Certains de nos avocats ont plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans la négociation des fusions acquisitions, que ce soit en Belgique ou au niveau international. Nous conseillons aussi des clients sur toutes les questions de droit des sociétés, telles que la responsabilité des dirigeants, les conflits d’intérêts, les relations entre actionnaires et la gouvernance d’entreprise.
Notre pratique Droit des Sociétés et Fusions & Acquisitions est régulièrement recommandée par les principaux annuaires juridiques tels que Chambers and Partners (Band 3), Legal 500 EMEA (Tier 3), Leaders League et Who’s Who Legal. La plupart de nos associés sont également classés individuellement dans ces annuaires.
FUSIONS ET ACQUISITIONS
Nous avons une pratique de premier plan en matière de fusions et acquisitions, tant en Belgique qu’au niveau international.
La gamme de notre pratique est vaste et va des opérations sur des actions multijuridictionnelles très importantes à la cession d’actifs individuels ou de fonds de commerce. Nous conseillons également les parties en matière d’offres publiques d’acquisition. Nous couvrons tous les aspects des transactions de fusions et acquisitions, de la due diligence (le cas échéant pour le vendeur) à la réalisation de l’opération et au-delà, si nécessaire (voyez notre pratique de contentieux pour les actions post-acquisition).
Nos spécialistes de droit fiscal et de droit social apportent leur expertise à nos opérations de fusions et acquisitions afin que nous puissions conseiller nos clients sur la structure des opérations sous les différents angles pertinents.
Le travail de Strelia en matière de fusions et d’acquisitions de Strelia couvre divers secteurs et nous possédons une expertise spécifique dans les domaines de la distribution, de l’alimentation, de l’énergie et du secteur financier. Strelia se concentre cependant également sur les fusions et acquisitions dans le domaine technologique.
PRIVATE EQUITY ET CAPITAL À RISQUE
Strelia a développé une solide pratique de private equity et de capital à risque.
Nous conseillons les investisseurs nationaux et internationaux - les sociétés cibles, leurs dirigeants ou les actionnaires existants- dans tous les types de transactions d’investissement en capital (MBO, LBO, etc.).
Nous avons également une expertise spécifique dans le secteur de la biotechnologie : nous conseillons régulièrement des fonds d’investissement et des sociétés cibles pendant tout le cycle de vie de leurs investissements, de l’investissement initial dans la cible à la sortie.
COOPÉRATION ENTRE ENTREPRISES
Nos avocats conseillent sur diverses formes de coopération entre les sociétés, y compris l’établissement et le fonctionnement de joint-ventures.
DUE DILIGENCE
Nos équipes sont formées à la réalisation de due diligence, que ce soit en tant que vendeur ou acheteur dans des opérations de fusions et d’acquisitions ou dans d’autres situations (investissement, introduction en bourse, financement, etc.). Si nécessaire, nous faisons appel à d’autres experts en qui nous avons confiance et que nous connaissons bien, en ce qui concerne les branches de droit spécifiques, telles que la propriété intellectuelle et l’environnement.
GOUVERNANCE D'ENTREPRISE
Strelia conseille des sociétés publiques et privées, des conseils d’administration, des comités et des hautes directions sur les meilleures pratiques de gouvernance d’entreprise, les salaires, l’indemnisation et l’assurance, les conflits d’intérêts, les enquêtes internes, les mandats défensifs et la gestion de crise. Nous aidons nos clients à gérer les risques de manière proactive, à saisir les opportunités et à maintenir des relations d’actionnaires productives.
MARCHÉS DES CAPITAUX
Nous assistons nos clients dans les transactions sur les marchés des capitaux, en capital ou en dette, y compris les introductions en bourse, l’admission à la négociation, les fusions, les demandes de radiation et l’émission d’obligations. Nous les aidons également à respecter les réglementations qui s’appliquent aux sociétés cotées.
CONSEIL
Outre le travail transactionnel, nous fournissons des conseils à nos clients et les aidons à résoudre tous les problèmes juridiques de droit des société, tels que la responsabilité des administrateurs, les droits des actionnaires, l’organisation d’entreprise, etc.
