International law firm Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its corporate capabilities with the hire of partner Koen Vanhaerents to lead its corporate practice in Brussels.
Koen brings more than 35 years of experience advising on private equity, strategic and public M&A and capital markets matters, as well as fund structuring and venture capital. He has a broad, largely transactional practice, with significant experience advising multinational corporates, private equity funds and financial investors on domestic and cross-border transactions, in a broad range of industries from (financial) infrastructure over utilities and Tech to manufacturing and food.
With a strong profile in the Belgian market, Koen’s arrival supports the development of the firm’s corporate practice in Belgium and further enhances the strength of its European offering.
The strategic hire follows the retirement of current Corporate & Commercial partner in Belgium, Carl Meyntjens.
Andrea Accornero, Partner and International Head of Corporate & Commercial, commented: “Koen is well known in the Belgium corporate market, with deep experience across private and public M&A. His leadership will ensure a smooth succession in Brussels and create new opportunities for our corporate practice.”
Eric Blomme, Country Head Belgium, commented: “We are very excited with Koen joining our rapidly expanding Brussels office. As a Legal 500 Hall of Fame practitioner with almost 40 years of experience, Koen will bring market leading expertise to our platform. Following key lateral partner hires in tax and employment earlier this year, Koen will strengthen our corporate and transactional practices and position us for further growth.”
On joining the firm, Koen Vanhaerents commented: “I am pleased to be joining Simmons & Simmons and contributing to the development of its corporate practice in Belgium and across the wider European network. I also forward to joining an enthusiastic and growing team of 30 lawyers in Brussels with a full service offering.”
