Damien Conem
Partner
Damien Conem is Partner in the Corporate and Finance Practice Group.
He advises international and national clients in relation to multi-jurisdictions and cross-borders transactions in the areas of M&A (including private equity and regulated undertakings), corporate (re)structuring (outside insolvency proceedings) and equity capital markets. Before joining Liedekerke, Damien has practiced with two major international players after having completed his traineeship with the firm.
Damien holds a law degree from the University of Louvain (UCL 1998), a Master in Business Administration from the University of Antwerp (UA 1999), and an LL.M. (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar) from Columbia University (New York 2002).
Damien is a member of the Brussels and the New York State Bar. He joined Liedekerke as a Partner in 2013.
Contact
Studies
Columbia University New York (LL.M. (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar)) 2002
University of Antwerp (Master in Business Administration) 1999
Catholic University of Leuven (Law degree) 1998
Relevant expertise
Assisting the M-Cube Group in its acquisition of the Storever Group in AudioValley
Assistance to Cooptalis in the acquisition of the MAP Relocations Group
Assistance to Soitec, a company listed on Euronex Paris, in the acquisition of semiconductor manufacturer EpiGaN, previously held by VC funds.
Assisting BNP Paribas Fortis PE in its acquisition of a minority stake in the JAC group
Assistance to Celor S.A.S. in the acquisition of Datosco NV ("Cardoen").
Assisting the historical shareholders of Aviabel in the sale of the Belgian general aviation insurance and reinsurance leader to AXIS Capital.
Advising Groupe Welcoop in the sale of its Belgian pharmaceutical distribution business to the US listed group McKesson/Celesio.
Assisting Lidl Belgium in its acquisition of several Belgian stores of Albert Heijn, which the latter had to dispose of as a result of the merger between Ahold and Delhaize.
Assisting Milestone Investisseurs in its investment in the Dehaen Paul distribution group and the M-Market chain of stores.
Assistance to the pan-European private equity fund Argos Soditic in the acquisition of a 68.88% stake in the capital of B Logistics (now Lineas), leading to the privatisation of this former 100% subsidiary of the SNCB.
Publications/Speaking Engagements
. Corten (ed.) et al.: ‘Public takeover bids in the Benelux’, Amsterdam, Loyens & Loeff N.V., 2011, 239 p.
(in samenwerking met Ph. Hamer) ‘L’information privilégiée dans la phase préparatoire d’une OPA – vers un consensus?', in La nouvelle loi sur les OPA, Brussel, Bruylant, 2008, 13 p.
(in samenwerking met Ph. Hamer) ‘La procédure d’OPA', in La réforme de la loi sur les OPA, Waterloo, Kluwer, 2007, 75 p.
Recognition
Damien Conem is ranked as a Leading Individual in the Commercial, Corporate and M&A practice area in Legal 500, 2023.
Damien is ranked in Band 3 for the Corporate & M&A category by Chambers Europe and Global, 2023. Clients quote: ""Damien Conem is very accessible and willing to go to extra effort for clients." and "He is the guy who makes the difference in our files."
Damien Conem and his team are ranked by Leaders League in the “Highly Recommended” category in the 2023 Mergers & Acquisitions table.
Damien Conem is ranked by IFLR 1000, 2022 as “Highly Regarded” in the M&A and in the Capital Markets: Equity categories.
Damien Conem is Highly Recommended by Leaders League, 2022.
Damien Conem is ranked in Band 3 for the Corporate and M&A practice area– Chambers Europe and Global 2021
He is "on top of his game" with "very good client service." - Chambers Europe and Global, 2020
Damien Conem is ranked ‘Leading Individual’ in Corporate and M&A. “The team led by Damien Conem is extremely well organized, prompt, competent and pragmatic. They make complex projects seem simple and run smoothly. Fees are reasonable”. “Damien Conem is incredibly hardworking, knowledgeable and dedicated. He will get the deal done as efficiently as possible.” – Legal 500, 2020
“Damien Conem makes the difference. He’s not ‘simply’ one of the best M&A experts in the kingdom. He has a pragmatical approach and understands directly where we want to go (or not). Given our regular collaboration over the last years he knows very well our DNA in the aerospace sector, which is a strong and valuable advantage.” – Legal 500, 2020
Damien Conem is recommended by Legal 500, 2019
“Damien Conem demonstrates client focus, good knowledge, and technical and commercial agility, as well as showing dedication to the case, great accessibility and responsiveness." – Chambers global, 2019
Damien Conem " Is a true deal maker who feels the subtleties that go around the table in negotiations," according to one client, who adds: "He is always seeking solutions in very complex situations. He's a real problem solver." – Chambers Global, 2018
Damien Conem is ranked as "Up and Coming" in Corporate/M&A – Chambers, 2017
Damien Conem is "super dedicated to the client. He has a good mix between technical skills and a commercial mindset. He is a rising star in the market, who really understands clients from a business perspective," say clients – Chambers, 2017
Memberships & Admissions
Member of the Brussels Bar
Belgian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
Columbia University Club of Belgium
AmCham
Languages
- French
- English
- Dutch
- Spanish
