Department profile
Linklaters

Corporate/M&A

Europe Guide 2026 : Belgium


Linklaters

Rankings

About

Provided by Linklaters

Our multilingual Corporate team advises on M&A, privatisations, private equity transactions, corporate restructurings or insolvency, initial or secondary public offerings, equity or equity-linked securities and specialist corporate advisory work.

Our combination of expertise in Belgian law and insight into cross-border transactions is unrivalled. Our team of dedicated Corporate partners undertakes transactions of an unparalleled volume, variety and size. We act for an enormous range of clients on public and private M&A transactions, including large multinationals, leading Belgian companies, private equity houses and financial institutions.

We also have long-standing experience in private equity, and our integrated multijurisdictional team continues to advise a number of the world’s leading private equity funds on buy-outs, exits and portfolio restructuring.

Our lawyers also undertake specialist advisory work for listed and non-listed companies (including advice on corporate governance, directors’ liability and disclosure requirements), employee incentive and stock option plans, corporate restructurings, joint ventures and shareholder agreements.

Please visit the Linklaters website for more details about our work in this category: https://www.linklaters.com/en/client-services/corporate-mergers-and-acquisitions

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Belgium

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Linklaters is a strong choice for international clients, offering considerable experience in cross-border M&A thanks to the law firm's network of global offices. The law firm is able to draw on the expertise of colleagues in areas such as employment and competition in order to assist a wide range of clients, including major telecommunications and energy companies. The team frequently acts on high profile public and private M&A transactions, as well as advising on corporate financing and governance matters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Linklaters advised bpostgroup on its EUR1.3 billion acquisition of Staci.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Linklaters demonstrates exceptional professionalism, expertise and dedication. Its attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved is impressive.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • The team distinguishes itself through its proactive involvement, pragmatic approach and strong experience, both in large multi-national and mid-market national transactions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • Linklaters shows strong expertise, with a sizeable, flexible and dedicated team marked by great professionalism.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • Linklaters's team has the ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining its sharpness and calm at all times.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • The lawyers are committed to their clients and very responsive to ensure momentum is not lost.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Arnaud Coibion
    Band 2Arnaud Coibion

    Arnaud Coibion

    Arnaud Coibion is well regarded for his practice advising clients from the energy industry on substantial cross-border transactions. He also acts on transactions in the manufacturing, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors.

    • Arnaud Coibion's commercial awareness is particularly strong. He is able to anticipate our needs, adapt his advice accordingly and always keeps the broader business context in mind.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Arnaud Coibion is truly exceptional. He is very responsive, understands our needs and expertly leads his team. I can rely on him in difficult situations and he always delivers quality product on time.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • He is an extremely experienced M&A lawyer who is very knowledgeable and commercially savvy.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Arnaud Coibion has demonstrated an excellent understanding of our business, both in terms of our strategic priorities and the specific challenges we face in our sector.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • Band 3An-Sofie Van Hootegem
    Band 3An-Sofie Van Hootegem

    An-Sofie Van Hootegem

    An-Sofie Van Hootegem acts for corporate clients and private equity funds on acquisitions and share deals. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including retail, financial services and technology.

    • An-Sofie Van Hootegem is a real pleasure to work with. She is sharp, to the point and consistently focuses on what truly matters to us.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • An-Sofie is an outstanding partner at Linklaters. Her personal commitment and leadership were key to delivering our important transaction.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Her ability to remain composed and effective, even during long and intense negotiations, sets her apart. She brings clarity, strategic thinking and is calm under pressure.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • An-Sofie Van Hootegem not only has the expertise, but also leads in a very open and human way.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • An-Sofie Van Hootegem has an excellent way of taking care of us to ensure we have the best service.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • Band 3Eric Pottier
    Band 3Eric Pottier

    Eric Pottier

    Eric Pottier is particularly active in advising on cross-border public M&A transactions in the TMT sector.

    • Eric Pottier is fully dedicated to his clients and can provide help under any circumstance.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
  • Band 5Filip Lecoutre
    Band 5Filip Lecoutre

    Filip Lecoutre

    Owing to his experience in equity capital markets, Filip Lecoutre is regularly sought out by listed Belgian companies to assist with sizeable sale agreements and acquisitions. He is additionally equipped to handle private M&A transactions that require cross-border expertise.

    • We appreciate his willingness to listen and his solution-oriented approach. He provides clear communication and executes what is agreed upon well whilst being pragmatic.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • It is a pleasure to work with Filip Lecoutre. He manages the client relationship very well and provides sound legal and commercial advice.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Filip Lecoutre is a person who thinks objectively and we can rely on him in any situation.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Filip Lecoutre is someone I trust 100%. His technical know-how is amazing and he is extremely hands-on.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
    • Filip Lecoutre supported us in a very complex M&A deal and I was very impressed.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Linklaters (4)

Belgium

Members

Provided by Linklaters

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