Corporate/M&A

Cleary Gottlieb is a market-leading US law firm with a well-established presence in the Belgian market, recognised for its strong reputation for assisting a broad client base of blue-chip domestic and international corporates with complex, high-value M&A deals. Cleary Gottlieb is also very popular with both public sector entities and private equity investors. It additionally represents clients in financing rounds, reorganisations and ESG-related governance issues. The Brussels team often acts alongside the firm's other offices internationally to offer clients a comprehensive network on cross-border transactions. The firm has notable recent experience advising on transactions in the insurance and pharmaceutical sectors.

"The team at Cleary Gottlieb goes the extra mile with a very high level of service and solution orientation. It is a very strong team that gets things done."

"The lawyers have a deep understanding of the client's DNA and also a deep understanding of the perspective of all stakeholders involved in complex transactions."

"The M&A team at Cleary Gottlieb has a strong ability to manage complex and sophisticated matters. The lawyers have strong negotiation skills and strong knowledge of corporate files with several aspects."

"Cleary's lawyers can handle complex matters. They are able to act quickly and link the different pieces of the puzzle together."

"The lawyers are very sharp, smart and understand market dynamics very well."

The team at Cleary Gottlieb advised Bekaert on the sale of its 50% stake in a steel wire joint venture to its joint venture partner.

Laurent Legein has prodigious experience advising international clients on high-value, cross-border M&A activity in the financial services and pharmaceutical sectors. He also offers substantial expertise in voluntary tender offers and financing rounds. "If you have Laurent Legein, it gives you an edge in the negotiation. He is a sharp-minded, very well known in the market, a very strong negotiator, and he fights for his clients." "Laurent is a true master of his art, offering clear, concise and very sharp legal advice."

Laurent Ruzette advises significant Belgian clients on transactions and reorganisations, as well as complex governance issues, including ESG-related investigations. "Laurent Ruzette has an in-depth knowledge in his field and is well reputed so when he issues an opinion, people listen to him. He's available and clear." "Laurent has a good business sense and knows how to navigate through a sensitive situation."

Marijke Spooren moves up the rankings following strong client feedback and peer recognition. She represents clients in substantial cross-border transactions in the life sciences and automotive industries. "I value Marijke Spooren for providing very pragmatic and actionable guidance on very complex and sophisticated matters." "She is great to work with; she gets the toughest things done."