Latest articles

Cegeka has acquired Lean Projects, a Swiss software company specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365-based ERP solutions for the print and packaging industry.

Harmoney secures 10 million euros growth investment from Smile Sail to accelerate international expansion in counterparty risk management.

Brussels-based Ditar, the developer of the Optisuite consultation platform for opticians, has raised 1.4 million euros in seed funding led by ScaleFund, with participation from SeederFund, imec.istart, and Invest BW.

Belgian investment firm Sofina has led a 100 million dollars Series C funding round in Primer, a London-based fintech company, with participation from Peak XV Partners and existing investors.

Jos Vanneste, one of Belgium’s leading flax companies, has announced the addition of Vybros Capital Partners (VCP) and textile entrepreneur Joe Lano as new shareholders.

Fans of RWDM are growing increasingly anxious as the club’s takeover process hits a critical snag, pushing the Brussels-based team to the brink of collapse.

Private equity deal activity in the software sector across the US and Europe has sharply declined to its lowest level since 2020.

The Argos Index® by European investor Argus Fund showed a slight rebound in Q1 2026, rising 3.6 percent to 8.6x EBITDA after a prolonged decline that had brought it to its lowest level in over a decade.

A three-part approach to treasury in M&A, with each phase bringing its own challenges and opportunities.

QbD Group, a leading international life sciences consultancy, has announced the acquisition of Rescop, a specialist in GxP compliance, computer system validation (CSV), and validation software for the life sciences industry.

The AI revolution is forcing senior leaders in M&A to make critical decisions under greater time pressure.

A&O Shearman Belgium has been named Belgium Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Europe Awards for the fifth consecutive year, a testament to its sustained excellence and leadership in the legal market.

Terhills Resort, a high-end holiday park built on a former coal and gravel mining site, has been sold by LRM to TwentyTwo Real Estate, a European investment firm.

B-COS, a Ghent University spin-off, has raised 1 million euros in pre-seed funding from Agri Investment Fund (AIF), VP Capital, and Biotope by VIB to advance its precision fermentation-based crop protection solutions.

The Dutch OneXillium and Belgian XsolveIT have officially merged, forming a single entity under the OneXillium brand.

Ventory, a platform bridging the gap between ERP systems and field operations, has secured 2.65 million euros in seed funding led by KBC Securities, with support from existing investors.

Holmes, a new platform for autonomous software testing, has secured 1.1 million euros in pre-seed funding.

Cobepa has announced a new partnership with Prosol, France’s leading ultra-fresh food specialist, alongside Apollo Funds, the company’s founder, and its management team.

Initium, the holding company of entrepreneur Maarten Bynens, has sold its stake in LVC Solutions, a Genk-based specialist in compressed air and generator solutions, to Atlas Copco.

AI data rooms use semantic search, retrieval-augmented generation, and automated Q&A to transform how M&A deal teams work through due diligence. Traditional data rooms use keyword search and manual folder navigation. Here is the complete comparison – and why the gap is widening.

Ghent-based AI startup Tekst has raised 11.5 million euros in a Series A funding round led by US venture capital firm Elephant, with additional backing from its incubator, Entourage.

Materialise NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: MTLS), a pioneer in 3D-printed medical devices and additive manufacturing software, has announced a strategic move to transfer its eyewear business to its management team.

Each year, the M&A Awards Belgium brings together the country’s leading dealmakers to celebrate excellence in Belgium M&A. As of today, the nominations for the M&A Awards Belgium 2026 are officially open. So now is the moment to make sure the best deals get the recognition they deserve.

Wallonia is becoming one of Belgium's most compelling M&A markets, and Closing’s new shareholder, Maxime Claes, thinks the professionals who'll thrive there are those who understand that the numbers are only half the story.

Groep Cretskens has announced the acquisition of Pludis, a leading family-owned Belgian company specializing in poultry processing and distribution.

