The International Lawyers M&A Conference , co-hosted by FLINN.law and UEPA advokáti, took place in Brussels on October 17–18 and was a great success. Over two days, lawyers, economists, and corporate experts from 22 jurisdictions, gathered to explore the latest developments and challenges shaping mergers and acquisitions around the world.
From the very first session, the event’s energy and international spirit were unmistakable. Benoit Simpelaere of FLINN.law and Lars Klett of UEPA advokáti opened the conference, setting the tone for a rich and collaborative exchange of ideas.
Inspiring Sessions and Expert Insights
The program was packed with thought-provoking presentations and lively panel discussions.
- Peter Vanden Houte, Chief Economist at ING Belgium, offered a powerful opening keynote on the global economic and financial outlook driving today’s M&A markets.
- The first theme, “Difficult Times and M&A,” brought together Søren Hornbæk Svendsen (Horten, Copenhagen), Nicolas Maubert and Matthieu Bringer (Rive Droit, Paris), and Ralph Imoberdorf (Altenburger, Zurich) to explore the interface between M&A and insolvency.
- In later discussions Dr. Bart Devos, of Boels and Partners, explored the strength of attitude that a Family Office can bring to M&A transactions whilst, Len Hawkes (FLINN.law) and Kai Schadbach (Schadbach Rechtsanwälte, Frankfurt), discussed the growing need to document compliance with ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) criteria many acquisitions.
The second day focused on Technology and M&A, featuring insights from Hugh Reeves (Walder Wyss, Lausanne) and Bruno Grangier (Leaf, Shanghai), who examined how cyber-sovereignty and digital innovation are transforming global deal-making. Other highlights included a presentation on the proposal for a European Start-Up and Scale-Up (ESSU) company and a dynamic panel on Crossborder M&A and cultural differences, with experts from Spain, Germany, Canada, the U.S., and the Czech Republic.
Networking and Brussels Charm
Beyond the conference sessions, participants enjoyed memorable networking opportunities, most notably the evening reception on Friday. The warm and collegial atmosphere reflected the spirit of the event: serious discussion paired with genuine connection.
Vibrant with its 2025 Art Deco tributes and exhibitions, Brussels provided the perfect business and cultural backdrop for the event.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 International M&A Conference program, revitalized and stronger than ever, confirmed the appetite of the participants to share high-level expertise, participate in open dialogue and create the international camaraderie to support successful co-operation on cross border mergers and acquisitions.
The organizers, FLINN.law and UEPA advokáti, extend heartfelt thanks to all speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions.
We’re already looking forward to the next edition, where we’re sure that the participants will continue exploring the evolving landscape of M&A with the same passion, insight, and spirit of collaboration.
See you next year!
Benoit Simpelaere
Partner
benoit.simpelaere@flinn.law
+32 2 274 51 83
.
Leonard Hawkes
Of Counsel
leonard.hawkes@flinn.law
+32 2 274 51 88
.
Nancy Maes
Counsel
+32 2 274 51 92
.
Louis Van Oostenryck
Associate
+32 2 274 51 97
.
FLINN.law
Avenue des Arts 46, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 274 51 80
