LAWYER PROFILE

Michel Bonne

Europe 2026

Van Bael & Bellis

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Restructuring/Insolvency

Belgium

1 year ranked

Corporate/M&A

Belgium

14 years ranked

Contributions and articles

1 Global Practice Guides

About

Provided by Van Bael & Bellis

Practice Areas

Michel is head of the transactional services team at Van Bael & Bellis. He specialises in cross-border and Belgian M&A transactions. He advises clients on a wide range of transactions, including restructuring (distressed or not), private M&A, capital markets (IPOs, secondary offerings and take-over bids), private equity and venture capital placements, real estate transactions, joint ventures and acquisition finance.

Michel’s practice covers a broad range of sectors, including renewable energy, finance, telecommunications, retail, real estate, pharmaceuticals, aviation and biotech.

Michel is recommended by all leading directories and recognised as ‘a high-profile M&A lawyer who produces high-quality work’. He is noted as a ‘frontrunner’ in the market whose ‘expertise is unrivalled’.

Career

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (2001-2008); Van Bael & Bellis (2008 - Present).

Professional Memberships

Member of the Brussels Bar.

Publications

Michel regularly speaks at conferences and publishes widely on M&A matters.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers European Guide

Restructuring/Insolvency - Belgium

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Michel Bonne is a seasoned practitioner with a transactional focus in restructuring and insolvency, specialising in distressed M&A and investments. He is well versed at handling cross-border mandates and has further expertise in judicial reorganisation proceedings.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Corporate/M&A - Belgium

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Michel Bonne is highly experienced in acting on the Belgian aspects of international M&A transactions, often representing private equity clients. He offers additional experience in joint venture agreements and public M&A transactions.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Michel Bonne provides very senior advice and is very hands-on and always connected.
Restructuring/InsolvencyChambers European Guide
Michel Bonne has an excellent ability to understand his clients’ concerns and priorities, consistently translating complex legal matters into pragmatic, business-oriented solutions.
Restructuring/InsolvencyChambers European Guide
Michel Bonne is an empathetic adviser with deep technical expertise and strong negotiation skills.
Restructuring/InsolvencyChambers European Guide
Michel Bonne is very pragmatic, knowledgeable and accessible. We have a nice working relationship with him.
Restructuring/InsolvencyChambers European Guide
Michel Bonne is really good at taking the lead.
Restructuring/InsolvencyChambers European Guide
Michel Bonne is a dealmaker and the most experienced partner. He tries to make deals work, is really calm and professional in his communication and good at building relationships with other parties.
Corporate/M&AChambers European Guide