Department profile
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : Belgium

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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Belgium

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton 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. The law firm 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 law firm's other offices internationally to offer clients a comprehensive network on cross-border transactions. The law firm has notable recent experience in advising on transactions in the insurance and telecommunications sectors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advised D'leteren Group as majority shareholder of Belron on the sale of a minority stake in the company by Atessa.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of both the legal and strategic dimensions of high-stakes issues.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • Cleary Gottlieb’s team stands out for its unique ability to combine top-tier legal expertise with deep strategic insight. They are not only excellent lawyers, but true partners.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • Cleary Gottlieb is really great for complex matters where a certain level of creativity is required. It houses superstar lawyers who are very business-oriented and deliver top-notch legal advice.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • Given the expertise of the lawyers, we can fully rely on assignments being addressed and developed in detail and with the required expertise.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • They ask the right questions to understand the problems and goals and proactively think about solutions so that they are sufficiently aware of the commercial interests.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Laurent Legein
    Laurent Legein

    Laurent Legein

    Laurent Legein has prodigious experience in advising international clients on high value, cross-border M&A activity in the financial services, food and beverages and pharmaceutical sectors. He also offers substantial expertise in voluntary tender offers and financing rounds.

    • Laurent Legein is one of the best corporate/M&A lawyers in the Belgian market. He is technically strong and extremely available.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • He is a very good negotiator and able to establish relationships with players on the other side. You want him on your side.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Laurent Legein is an excellent lawyer who is experienced and able to find innovative solutions in M&A cases.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • We are happy with Laurent Legein; he is quick and knowledgeable.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Laurent Legein is a brilliant lawyer and one of the best I have ever worked with.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Laurent A Ruzette
    Laurent A Ruzette

    Laurent A Ruzette

    Laurent Ruzette advises significant Belgian clients on transactions and reorganisations, as well as complex governance issues and board membership changes.

    • Laurent stands out not only for his deep legal expertise but also his exceptional strategic vision. He consistently goes beyond the pure legal dimension to help assess broader risks and opportunities.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Laurent Ruzette brings deep expertise and a pragmatic mindset shaped by years of experience working with major clients.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • He has a rare ability to understand the internal sensitivities of a company like ours and to tailor his advice accordingly.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Marijke Spooren
    Marijke Spooren

    Marijke Spooren

    Marijke Spooren represents clients in substantial cross-border transactions in the retail, technology and automotive industries. Her practice also encompasses share investments, financing rounds and corporate governance advice.

    • Marijke Spooren is a great lawyer who manages projects and teams very well.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Jean-Sébastien Rombouts
    Jean-Sébastien Rombouts

    Jean-Sébastien Rombouts

    Jean-Sébastien Rombouts acts for a broad clientele comprising significant Belgian corporates, private equity firms and investment funds. He notably offers expertise in sale agreements and acquisitions.

    • Jean-Sébastien Rombouts is an exceptionally brilliant lawyer and a true rising star in the legal field. He has an extraordinary capacity to grasp complex issues immediately.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • His advice is always flawless, precise and impeccably tailored to our needs.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • Jean-Sébastien Rombouts delivers clear, reliable and actionable advice.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • He is very strong and has a bright future ahead of him.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (4)

Belgium

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has rankings in the following guides

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