Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in Brussels

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Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
Our offer has been designed according to the realities of our customers. Whether as part of a subscription or for the management of a single file, our offer is adapted to your needs.Our offer has been designed according to the realities of our customers. Whether as part of a subscription or for the...
Hermans-Wirix Advocaten
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 2013
English
Hermans-Wirix Advocaten, based in Tongeren, Belgium, offers specialized legal services tailored to entrepreneurs and businesses. The firm's expertise encompasses construction and real estate law, commercial and corporate law, debt collection, labor and social security law, traffic and liability...
Brussels, Belgium

English
ConSenso-Advocaten is a distinguished law firm offering comprehensive legal advisory services across various practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property rights, estate planning, criminal law, and mediation. The firm serves a diverse clientele encompassing real estate,...
Advocaat Kathleen Lafosse
Brussels, Belgium

English
Advocaat Kathleen Lafosse, established in Borgloon (Jesseren), Belgium, has been serving clients since 1999. With over two decades of experience, the firm offers expertise across various branches of law, ensuring comprehensive legal support tailored to individual client needs. Ms. Lafosse's...
Janssen Advocaten
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1935
English
Established in 1935, Janssen Advocaten has been a steadfast presence in Tongeren for over 80 years. The firm is led by Yves Janssen and Dominique Janssen, supported by a team of six dedicated professionals. They offer specialized legal services to both individuals and businesses, focusing on...
Stibbe
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1911
1,000 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
We are a leading, independent, international law firm with main offices in Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg, and a branch office in London. We provide our clients with the highest quality service in legal advice, transactions, and litigation.Our dedicated multidisciplinary teams are trusted legal...
Henneaux Daniel-Libralegis
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 2017
English
Henneaux Daniel-Libralegis is a dynamic law firm based in Libramont-Chevigny, Belgium, offering comprehensive legal services to entrepreneurs, individuals, and public authorities. The firm is committed to delivering practical solutions across various branches of law, emphasizing independence and a...
Brussels, Belgium

English
GMadvocaten, led by attorney and mediator Georges Michiels, offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on family law, including divorce proceedings, as well as commercial and residential lease disputes, criminal and traffic law, commercial and corporate law, mediation, and liability disputes...
Dewit Law Office
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1945
50 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
Since it was founded in 1945, Dewit Law Office has remained a human-sized firm and has always been careful to personalise all contact with its customers.Its strength lies in the diversity of its members. Dewit Law Office consists of lawyers working full-time internally, dealing with many cases in...
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About Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Law in Brussels, Belgium

Acquisition and leveraged finance law in Brussels, Belgium, covers the legal structures and processes used by companies, private equity investors, and financial institutions to fund the acquisition of businesses. This area of law involves advice and transactional support for borrowing arrangements, including loans and other financing instruments, where the acquisition is primarily financed with debt. Brussels, as a major European financial hub and the administrative center of the European Union, is home to a dynamic market for cross-border financial transactions. Acquisition and leveraged finance in Brussels is often complex, involving multiple jurisdictions, regulatory regimes, and bespoke contractual arrangements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where you might need a lawyer specialized in acquisition or leveraged finance law in Brussels. Common scenarios include:

  • Structuring and negotiating the financing of a business acquisition or management buyout
  • Dealing with complex intercreditor arrangements involving different classes of lenders
  • Advising on cross-border transactions with European and global components
  • Navigating regulatory approvals from Belgian and EU authorities
  • Conducting due diligence on target companies and their debts
  • Drafting and reviewing finance documentation
  • Restructuring debt in distressed acquisitions
  • Ensuring compliance with local and European competition and securities laws

A lawyer can help protect your interests, reduce financial risk, and ensure that your transaction is both legally compliant and commercially robust.

Local Laws Overview

The Belgian legal system is based on civil law principles and is significantly influenced by European Union regulations. In Brussels, acquisition and leveraged finance transactions are governed by a combination of Belgian law, relevant European directives such as the Capital Requirements Regulation, and the European Competition Law framework.

Some key aspects include:

  • Strict borrower and lender obligations set out in the Belgian Civil Code and the Financial Collateral Act (Law of 15 December 2004)
  • Corporate governance and directors’ duties when entering into highly leveraged transactions
  • Requirements around publicity and registration of security interests such as pledges and mortgages
  • Financial assistance rules restricting how Belgian companies can fund acquisitions of their own shares
  • Mandatory merger control notifications for transactions meeting certain turnover thresholds, reviewed by the Belgian Competition Authority and, in some cases, the European Commission
  • Disclosure obligations under the Belgian Companies Code and the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)

Parties typically use both standard documentation, such as the Loan Market Association (LMA) templates, and tailor them for compliance with Belgian law and local business practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is leveraged finance?

Leveraged finance involves using borrowed funds to acquire a business or asset, with the acquired business assets often serving as collateral for the loan.

What is the role of a lawyer in an acquisition finance transaction?

A lawyer advises on structuring the deal, drafts and negotiates contracts, ensures legal compliance, coordinates with regulators, and mitigates risks for all parties involved.

Do Belgian companies face restrictions when financing acquisitions?

Yes, Belgian law includes rules on financial assistance, which may limit or prohibit a company from providing funds or guarantees to assist in acquiring its own shares or those of its parent companies.

What security can lenders take in Belgium?

Lenders can obtain various forms of security, including pledges over shares and receivables, mortgages over real estate, and assignments of claims. The type and method depend on the nature of the assets and the transaction structure.

Are cross-border leveraged finance transactions common in Brussels?

Yes, Brussels is a strategic center for pan-European and global leveraged finance deals, often involving multiple jurisdictions and regulatory considerations.

Does a leveraged finance transaction require regulatory approval?

Some transactions may require prior clearance from the Belgian Competition Authority or the European Commission, particularly if they meet certain size thresholds or raise antitrust concerns.

What are the risks in leveraged finance transactions?

Risks include covenant breaches, enforceability of security, changes in regulation, interest rate fluctuations, and potential insolvency of the borrower.

What types of documents are typically involved in Belgian acquisition finance?

Key documents include loan agreements, security documents (such as pledges and guarantees), intercreditor agreements, and legal opinions.

How are disputes resolved in these transactions?

Dispute resolution is usually governed by Belgian law, often through the Belgian courts or, alternatively, via arbitration or mediation as agreed in the contracts.

Can foreign law govern an acquisition finance transaction in Belgium?

While parties often use English law for certain finance documents, local law will typically govern security documents and must be considered for enforceability in Belgium.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or support, consider reaching out to the following resources:

  • Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) - Oversees financial market regulation in Belgium
  • Belgian Competition Authority - Supervises merger control and competition law aspects of deals
  • Brussels Bar Association (Barreau de Bruxelles) - Provides directories and guidance for finding specialized lawyers
  • National Bank of Belgium (NBB) - Regulates financial institutions and publishes reports on financial sector trends
  • Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur Belge) - Publishes new laws, regulations, and official decisions

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance with an acquisition or leveraged finance matter in Brussels, consider the following steps:

  • Identify and consult a lawyer with expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance law, preferably with experience in cross-border transactions
  • Prepare all relevant documentation related to your proposed transaction and financing arrangements
  • Discuss your objectives, concerns, and any specific regulatory, tax, or competition issues you may face
  • Follow your lawyer’s advice regarding structuring, documentation, and legal compliance
  • Stay informed about changes in relevant Belgian and European laws that could affect your transaction

Taking early legal advice is essential to ensure a smooth, enforceable, and compliant acquisition or leveraged finance transaction in Brussels.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Brussels through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Acquisition / Leveraged Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Brussels, Belgium - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.