Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL remains very active across the full range of private equity work, handling a large number of high-value transactions and investments for Benelux-based and international private equity houses in addition to regularly advising clients on the formation of new private funds. The team’s expertise in corporate financing, regulatory, and tax matters enables it to comprehensively advise clients on the structuring aspects of new alternative investment outfits, while also being an asset in connection with fundraising and financing matters. The team, which is particularly active on transactions and financings in the life sciences, IT, and real estate sectors, is led by corporate finance and governance expert Roel Meers. Further key names include Luc Meeus, who advises on the corporate and tax aspects of private equity transactions and fund formations, cross-border M&A experts Davinia Martens and Dominique Maes, and financing specialist Koen Vanhaerents. Kristoff Cox and Kim Stas are also highly recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent credentials in international M&A, very reliable and qualitative service and good connection to the local business community. Pragmatic when necessary.’

  • ‘Team has a pro-active attitude and is responsive with quick turn around times. Quality of the work is high and precise.’

  • ‘The fund structuring practice is one of the best in Belgium - setting and maintaining a high standard for Belgian fund documentation and management in full comprehension of the needs of Belgian funds and their managers.’

  • ‘Luc Meeus is a very clever and practical lawyer with a lot of experience in the private equity practice; he is setting the standard in fund documents and setup. Together with Kristoff Cox, they form an efficient team.’

  • ‘Luc Meeus is very knowledgeable and professional. He understands his clients' business very well. He puts his clients' interests first and he goes the extra mile to find tailor-made solutions for his clients. ’

  • ‘Dominique Maes has deep expertise and good interpersonal skills while being well-connected to the local business community.’

  • ‘We have worked on several deals this year with the team of Baker McKenzie. We are very satisfied with their support, because of their knowledge of the business. Also. their strong international networks are very important when doing international transactions.’

  • 'This year we have worked on multiple projects with Dominique Maes, who has an exceptional knowledge of the business. He is easy and pleasant to work with. Very accessible and proactive. Dominique understands the dynamics of a PE portfolio company.’

Key clients

  • TA Associates
  • Core Equity
  • Apheon
  • Korys Investments
  • CVC Capital
  • M80 Capital
  • Federal Holding and Investment Company
  • Noshaq
  • Innovation Industries
  • Kebek
  • Revive
  • Newton Biocapital II Partners
  • WeLoveFounders
  • Fortino Capital Partners NV / SA
  • Capricorn
  • Straco PE
  • Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen
  • Equilis Europe
  • Aquinos Group
  • EEBIC Ventures

Work highlights

  • Advised Korys Investments and Innovation Industries Fund, as lead investor, on the €70m Series C financing round of Aphea.Bio NV.
  • Advised Apheon on an investment in AlliA Insurance Brokers group.
  • Advised Revive Fund Management on the structuring and fundraising of Revive Impact Fund.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Roel Meers

Other key lawyers

Koen Vanhaerents, Luc Meeus, Dominique Maes, Davinia Martens, Kristoff Cox, Kim Stas, Youens Sebbarh