Our M&A team combines deep transactional experience with a practical, solution‑driven approach. We guide clients through every stage of the deal lifecycle, from initial strategy to post‑merger integration.

€53.2B+

transaction value (Last Year)

345+

deals closed

218

cross‑border jurisdictions

230+

private equity clients

Buy‑side advisory

Target identification, due diligence coordination, valuation, and negotiation. We protect your interests and maximise value.

  • Auction processes
  • Proprietary deals
  • Joint bids & consortia

Sell‑side advisory

Preparing your business for sale, marketing, buyer negotiation, and exit readiness. Maximising value and ensuring a smooth process.

  • Vendor due diligence
  • Information memoranda
  • Management presentations

Private Equity

Fund formation, acquisitions, add‑ons, and exits. Supporting sponsors and management teams throughout the investment lifecycle.

  • Leveraged buyouts
  • Management packages
  • Exit strategies (IPO, trade sale)

Transaction structuring

Tax‑efficient structures, deal mechanics, and risk allocation. Share or asset deals, earn‑outs, and warranty & indemnity insurance.

  • Share purchase agreements
  • Asset transfers
  • W&I insurance

Due diligence

Legal, commercial, and financial due diligence. Identifying risks and opportunities to inform your investment decision.

  • Legal due diligence
  • ESG due diligence
  • IP & IT diligence

Post‑merger integration

Seamless integration of people, systems, and contracts. Maximising synergies and ensuring business continuity.

  • Integration planning
  • Carve‑outs
  • Day one readiness

Our M&A process

Strategy & preparation deal rationale, team assembly, confidentiality
Valuation & marketing teaser, information memorandum, buyer longlist
Negotiation & due diligence LOI, SPA drafting, data room review
Closing & integration signing, conditions precedent, post‑closing

M&A leadership

Jan Pauwels – Managing Partner, head of M&A
Sophie Dubois – Cross‑border M&A, EU regulatory
Matthias Vandenbroeck – Private equity, mid‑market
Luc Van den Bossche – Tax structuring in M&A
+ 8 dedicated M&A professionals

"Pauwels Law Group advised on the sale of our family‑owned business to a German strategic buyer. Their commercial instinct and deal management were exceptional – we achieved a great outcome."

— Former owner, Belgian industrial group

Cross‑border M&A network

We coordinate multi‑jurisdictional transactions with trusted law firms in Germany, France, Netherlands, UK, US, and China. Seamless execution across borders.

EU cross‑border US‑Belgium UK post‑Brexit China desk

Recent M&A insights

Warranty & indemnity insurance: market trends 2025
Cross‑border M&A: key legal considerations in the EU
ESG due diligence in M&A transactions
Management participation in PE‑backed deals