Visit the very first Belgian M&A Forum
Following the success of the M&A Awards, we invite Belgian dealmakers to gather more regularly! The M&A Forum is an occasion to get inspired by interesting stories and cases, and to share knowledge and experiences. By bringing together professionals in M&A, corporate finance, private equity, entrepreneurs and executives around relevant topics, we all contribute to the dynamics of the ecosystem of mergers, acquisitions and investments.
31 March 2022
Locations: Frame21
Da Vincilaan 2, Zaventem
Frame21 is a brand new business & event center. Since it's next to Brussels Airport, the interior was inspired by the aviatoin style from te sixties.
Theme: #BELNED, how can Belgium and The Netherlands join forces?
Belgium and The Netherlands are two very small countries that, while there certainly is cooperation, each have their own mentality and way of working. What explains those differences and what can we learn from each other? What is the position of our region in the global M&A landscape and how can we, dealmakers, turn it into an attractive investment area? Let’s discuss where there are opportunities for synergy and how we can collaborate to reinforce each other. And of course… the conversation continues during the networking drinks!
Program
16h: reception
16h30-18h: speakers and group discussion
18h-19h30: networking with drinks and bites
1. Keynote: Belgium and The Netherlands as economic partners: implications for cross-border investment and M&A
By: Leo Sleuwaegen, Emeritus Professor of Managerial Economics and Strategy, KU Leuven and Vlerick Business School
- Interconnectedness of the two countries: role of M&A
How interconnected in trade and investment are both countries? How do mergers and acquisitions fit with this interconnectedness? - Divergent economic evolutions in both countries
What happened to the economies of Belgium and The Netherlands since the oil crisis in 1974? What explains the growing welfare gap between the two countries in the past two decades? - Economic policy
How different are economic policies in Belgium and The Netherlands? What is the role of the government in the economy? - Change engines: entrepreneurship and innovation
How do Belgium and The Netherlands perform in terms of entrepreneurship and innovation? - Conclusions
What can we learn from recent evolutions? How will this affect cross-border investment and M&A between the two countries?
2. Reflections of a Dutch dealmaker in Brussels
By: Leo Verhoeff, Partner at Simmons & Simmons
3. Group discussion
Let’s exchange experiences! Our moderator invites you to discuss some statements and to share your insights and learnings.
Participation is free of charge. For organizational reasons, we count on your presence when you register. Should you be unable to attend, please notify the organization at least one week prior to the event. Participation is limited to max. 5 persons of the same company.
Principal Sponsor:
