The M&A Community Belgium proudly announces the establishment of its advisory board, a select group of leading professionals from across the dealmaking spectrum. Bringing together expertise from corporate finance, private equity, law, academia, and industry, the board will guide the Community’s strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure that Belgium’s M&A ecosystem continues to evolve with insight and impact.
The members of the advisory board:
Alexis Meeùs – Partner, Degroof Petercam
Alexis leads Degroof Petercam’s M&A team, advising on complex and high-profile transactions. His independent perspective and extensive network in private equity and corporate finance add unique value to Belgium’s dealmaking ecosystem. His focus lies in guiding family businesses, LBOs, and strategic transitions with precision and vision.
Dominique Maes – Co-Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie Belgium
Dominique is co-head of Baker McKenzie’s Corporate Practice for the EMEA region and a member of the firm’s Global M&A Steering Committee. Recognized by Chambers and Legal 500 as one of Belgium’s leading corporate lawyers, he advises on M&A, private equity, and corporate governance with a global strategic lens.
Jean-François Limpens – Managing Director, Rothschild & Co Belgium
With a strong background in investment banking, Jean-François has held key roles at Rothschild & Co, Leonardo & Co., and RBS. His analytical expertise and international perspective strengthen the board’s ability to interpret financial market dynamics and anticipate shifts in deal financing.
Mathieu Luypaert – Associate Professor & Director, Centre for Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts, Vlerick Business School
An authority in corporate finance and M&A research, Mathieu bridges the gap between academia and practice. His research into post-merger value creation and corporate synergies provides the board with evidence-based insights that inform strategy and educational programming.
Maxim De Vos – Senior Managing Director CVC
Maxim De Vos joined CVC in 2008. Maxim is a member of the CVC Benelux team and is based in Brussels. Prior to joining CVC, he worked in the M&A department of J.P. Morgan in London. Maxim holds a degree in Applied Economics from Ghent University and a master's degree in Financial Management from Vlerick Management School, Belgium.
Nancy De Beule – Partner Mergers & Acquisitions, PwC Belgium
With more than two decades of experience in international taxation and M&A, Nancy brings deep expertise in transaction structuring, post-deal integration, and tax strategy. As a certified tax advisor and lecturer at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, she combines academic rigor with hands-on experience across diverse industries.
Ruben Gofflo – Director M&A, Cegeka NV
Ruben represents the new generation of corporate dealmakers. With experience at Cegeka and as an investment manager at LRM, he combines hands-on transactional expertise with a deep understanding of digital transformation and smart manufacturing sectors.
Steven Buyse – Managing Partner CVC
Steven Buyse joined CVC in 2001. Steven oversees CVC's private equity activities in the Benelux region and the Chemicals sector globally. He is based in Brussels. Prior to joining CVC, he spent four years at ING Investment Banking and four years as CFO of Corialis.
Why an advisory board
The M&A Community Belgium was founded to connect professionals across the mergers and acquisitions landscape from advisors and investors to corporate strategists and academics. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to strengthen Belgium’s M&A ecosystem through collaboration, insight, and innovation.
As the community grows, the newly formed advisory board will play a crucial role in guiding its direction and ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
“We wanted to create a forum where the brightest minds in Belgian dealmaking could challenge and inspire us”, explains community manager Charlotte Declercq, one of the driving forces behind the initiative. “The Advisory Board is not a ceremonial body. Rather, it’s a strategic think tank designed to push the boundaries of what the M&A Community can achieve.”
A strategic compass for the M&A Community
Meeting quarterly, the advisory board acts as both a sounding board and strategic partner, offering feedback on the community’s activities, events, and publications. Members are invited to critically evaluate the organization’s plans, provide insights into market trends, and suggest topics that deserve deeper exploration.
“Our board members don’t just advise, but they challenge us”, says Declercq. “We ask them to look at our agenda with a critical eye and help us understand what truly matters for Belgian M&A professionals today.”
To ensure meaningful discussions, each session focuses on a set of defined core themes. For 2025, these include:
• AI and Technology in M&A – exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming due diligence, deal sourcing, and integration.
• Governance and Geopolitics – assessing the impact of regulatory shifts, ESG requirements, and geopolitical tensions on dealmaking.
• Debt Financing – analyzing evolving capital structures and the interplay between banks and debt funds.
Building knowledge and connection
The advisory board’s influence extends beyond strategy: it helps bridge the gap between academic insight and professional practice. With representation from law firms, private equity, academia, and corporate M&A, the board offers a 360° view of the Belgian and European markets.
“We’re deliberately diverse”, notes Declercq. “Each member brings a different lens, whether it’s legal, financial, strategic, or academic. That mix of perspectives helps us stay grounded and forward-thinking at the same time.”
In addition to strategic guidance, the board will also help identify training and development needs within the M&A community and shape future seminars and publications, including collaborations with institutions like Vlerick Business School.
Enhancing credibility and connection
By assembling a group of respected leaders, the M&A Community Belgium also strengthens its credibility and visibility. The Advisory Board signals a commitment to professional excellence and thought leadership, a vital factor in building trust within the broader market.
“Having these experts on board is a clear message to the market”, says Declercq. “It shows that we take quality, relevance, and collaboration seriously. It’s about building something that lasts — a platform that keeps Belgian M&A professionals connected, informed, and inspired.”
Looking ahead
As the M&A landscape continues to evolve, shaped by technology, regulation, and global uncertainty, the advisory board will help steer the M&A Community Belgium with insight, integrity, and innovation. “We’re not here to predict the future”, concludes Declercq. “We’re here to shape it — together, as a community.”
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