Looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving deal landscape? Vlerick Business School’s flagship M&A Conference returns with fresh insights, top-tier speakers and unmatched networking opportunities for investors, advisors and business leaders ready to shape their next move.
The Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts Conference from Vlerick Business School is a key date in the calendar for M&A professionals, business owners and investors. Now in its 14th year, the conference has inspired the entrepreneurial thinking of nearly 3,000 participants from a wide range of industries – all united by a belief in the power of M&A to drive business success.
This year’s edition introduces new topics, fresh perspectives and a programme of standout sessions designed to support your next strategic step. A pre-conference programme will also offer opportunities for private meet-ups between advisors and entrepreneurs, creating space for meaningful connections before the main event begins.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts Conference
• 25 February 2026
• MeetDistrict, Planet Group Arena Ghent
Discover the full programme and secure your place
Insightful keynotes and real-world growth stories
The conference will explore the current state of the M&A market and the growing impact of AI on the dealmaking process in a keynote by Scott Moeller, Professor in the Practice of Finance at Bayes Business School.
In the plenary sessions, the popular buy-and-build strategy will be examined from multiple angles. Gert Bervoets, CEO of H.Essers, will share the perspective of a family-owned company, while Sjarel De Bondt (President) and Mieke Verstraeten (Chief of Staff) will highlight Group Induver’s journey of sustainable expansion.
Choose the track that fits your ambitions
Track 1: Buy your own company
For professionals ready to transition from buyer to entrepreneur and create value through ownership.
Track 2: M&A as an accelerator for growth
Tailored to corporate M&A teams, business owners, investors and advisors, this track explores the role of leadership and the balance between internal and external resources when executing transactions.
Track 3: Ownership management and SME transition
Designed for SME owners navigating generational change, long-term growth and the path toward a strategic exit.
👉 Ready to join 200+ dealmakers and decision-makers?
Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts Conference 2026
>>> Driving business growth through M&A <<<
Date: 25 February 2026
Time: 9AM - 9PM
Location: MeetDistrict Planet Group Arena Ghent
Save your seat and be part of the conversations shaping tomorrow’s transactions:
https://www.vlerick.com/en/events/mergers-acquisitions-and-buyouts-conference-2026/
About Vlerick and the M&A Community Belgium
Vlerick Business School maintains a strong link with the M&A Community Belgium, a dynamic hub that goes far beyond the well-known M&A Awards. The community delivers exclusive insights, industry news and expert content via manda.be, while connecting a thriving network of advisors, private equity and venture capital funds, and dealmakers through events and publications.
Members of the M&A Community endorse transactions for the M&A Awards, after which an experienced jury selects nominees and winners based on clearly defined criteria. Since 2021, Vlerick Business School has served as Knowledge Partner of the M&A Awards, reinforcing its commitment to thought leadership and excellence within the Belgian dealmaking ecosystem.