ASSOCIATIONS SANS BUT LUCRATIF
Nous comptons de nombreuses associations sans but lucratif parmi nos clients. Nous les conseillons sur les spécificités de leur forme juridique et leurs objectifs, y compris ceux concernant les opérations qui les concernent (transferts, fusions, etc.).
Notre cabinet est souvent impliqué dans des opérations de fusions et acquisitions de sociétés en difficulté, en raison, notamment, de dettes importantes, d'un manque de liquidité ou de structures d'emploi inadéquates. Ces opérations sont qualifiées de Distressed M&A. Les sociétés concernées sont parfois confrontées à l'insolvabilité ou déjà en situation virtuelle de faillite. Les opérations de Distressed M&A offrent à l'acheteur la possibilité de reprendre tout ou partie d'une entreprise viable à un prix attractif, avec la possibilité de restructurer l'entreprise (en ce compris du point de vue de la structure de l’emploi) et de la redresser.
Les outils fournis par la législation sur l'insolvabilité sont très utiles pour restructurer une entreprise soit au sein de sa structure actuelle soit au sein d’une nouvelle entité juridique en procédant à une cession d'actifs ou d'actions.
Les fusions-acquisitions classiques et les fusions-acquisitions de sociétés en difficulté diffèrent notamment du point de vue du délai endéans lesquelles ces opérations sont réalisées, de l'étendue de la due diligence finalement réalisée, du risque pris par l'acheteur et des conditions financières de l'opération. En raison des difficultés financières rencontrées par la cible, l'acheteur devra être prêt à agir plus rapidement dépendant du niveau de détresse de la cible. La due diligence préalable aura souvent une portée limitée pour deux raisons principales : la nécessité d'agir rapidement et le fait que, le cas échéant, la structure juridique de l'entreprise est modifiée ce qui limite le risque de voir apparaître des responsabilités liées à l'entité juridique elle-même. En ce qui concerne la question des risques pris par les parties, la "négociation" standard de ces risques entre l'acheteur et le vendeur sera différente puisque les protections standard généralement négociées telles que les déclarations et garanties, etc. peuvent ne pas fonctionner, le vendeur n’étant pas en mesure de les soutenir.
Les procédures d’insolvabilité peuvent être utilisées dans les opérations de fusion et d’acquisition de sociétés en difficulté. Elles impliquent souvent des tiers tels qu’un praticien de l’insolvabilité ou des créanciers privilégiés. Par conséquent, la réussite de l’opération nécessitera la prise en compte des intérêts et préoccupations de ces parties.
Le fait d'anticiper les caractéristiques particulières des opérations de Distressed M&A en fonction de l'opération permet de faciliter les transactions et permet aux acheteurs de réduire leurs risques. Ainsi, ils maximisent les opportunités offertes par ces opérations de Distressed M&A fusion et d'acquisition en difficulté.
CE QUE STRELIA OFFRE
Nos équipes Restructuring & Insolvency et Corporate M&A collaborent pour conseiller à la fois les vendeurs et les acheteurs de sociétés en difficulté dans le cadre de transactions négociées ou judiciaires. Nos avocats expérimentés évaluent, négocient et adoptent des stratégies visant à mener les transactions à leur terme. Les questions liées à l'emploi constituent souvent un élément important de ces transactions, raison pour laquelle notre équipe Droit social est impliquée.
Du fait de son intervention fréquente en tant que mandataire de justice dans le cadre de réorganisations judiciaires par transfert d'entreprises et en tant que curateur, l’équipe Restructuring & Insolvency bénéficie d'une grande expérience en la matière. Cette spécificité garantit l’implication de conseillers familiers des opérations de Distressed M&A impliquant des procédures judiciaires et qui sont bien informés du fonctionnement des tribunaux en la matière. Nos équipes peuvent donc anticiper et assister les clients sur les points critiques de ces opérations, tels que la réaction des créanciers, la désignation du mandataire de justice ou la restructuration de la société cible.
MEMBRES DE L’EQUIPE
Partners
Associates
Recognitions
Legal 500 2024 - Corporate and M&A : Private Equity
The ‘pragmatic and knowledgeable‘ team at Strelia advises private equity and venture capital funds as well as their portfolio companies on a wide range of transactions, financing rounds, and (re)investments, focusing heavily on regulated sectors such as life sciences and tech. Under the leadership of Gisèle Rosselle, the team handles the due diligence and negotiation aspects of a growing volume of cross-border M&A, frequently with the firm’s integrated employment and real estate capabilities to provide comprehensive regulatory advice. Further key contacts include transactional experts Katrien Vorlat and Laurent Verhavert.