Belgian software company Protime has acquired Checks, a Dutch cloud software specialist focused on complex workforce scheduling, marking a significant step in its ambition to become a leading European workforce management provider.

Maurice & Nora, an Antwerp-based social-impact startup connecting families and seniors with students for flexible non-medical home support, has secured 1 million euros in fresh capital.

Webclew, a Belgian startup founded by Thomas Ghys, has raised 1.6 million euros in a pre-seed funding round led by imec.istart Future Fund and Syndicate One, with participation from angels including Roeland Delrue (Aikido Security), Klaas Bals (Maurice & Nora), and Koen Dewaele (ex-Deloitte).

UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader based in Brussels, announced on May 3, 2026, its agreement to acquire Candid Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in novel T-cell engagers (TCEs) for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Automotive group Groep Rutten, a leading Volvo distributor in Limburg, has announced the acquisition of Volvo Jacobs (owned by Jan Pulinx), marking its expansion into the Belgian cities of Genk and Dilsen-Stokkem.

DKV Mobility, a leading European B2B platform for payment and mobility solutions, has completed the acquisition of Optimile NV, a Belgian e-mobility software provider.

Antwerp-based growth partner Equals Three has acquired KAN, a well-established branding and technology firm, doubling its team to 35 employees and marking its first expansion into the US.

Rocsys, a leader in autonomous EV depot solutions, has launched the Rocsys M1, the first hands-free, multi-bay charging system designed for robotaxi fleets.

Selling a family business is a complex process. Particularly in light of constantly changing legislation (with the much-discussed capital gains tax looming large), a watertight business plan and a well-founded legal structure are essential to maximise the value of the ‘bride’.

On Wednesday April 29 in Brussels, the 13th edition of Vlerick Business School’s M&A Monitor gathered Belgium’s top dealmakers to dissect a market in transition.

After decades of shaping Belgium’s corporate finance landscape, Philippe Craninx has announced his departure from Moore Belgium, passing the leadership of its Corporate Finance division to Wannes Gheysen.

Belgian production house Roses Are Blue is accelerating its international expansion by consolidating its European activities under one brand.

Gimv Anchor Investments, a joint venture between Gimv and WorxInvest, has acquired a 5 percent stake in Azelis, a BEL 20-listed specialty chemical and food ingredients distributor.

The Belgian government is moving to acquire seven nuclear reactors currently owned by energy company Engie, with an agreement expected to be finalized by October 1st.

Ageas has completed the acquisition of the 25 percent stake in AG Insurance previously held by BNP Paribas Fortis. The insurer now owns 100 percent of its Belgian subsidiary and market leader, AG Insurance, as announced on Tuesday.

Tank transport specialist VERVAEKE, active in the chemical, petroleum, and gas industries, today announces the acquisition of French transport company Transports Bertout, based in Nesle.

Insights from the Vlerick M&A Monitor 2026

Elia Group SA/NV (‘Elia Group’) advances funding strategy with a new hybrid transaction.

Shiftbase, a leading European provider of workforce management software for businesses with variable schedules, has announced a strategic partnership with Fortino Capital.

Sequana Medical’s strategic review could attract interest from potential acquirers or investors, particularly those focused on innovative medical technologies.

Coultreon Biopharma, a rising star in immunology research, announced today the successful closure of a 125 million dollars Series A funding round, significantly exceeding its initial target.

In M&A transactions, the data room generally holds all the information a buyer needs to know about a target company’s business, and for the first time, technology allows them to actually assess all of it.

Easyfairs, a leading global events organizer, has announced the acquisition of Paris-based Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail, two premier events focused on innovation in the hospitality and retail industries.

Antwerp-based audiovisual production company Zidis has welcomed Belgian investment fund Akiles as a new shareholder, with Akiles acquiring a 50 percent stake to fuel Zidis’s expansion across Belgium and the Benelux region.

Waterland has successfully closed two new funds, raising a total of 4.6 billion euros.

