Private equity remains a strong force in the market, but the playing field has changed. Capital is still available, while high-quality targets are scarce, and returns are no longer generated automatically through leverage, multiple expansion or quick exits.
For Belgian private equity players, the challenge today lies in sharper selection, deeper sector and company knowledge, and tangible value creation during the ownership period. This means strong collaboration with management teams, a focused approach to growth, professionalisation and operational improvement, and a realistic view on longer exit processes.
At the third edition of the Private Equity Summit, organised in partnership with the M&A Community Belgium, we will explore where value is truly being created today, and which approaches make the difference for private equity players active in the Belgian market.
Programme
12:00 – 13:00 | Walking lunch & networking
We welcome you in Brussels with lunch, drinks and plenty of opportunity for networking.
13:00 – 13:05 | Welcome and opening
A word of welcome and introduction of the topic by Thomas Lenné (Partner at Loyens & Loeff) and Melle Eijckelhoff (Founder M&A Community Belgium).
13:05 – 13:30 | Keynote: How to create value in European PE
With Karsten Langer, Managing Partner at The Riverside Company.
13:30 – 14:15 | Panel discussion: The New Alpha
Panel members:
- Renaat Berckmoes, Managing Partner at Fortino Capital Partners
- Jan Camerlynck, Managing Partner at Sofindev
- Ruth De Wulf, Partner at Creafund
Moderated by Thomas Lenné.
14:45 – 15:30 | Breakout sessions – Round 1
Session 1: Equine Care Group: An Exit Worth Staying For
The best private equity exits don’t always mark the end of the journey. In this session, Matthias Vermeersch shares the story behind Equine Care Group, winner of the 2025 M&A Award for Best Private Equity Exit Large Cap. He will explain how Bencis partnered with the founders to build a European leader through a disciplined buy-and-build strategy before welcoming Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille as the next strategic shareholder, while reinvesting alongside management for the company’s next growth chapter. The session explores the investment thesis, value creation strategy, buy-and-build execution and the thinking behind an exit that created value for both the incoming investor and those who chose to stay invested.
With Matthias Vermeersch, Associate Partner at Bencis Capital Partners.
Session 2: Masterclass Investing in the Age of AI
AI is changing not only what private equity firms invest in, but also how they invest. In this masterclass we discuss the impact of AI on sourcing, diligence, portfolio management, operating models and valuation.
By Wessel Wijtvliet, AI Solutions Lead Loyens & Loeff, Research Fellow Faculty of Law, KU Leuven.
Roundtable 1: Executive performance under pressure
Leadership quality is among the strongest predictors of value creation in PE, and among the least systematically addressed. In this roundtable we examine where the gap sits across the deal lifecycle, and what firms, their portfolio leaders and PE professionals can do about it and for themselves.
With Martine Klutz, Managing Partner at Odgers Belgium.
16:00 – 16:45 | Breakout sessions – Round 2
Session 1: Building the PIA Group
PIA Group has become one of the most remarkable buy-and-build success stories in the Benelux. Together with founder and principal investor Steven Brouckaert and the continued backing of Filip Balcaen through Baltisse, PIA has built a platform that combines rapid expansion with long-term entrepreneurial ownership. In this session, Ewout Brouwers will explain the strategic thinking behind PIA’s distinctive family equity model, how it approaches acquisitions and integration, and why preserving entrepreneurial DNA can become a powerful source of alpha in buy-and-build investing.
With Ewout Brouwers, CEO PIA Group.
Session 2: The BOMA story
What does it take to turn a founder-led business into a European platform? Backed by IK Partners, BOMA has pursued an ambitious growth strategy culminating in a major acquisition in France. This session explores the investment story behind BOMA, the strategic decisions that fuelled its expansion, and how founders and investors worked together to create long-term value.
With Karl Abelshausen (CFO PFS Group) and Frederik Jacobs (Partner at IK Partners).
Roundtable 2: The New Alpha
In this roundtable we will explore where value is truly being created today, and which approaches make the difference for private equity players active in the Belgian market.
Moderated by Thomas Lenné and Antoinette van der Hauw.
17:15 – 18:00 | Closing keynote by Koen De Leus
Koen De Leus is Chief Economist at BNP Paribas Fortis and one of Belgium’s leading economic commentators. He is the author and co-author of four books on economics, investing and the future of the global economy, and is a frequent guest on national radio and television, where he shares his views on macroeconomic and financial developments. At the Private Equity Summit, Koen will explore one of the defining investment questions of the coming decade: Who holds the shovels? Drawing on historical parallels, global economic trends, technological disruption and geopolitical shifts, he will discuss which sectors, businesses and value chains are best positioned to capture value in the years ahead, and where investors should look to find the next generation of winners.
18:00 – 20:00 | Walking dinner & networking
Join us for an evening of drinks, a walking dinner and networking.
Practical information
Date
22-10-2026
Time
12:00-20:00 CEST
Location
Brussels
Language
English
Registration
Via the Loyens & Loeff event page
