M&A Private Equity Summit 2026

The New Alpha: How private equity creates value today

Private equity remains a strong force in the market, but the playing field has changed. Capital is still available, while high-quality targets are scarce, and returns are no longer generated automatically through leverage, multiple expansion or quick exits.

For Belgian private equity players, the challenge today lies in sharper selection, deeper sector and company knowledge, and tangible value creation during the ownership period. This means strong collaboration with management teams, a focused approach to growth, professionalisation and operational improvement, and a realistic view on longer exit processes.

At the third edition of the Private Equity Summit, organised in partnership with Loyens & Loeff and the M&A Community Belgium, we will explore where value is truly being created today, and which approaches make the difference for private equity players active in the Belgian market.

Join us on October 22 for the Private Equity Summit 2026. This event brings together top minds in Private Equity for an in-depth look at the trends shaping the industry today and in the years to come. This summit is the ideal opportunity to connect with peers, expand your network, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with the leaders of the Private Equity and M&A sectors. 

Program

12.00 - 13.00: Walking lunch & networking

We welcome you in Brussels with lunch, drinks and plenty opportunity for networking.

13.00 - 13.05: Welcome and opening

A word of welcome and introduction of topic by Thomas Lenné - Partner at Loyens & Loeff and Melle Eijckelhoff - Founder M&A Community Belgium

13.05 - 13.30: Keynote

Opening Keynote

13.30 - 14.15: Panel discussion the New Alpha

Panel members:

• Renaat Berckmoes - Co-founding Partner of Fortino Capital Partners
• Jan Camerlynck - Managing Partner Sofindev

Moderated by Thomas Lenné

14.45 - 15.30: Breakout sessions – Round 1 

Session 1: Equine Care Group: An Exit Worth Staying For
The best private equity exits don't always mark the end of the journey. In this session, Mathias Vermeersch shares the story behind Equine Care Group, winner of the 2025 M&A Award for Best Private Equity Exit Large Cap. He will explain how Bencis partnered with the founders to build a European leader through a disciplined buy-and-build strategy before welcoming Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille as the next strategic shareholder, while reinvesting alongside management for the company's next growth chapter. The session explores the investment thesis, value creation strategy, buy-and-build execution and the thinking behind an exit that created value for both the incoming investor and those who chose to stay invested.

With Matthias Vermeersch, associate partner Bencis Capital Partners

Session 2: Masterclass Investing in the Age of AI

AI is changing not only what private equity firms invest in, but also how they invest. In this Masterclass we discuss the impact of AI on sourcing, diligence, portfolio management, operating models and valuation. 

By Wessel Wijtvliet, AI Solutions Lead Loyens & Loeff, Research Fellow Faculty of Law, KU Leuven.

Roundtable 1: Executive performance under pressure
Leadership quality is among the strongest predictors of value creation in PE , and among the least systematically addressed. In this roundtable we examine where the gap sits across the deal lifecycle, and what firms, their portfolio leaders, and PE professionals can do about it and for themselves. 

With Martine Klutz, managing partner Odgers Belgium

16.00 - 16:45: Breakout sessions – Round 2 

Session 1: Building the PIA Group.
PIA Group has become one of the most remarkable buy-and-build success stories in the Benelux. Together with founder and principal investor Steven Brouckaert and the continued backing of Filip Balcaen through Baltisse, PIA has built a platform that combines rapid expansion with long-term entrepreneurial ownership. In this session, Ewout Brouwers will explain the strategic thinking behind PIA's distinctive family equity model, how it approaches acquisitions and integration, and why preserving entrepreneurial DNA can become a powerful source of alpha in buy-and-build investing.

With Ewout Brouwers - CEO PIA Group

Session 2: The BOMA story
What does it take to turn a founder-led business into a European platform? Backed by IK Partners BOMA has pursued an ambitious growth strategy culminating in a major acquisition in France. This session explores the investment story behind BOMA, the strategic decisions that fueled its expansion, and how founders and investors worked together to create long-term value.

With Karl Abelshausen - CFO PFS Group

Roundtable 2: The New Alpha
In this roundtable we will explore where value is truly being created today, and which approaches make the difference for private equity players active in the Belgian market.

Moderated by Thomas Lenné

17.15 - 18.00: Closing keynote by Koen de Leus

Koen De Leus is Chief Economist at BNP Paribas Fortis and one of Belgium's leading economic commentators. He is the author and co-author of four books on economics, investing, and the future of the global economy, and is a frequent guest on national radio and television, where he provides expert insights on macroeconomic and financial developments. At the Private Equity Summit, Koen will share his perspective on the global economic trends, geopolitical shifts, and market dynamics shaping the future of private equity and value creation.

18.00 - 20.00: Walking dinner & networking