The team is very responsive, pragmatic, knowledgeable and available despite their busy practice. For us, in short, the go-to firm in Belgium!’
‘We work with Gisèle Rosselle and Céderic Devroey a lot in cross-border M&A transactions with a Belgian angle and know that we can count on them. That they will be available to deliver on time clearly and practically. They are real service providers who go the extra mile for their clients and co-counsel.’
‘The strength is to have a single point of contact who is connected to their internal team and ensure optimal communication between departments depending on the needs.’
‘We are working mainly with Laurent Verhavert. Laurent is clear, easily available, professional and pragmatic. I am extremely happy about the interactions because I know that I will have a constructive answer in a short time frame.’
‘Gisèle Rosselle and her PE team are responsive, pragmatic and easily adapt to the wishes of the client. They take responsibility and are proactive. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Gisèle Rosselle is a partner on which you can rely. She and the quality of her work are above par. She is very responsive and proactive.'
Legal 500 2024 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
Strelia combines contentious and non-contentious capabilities in its corporate offering, which allows the team to comprehensively advise a large number of large Belgian and international companies in the life sciences, TMT, and energy sectors on strategic transactions, divestments, joint ventures, and post-M&A claims. Under the leadership of M&A and private equity specialist Gisèle Rosselle, the practice regularly collaborates with international partners to advise on multi-jurisdictional deals and is also prolific in handling Belgian mid-market transactions. Other key members of the team include managing partner Olivier Clevenbergh, who is noted for his expertise in corporate disputes, and M&A and joint venture expert Katrien Vorlat.
‘The team is close-knit, very responsive, and available despite their busy practice.’
‘Gisele Rosselle and Céderic Devroey go the extra mile for their clients and co-counsel.’
‘Proactive approach in M&A from the team.’
‘Known for its flexibility, completeness, and client-centric service.’
Legal 500 2023 - Private Equity
Strelia predominantly handles mid-market private equity and venture capital transactions, advising funds ranging from major buyout houses through to individual investors, as well as target companies, on deals and associated regulatory issues. The firm has a strong record in the life sciences and tech spaces, and accordingly regularly advises on early-stage financing and venture capital investments. Gisèle Rosselle, active in the tech space, leads the team alongside Laurent Verhavert. Katrien Vorlat is also a popular choice for international PE fund clients.
‘Strelia’s Corporate M&A team, and in my view especially if Gisele Rosselle and Cederic Devroey are involved, is truly professional in their responsiveness, knowledge, experience with private equity transactions. If we do a cross border transaction with various firms abroad they stand out in their approach. A very hard working and capable team. They innovate and have state-of-the-art systems, e.g. digital signing, billing.’
‘I predominantly work with Gisele Rosselle and Cederic Devroey. Gisele is a very smart and pleasant person. She is a great communicator and very skilled lawyer. She clearly cooperates with Cederic on a daily basis and they form a very hard working and capable team. If we have a transaction with an angle in Belgium, they are definitely the go to for us.’
‘They respond very quickly to my questions. Documents that urgently need to be checked are never a problem.’
‘Very hands on, on the ball and responsive. Truly a safe pair of hands to have on your side in a transaction.’
‘Good knowledge of the market; clear and incisive advice; commitment to timelines; reasonably priced.’
Legal 500 2023 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
Strelia advises on M&A, private equity investments, and associated regulatory and contentious work, with particular strength in regulated industry transactions, including TMT, energy, and life sciences deals. The firm’s boutique setup sees it regularly handling inbound and outbound work for cross-border clients and law firms, with a successful record in multi-jurisdictional deals. The team is led by Olivier Clevenbergh, who advises on domestic and international M&A and corporate governance issues. Katrien Vorlat advises on M&A and joint ventures, and Gisèle Rosselle handles private company transactions and private equity deals, while Laurent Verhavert specialises in private equity work.
‘It is a firm that offers a full range of services to companies and knows its clients.’
