmission Belgium
- Etablissementen Franz Colruyt
- Fluvius System Operator
- Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
- Hg Capital
- ING Bank
- Immobel
- Invesis België
- KBC Bank
- KBC Securities
- NPM Capital
- Ravago
- Solvay
- Solvay
- Umicore
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Anne-Sophie Vankemmelbeke
LinklatersPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Arnaud Coibion