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.
This year’s M&A awards will recognize deals across six categories:
- Best Large Cap Corporate Deal
- Best Mid Cap Corporate Deal
- Best Large Cap Private Equity Exit
- Best Mid Cap Private Equity Exit
- Best Venture Capital Deal – Technology
- Best Venture Capital Deal – Life Sciences
These categories represent a major part of the Belgian deal landscape, from transformational corporate acquisitions and impressive private equity exits to high-growth venture capital investments.
Submitting deals via smart form
Submitting nominations early ensures that a deal receives full consideration and gives the opportunity to build a strong endorsement. This year, submitting deal nominations is supported by a smart online form.
Submit your M&A Awards nomination here
Judged by the people who define the market
All nominated deals will be evaluated by an independent jury of leading figures in Belgian M&A, corporate finance, and private equity in collaboration with Vlerick Business School. Together, these experts bring decades of experience at the highest level.
The jury includes renowned experts Lieve Creten (Chair), Sophie Manigart, Renaat Berckmoes, Michaël Sephiha, An Vermeersch and Pierre Demaerel ensuring a rigorous, credible, and highly respected selection process. Deals are evaluated on strict criteria such as strategic rationale, value creation, stakeholder impact, and execution quality.
Timeline and deadlines
Deals can be submitted to be added to the longlist until 25 September. On 12 October the Jury selects the deals that make it to the shortlist. On 26 October the panel of Judges will come together to cast their votes for the winners of the M&A Awards 2026. To support the jury, the organization prepares a comprehensive report for each deal, incorporating the pitches and endorsements together with all available data on the nominated deals.
80% of Gala tickets already reserved
This year marks the 9th edition of the M&A Awards Belgium, hosted in the iconic Paleis 10. On 26 November the winners will be announced and the M&A Awards are presented during the Awards ceremony followed by the traditional Gala dinner and after party. The M&A Awards organization will welcome over 1,200 leading dealmakers this year to celebrate deal year 2026. With over 80% of tables already reserved, availability is limited and demand is high.