‘Highly skilled team led by an impressive leader. Multi-skilled in numerous areas. A particular strength is that they have a practical, commercial viewpoint which is very good for clients to make progress with the transaction quickly and successfully.’
‘We have worked with Gisèle primarily, and her team. Highly responsive, highly skilled and commercial, leading to innovative and practical advice and outcomes.’
‘They take the time to fully understand our needs. Always working to our deadlines. Very honest and open conversations.’
‘Highly skilled law specialists who go beyond the legal aspects. They understand the business environment and are able to help develop the company strategy & tactics.’
‘Gisèle Rosselle is involved and able to quickly understand our needs. She’s very available, which is highly appreciated since when we need advice it’s generally urgent.’
‘The overall co-operation is successful. The services provided are prompt and of high quality. At the same time, they have deep knowledge and unique expertise at commercial/corporate law issues. Overall, a strong devoted team of professionals who really care about client’s needs. Their collaboration is outstanding.’
‘I must commend Gisèle Rosselle and Céderic Devroey for their attention to detail, quick turnaround and response times. Both of them have been brilliant to work with, extremely approachable and super helpful in getting us to where we need to be. I cannot recommend either of them highly enough.’
Chambers Europe 2023 - Corporate and M&A
"The response times are very good and the level of knowledge is very high."
"The lawyers have a very hands-on approach and always make themselves available."
Legal 500 2022 - Private Equity
Strelia advises Belgian and domestic private equity and venture capital funds, institutional investors, and target companies on private equity acquisitions, exits, and investments, with a growing profile in cross-border deals in collaboration with its Luxembourg office. Areas of strength include the tech and innovation sector, particularly biotech. The practice is headed up by Gisèle Rosselle, an active PE and VC adviser who specialises in tech sector investments and cross-border investments, alongside Laurent Verhavert . Katrien Vorlat joined from Monard Law in September 2021 and has a strong record in international transactions.
‘Strong commitment of the team across the whole process of the acquisition we were contemplating, from LOI review to SPA specific/technical points negotiation.’
‘Highly available, they know very well their case and have a deep knowledge of the rules that make them solid and efficient partners while negotiating on critical items of a transaction.’
‘Gisèle and her team are highly-skilled professionals with strong attention to detail and they know very well their topics. They assisted us under a complicated transaction which we managed to realize thanks to their incredible energy, skills and commitment.’
‘They provide solutions that secure the position of their client taking into account multiple factors and negotiation standpoints.’
‘Gisèle always makes herself readily available – after office hours. Assistance is there when required. Much appreciated.’
Legal 500 2022 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
Strelia is a boutique focused on corporate transactional and advisory work, alongside contentious matters. The team advises prolifically on domestic M&A, and is increasingly active on cross-border deals, with the M&A offering bolstered by the arrival of Katrien Vorlat from Monard Law in September 2021. Alongside its corporate work, practice head Olivier Clevenbergh has a strong specialism in the retail sector, advising major European players on commercial agreements and operational issues. Gisèle Rosselle handles domestic and cross-border deals, with a particular focus on the tech sector.
‘Strelia’s Corporate M&A team is very experienced. They stand out in customer service and efficiency. Although they are very hands on and thorough in their work, they always manage to control cost development. It is a very hard working team. Flexible and always available.’
‘They are at the forefront of adopting relevant technology. For example they used a digital signing tool well ahead of peers in Belgium. Great international network.’
‘Stand out partner is Gisele Rossele. She is a true professional. She is really focussed on the matters at hand, involved and is great in building good relationships. In-depth knowledge. Charismatic, outstanding and very pleasant to work with. Always delivers.’
‘Strelia really focusses on the clients’ needs and is always one step ahead (while considering multiple options).’
‘Gisèle Rosselle made herself available throughout the process, during business hours and after business hours. Always flexible towards the client and others involved in the process. Not only advising the solution, but also the way to present it.’
‘The team is fully efficient and works extremely well with the client. Team members are also very flexible and available and take on their role to the end even when it goes on very late into the night because of the needs of the case. Each member of the team has his or her own personality and experience, which allows the client to benefit from a wide range of services.’
‘We worked with Olivier Clevenbergh and Julie Lo Bue: very high quality services.’
‘The team of Strelia is always available for all our questions. Very good collaboration and high quality of service.’