Belgian brewer Duvel Moortgat has expanded its U.S. presence by acquiring two prominent beer brands: Stone Brewing and Trumer Pils, according to Belga.

Brussels-based holding company Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) is acquiring a majority stake in Dutch traffic management specialist BUKO Group for 500 million euros.

Global aluminum packaging leader Ball Corporation has taken over the former Benepack plant in Genk and is immediately seeking more than 40 new employees, with further hiring planned throughout the year.

Flemish accounting and advisory group SBB has taken a significant strategic step forward by acquiring KDCA, a respected firm based in Heist-op-den-Berg.

Accuramed, a distributor of medical technology in the Benelux, today announced the acquisition of BeMedico, based in Herzele.

Derotex, the market leader in recycled natural fibers, has welcomed Down2Earth Capital III (D2E) as a strategic partner to fuel its next phase of expansion.

Dokapi has announced the acquisition of PeppolEDGE, a Walloon specialist in secure on-premise data exchange and Peppol connectivity for compliant electronic invoicing.

For Laurent Dela Marlière, modern deal origination is less about finding a transaction and more about shaping inevitability around the right one.

Dumarey Group, a family-owned leader in propulsion systems for vehicles and industrial applications, has announced plans to acquire AUMOVIO’s manufacturing site in Mechelen, Belgium.

This is your playbook for turning family values into global growth. Whether you’re a family business owner, investor, or M&A advisor, the insights in this whitepaper will help you avoid costly mistakes in international expansion, leverage ‘patient capital’ as a competitive edge, and build governance and financing strategies that align with long-term vision.

Research suggests that overconfident CEOs are as much as 65 percent more likely to make an acquisition than their more grounded peers.

Global biopharmaceutical leader UCB announced today a definitive agreement to acquire Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in regenerative cell therapies for epilepsy and nervous system disorders.

Belron, the British parent company of Carglass and the world’s largest vehicle glass repair and replacement group, is preparing for a blockbuster initial public offering (IPO) in Amsterdam.

Keylane, a European powerhouse in software solutions for insurers and pension funds, has announced its acquisition of Vereycken & Vereycken, Belgium’s leading provider of life insurance and pension software.

His journey – from a struggling startup to a 40 million euros revenue group with 300 employees – underscores the transformative potential of a clear vision, smart acquisitions, and relentless innovation.

MAIT Group, a leading pan-European technology partner for industrial digitalization, has announced its acquisition of 4ITEGO Group, a prominent provider of engineering software solutions for the manufacturing industry.

Which Belgian firms and M&A professionals were most active in the first quarter of 2026? The League Tables provide insight into the leading players across M&A Advisory & Financial Due Diligence (FDD), Legal Advisory, and Private Equity.

Alistar, a leading European technology partner specializing in business applications, data, AI, and ICT, has announced a dual strategic expansion to strengthen its market position.

Altix, the Dutch private equity platform democratizing access to private equity investments, has closed its third portfolio fund, Alt.3, raising 140 million euros from over 450 investors far exceeding its 100 million euros target.

Four & Five Law is pleased to announce the appointment of Nils Vermeulen as Managing Associate, effective immediately.

What does the strategic blueprint behind one of Europe’s most active software investors look like? How are they structured? And what returns does that generate? At the latest M&A Summit, Jorn De Ruiter, Partner & Head of IR at Main Capital Partners, was keen to answer those questions.

Intertoys, the Dutch toy retail chain and part of the Belgian Dreamland group, has announced the acquisition of a 75 percent majority stake in Wings Holding, the parent company of the well-known Dutch online toy shop Lobbes.nl.

While public markets reach new highs, private equity continues to face an unprecedented four-year slump in fundraising, deal activity, and exits. Yet according to Nils Rode, Chief Investment Officer at Schroders Capital, this prolonged downturn may not be all bad news.

Eduviva Group, Europe’s leading provider of creative and educational products, has announced its agreement to acquire Baert, a prominent Belgian supplier of educational materials and furniture.

