Michel Bonne
Partner
Overview
Michel Bonne focuses on corporate M&A.
He has advised a wide range of listed and privately held corporate, private equity and financial companies on Belgian and cross-border M&A transactions, including restructuring, private M&A, capital markets (IPOs, secondary offerings and take-over bids), private equity and venture capital placements, real estate transactions, privatisations, mergers, joint ventures and reorganisations.
His experience covers a broad range of sectors, including energy, media, financial services, telecom, IT, retail, real estate, life sciences, aviation and biotech.
Prior to joining Van Bael & Bellis, Michel worked in the Brussels and London offices of two international firms. He was also a trainee at the European Commission, DG Competition.
He regularly lectures and writes on M&A matters.
Languages
Dutch, English, French, Spanish
Recommendations
Michel is recommended by all leading directories. Clients describe him as “very quick, very precise and very effective”. "He is a high-profile M&A lawyer who produces high-quality work. He is well regarded in both the legal and business community and is good at finding solutions and making people come together". They also say: “He's very smart, he goes directly to the main point, he's very direct and he's a good negotiator”. "He gave us fresh perspectives, highlighted cultural differences, and had presence and poise when dealing with the other side". He is "very sharp, calm and pleasant, and has an excellent team". He is a "frontrunner" in the market whose "expertise is unrivalled". His “sense of client dedication and pragmatism makes him a key player in Belgium”.
- Chambers Global and Chambers Europe for Corporate/M&A
- Chambers Europe – ‘Leaders In Their Field’ (Corporate/M&A)
- PLC for Corporate/M&A
- Legal 500 for Corporate/M&A
- IFLR1000 for M&A
- Who's Who Legal
Education
- Universities of Brussels (KUB) and Leuven, Master of Corporate Law, 2004
- University of Madrid, Master of European Law, 1999
- Universities of Leuven, Copenhagen and Namur, Master of Laws, 1998
Bar Admission
Brussels
Notable assignments
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Representing a renewable energy producer, Elicio, in relation to various offshore wind parks in the North Sea.
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Coordinating a legal network of top-tier law firms in five continents for Boortmalt, the world’s largest malt producer headquartered in Antwerp.
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Assisting IPL Plastics Inc., a Canadian listed manufacturer of plastic products, within the framework of the acquisition of a Belgian group producing plastic and cosmetic packaging.
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Representing CleanLease, Benelux provider of integrated textile products and services, in relation to its acquisition of a Belgian leading company in textile management and health care sector.