Chambers Europe 2022 - Corporate and M&A
Strelia is well noted for its activity in both cross-border and domestic mid-cap transactions. The team offers experience acting on transactions for clients in the financial services, energy and airline sectors. Lawyers at the firm offer expertise assisting clients with investments, auction sales, restructurings and commercial agreements.
"The level of partner involvement at Strelia is very impressive, which is something I am very positive about" says one client.
Clients are "very impressed" by Gisèle Rosselle , adding that "she is always to the point, knows files inside and out" and is "very solution-oriented." She offers experience advising on auction sales and private investments, acting for clients in the financial services and engineering sectors.
Clients say that they "are really happy with" Olivier Clevenbergh and emphasise his ability on commercial and corporate agreements. He is also highly experienced advising on restructuring and M&A transactions.
IFLR1000 2021
Our M&A Practice is ranked Tier 4
Highly regarded: Olivier Clevenbergh
Legal 500 2021 - Private Equity
Gisèle Rosselle leads Strelia's team in Brussels, which is particularly noted for its work in the biotech sector, where it has a strong profile acting for life sciences investment funds and Belgian biotech companies. Elsewhere, the firm is also engaged in transactions involving other industries, such as manufacturing, technology and chemicals. In 2019, Laurent Verhavert acted for German investment fund JOIN Capital on a Series B private equity investment in Belgian tech company Proxyclick, alongside Five Elms Capital. Also notable is that the successful growth of the firm's private equity offering in Belgium has led to it opening an office in Luxembourg.
Next Generation Partner: Laurent Verhavert
‘Strelia is a very good independent Belgian law firm that is perfectly adapted for international deals when targets are in Belgium. The corporate team has high technical skills, is very responsive and easy to work with.’
‘We mainly worked with Gisèle Rosselle and her team. Gisèle is extremely competent, responsive and understands the business aspects of transactions. She is very pleasant to work with.’
Legal 500 2021 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
Corporate boutique Strelia, which undertakes a mix of transactional and contentious work, has particular strengths in matters connected with the retail, financial services and food sectors. It is also increasingly making a name for itself in the biotech sector. In addition to handling domestic work, the firm is also sought out in cross-border deals. The practice is led by Olivier Clevenbergh, who led the advice to French film company Pathé on its acquisition of the Euroscoop group in 2019. Elsewhere, the team advises clients on joint ventures, and private equity and venture capital transactions, among other matters. Gisèle Rosselle and Laurent Verhavert are also recommended.
‘Strelia is a “small” practice, led by accessible and friendly partners. The team is constituted of result-driven, proactive and enthusiastic lawyers.‘
‘Strelia provides a first-class and world-class M&A legal service and negotiation support while being very reactive and affordable for start-ups / scale-ups which is unique in the market.‘
‘We mainly work with Olivier Clevenbergh. What we appreciate in him is that he does not only advise on the legal issues but gives a broader guidance in the way we should make our deals, without being too intrusive.‘
‘I believe the manner in which Gisèle Rosselle approached us as a client and her approach to leading the negotiations can be summarized as: pragmatic if possible but firm and relentless on material items.‘
‘We mostly work with Gisèle Rosselle for our M&A projects and she is doing a great job in delivering accurate and timely work but also in thinking together with us in finding solutions to issues that arise. She knows our business very well.‘
‘Gisèle is straightforward and to the point, and is a good negotiator.‘
‘Reliable and accurate.‘
Chambers Europe 2021 - Corporate and M&A
Recognised practice noted for its work on both domestic and cross-border mid-cap M&A transactions, including auction processes. Frequently advises on matters in the retail and pharmaceutical sectors. Popular with private equity and venture capital clients.
One interviewee attests that the team is "knowledgeable and available."
A client comments that the lawyers are "extremely proactive and go the extra mile."
One client attests: "Gisèle Rosselle is a perfect additional player to have at the negotiating table - she knows when to hold back and when to bring certain things forward."
One client comments that Olivier Clevenbergh is "very competent, rigorous, reliable and a good adviser."
Another interviewee adds that Olivier Clevenbergh has "a fast understanding of the situation, is a good adviser and can take care of every part of the sale and discussion."
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- Welcome Olivier !