Bank van Breda’s Head of Advisory, Kristoph Wauters, believes that an important yet overlooked part of any deal preparation process is the owners’ feelings.

3ES has strengthened its regional footprint in West Flanders through the acquisition of Kortrijk-based 3D measurement firm NX2.

On Thursday, April 2, the Belgian M&A Community convened for its third gathering this year, this time at the sleek headquarters of PwC Belgium.

From exit readiness to real deal experiences. The M&A Summit 2026 brought together leading professionals for an evening of insights, dialogue and connection.

Global PE deal activity remains robust, with a volume slightly below that of 2025.

This event – sponsored by Ansarada – brought together the Young M&A Community Belgium to share ideas, insights and experiences. It offered the opportunity to join exclusive Peer consultations sessions and an engaging M&A Masterclass on the concept of value creation by top expert Leo van de Voort.

Cadran and Yuccaa join Rsult Group and accelerate the group’s growth strategy with strong financial and strategic support from Smile Sail.

Go Vocal, the Brussels-based leader in digital democracy solutions, has acquired French pioneer Open Source Politics (OSP), consolidating its position as Europe’s foremost provider of civic engagement infrastructure.

Belgian industrial hygiene and cleaning solutions specialist Christeyns has accelerated its international growth strategy with two new acquisitions in Europe and Africa.

Michael Van Eenoo, Head of Corporate Finance at ING Belgium, on 2026’s two-speed market, the restructuring of ING’s corporate finance teams and the future of dealmaking.

Qover, Europe’s leading embedded insurance orchestration platform, marks its 10th anniversary with a 12 million dollars growth capital injection from CIBC Innovation Banking, pushing its total funding past 100 million dollars.

From insightful conversations to powerful networking moments, the Young M&A Forum 2026 brought together ambitious minds in M&A. Browse the photo gallery and experience the highlights.

Altenova – a portfolio company of Sofindev – has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by acquiring A+ Beveiliging, a Dutch specialist in fire detection, intrusion security, and surveillance systems.

The next League Tables publication is just around the corner. Submit your deals by April 3, 2026, to ensure inclusion.

Datashift, a fast-growing data and AI consultancy from Mechelen, has acquired a strategic stake in Data Trust Associates, an Antwerp-based compliance and data management firm.

Gimv has successfully closed a new 400 million euros revolving credit facility, replacing its existing 210 million euros undrawn bank credit lines.

Global chemical distributor Manuchar has agreed to acquire CJP Chemicals, a prominent South African chemical distributor, in a move set to bolster its presence in the region and expand its global distribution network.

Antwerp-founded and London-based Hummingbird Ventures is set to deploy 800 million dollars in new funds, doubling down on its signature strategy of investing in unconventional, ‘misfit’ entrepreneurs.

Veteran M&A professional and author Leo van de Voort has spent decades watching value slip through the cracks after deals are signed and urges dealmakers to approach due diligence and execution differently.

A small economy that ranks ninth in European deal volume may be the clearest window yet into where the continent's transport sector is heading — and why the window for strategic positioning is narrowing.

Belgian diversified investment company WorxInvest reported a net result of 825 million euros million for 2025, fueled by a record 322.8 million euros in new investments and a one-time 189.5 million euros boost from the successful launch of HR Pay Solutions.

PIA Group makes strategic German debut with LADM acquisition, targeting 1,000 employees by 2027.

Vectis Private Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Sébastien Rulmont as Investment Manager.

Belgian ice cream manufacturer Jacques IJs has acquired B’Nice, a production partner with which it has collaborated for over a decade.

The acquisition builds on GOVI’s expertise in specialty chemicals, positioning it to capitalize on rising demand for high-performance protective and industrial gloves worldwide.

Belgian engineering and consulting network Studibo has acquired Solvexis, a Scandinavian specialist in safety and prevention for industrial facilities.