Modena Partners today announced the launch of its new M&A , Antwerp-based advisory boutique, specializing in strategic and merger & acquisition advice for mid-sized and large private companies and their entrepreneurs.
The firm enters the market at a time when Belgian businesses are increasingly facing critical decisions regarding succession, internal versus external growth, professionalization, and capital structure adjustments. Modena Partners aims to address these challenges with a fresh, client-centric approach.
At the heart of Modena Partners’ philosophy are three core principles: a client-first mindset, a strong culture of ownership and entrepreneurship, and the deep involvement of senior professionals in every advisory process.
“Our senior team is fully committed to going the extra mile, from strategy development to negotiations”, explains Frank Demoen, Managing Partner at Modena Partners. “In today’s complex M&A landscape, this hands-on, personal engagement makes a real difference for our clients.”
The boutique is founded by four seasoned M&A advisors with a shared entrepreneurial spirit and a track record of successful collaboration. Managing Partner Frank Demoen brings over 30 years of experience in the sector, having previously co-founded an independent investment bank.
His fellow partners – Stanley Smeets, Lawrence Vandekerckhove, and Thomas Van de Steen – each contribute nearly a decade of expertise in M&A and corporate finance. Their diverse regional backgrounds further strengthen Modena Partners’ national presence in Belgium.
v.l.n.r. Thomas Van de Steen, Frank Demoen, Lawrence Vandekerckhove, Stanley Smeets
To better serve the SME segment, Modena Partners has formed a structural alliance with VDP, a leading advisory firm in this space. “Previously, we sometimes had to turn away clients seeking support for buy-and-build strategies in the SME segment”, Demoen says. “Now, through our collaboration with VDP, we can offer comprehensive support, strengthening our relationships and helping clients achieve their growth ambitions.”
VDP, with its team of three partners and fifteen experienced professionals, brings specialized expertise that complements Modena Partners’ offerings.
For large-cap private enterprises, Modena Partners adopts a flexible approach, collaborating with international M&A advisors who specialize in specific sectors or niches.
“Some companies grow to a size and complexity that require niche expertise”, Demoen says. “In such cases, we partner with the most suitable specialists – always with the client’s best interests in mind.”
The firm’s name, inspired by the Italian city of Modena, reflects its commitment to precision and tailored advice, much like the city’s reputation for fine mechanical craftsmanship. With a strong pipeline of projects and a focus on selective recruitment, Modena Partners is poised for a promising start, driven by a commitment to excellence and long-term client relationships.
