Roel Meers
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRLBaker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL's banking and corporate finance practice is particularly well-regarded for its connections with corporate clients in the life sciences sector, who instruct the team to advise on high-value, cross-border acquisition financings, capital raising transactions, public offerings, and recapitalistation mandates. The team is also active for lender clients, working for standout banks such as ING and BNP Paribas Fortis on refinancing matters and a growing volume of sustainability-linked finance transactions. Institutional lending expert Michael Van Acker co-heads the practice with capital markets and corporate finance specialist Roel Meers following the departure of former practice head Antoine De Raeve in May 2023. Further key contacts in the team include Joren Janseunne, who was promoted to partner in July 2023 and chiefly advises on securitisations and financing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very competent both from a local legal perspective and from an international point of view, being present in several continents.’
‘The team has unique experience in ECM, debt and restructuring markets, and has the manpower to bring complex deals home.’
‘Roel Meers has a deep knowledge of the ECM market, which ensures that deals can run smoothly given his knowledge of relevant market practice and features of recent deals closed in the Belgian market. Together with Michel Van Acker, the Baker team can deal with any complex financing or corporate transaction. The quality of the associates involved on our matters was also excellent.’
‘Michael Van Acker: pragmatic, friendly, approachable and very experienced.’
‘Joren Jansseune is a highly qualified partner. Easy to work with, knows what he is doing. Very 'on point', correct and always available.’
‘Very knowledgeable team, responsive and very pragmatic.’
‘Joren Jansseune combines technical skills with a hands on and pragmatic approach.’
Key clients
- Mithra Pharmaceuticals
- Sequana Medical NV
- Galapagos NV
- Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
- KBC Securities NV
- Van Lanschot Kempen
- JP Morgan
- Bank Degroof Petercam SA/NV
- Belfius Bank NV/SA
- Federale Participatien Investeringsmaatschappij - Societe Federale De Participations et d'Investissements (FPIM-SFPI)
- MDxHealth SA
- Biocartis Group NV
- Standard Chartered Bank
- BNP Paribas Fortis
- ING
- Van Lanschot Kempen
- Ergon Capital
- Choron
- Traxys
- KBC Bank NV
- Agristo
- Goldman Sachs International
- Caisse d'Epargne Hauts-de-France
Work highlights
- Advised Biocartis Group on a €201m recapitalisation.
- Advised KBC Bank and other lenders in connection with the ECA-backed financing of the expansion of the port of Montevideo by Terminal Cuenca Del Plata S.A.
- Advised Apheon as sponsor on the financing of the acquisition of Belgian-based insurance broker AlliA.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michael Van Acker
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRLNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael Van Acker, Roel Meers