DLA Piper strengthens Belgium Corporate practice with onboarding of CMS partner

DLA Piper announces the strategic appointment of Virginie Frémat, as a Corporate and Insurance partner in Belgium, effective 2 September 2024.

Virginie joins the firm with her team from CMS, where she has advised on all aspects of general corporate law, M&A, and has significant experience managing complex cross-border transactions.

She has a particular focus on the insurance sector and is identified as a leading individual for insurance by Legal 500. She has also advised on acquisitions and divestments in the retail, technology and automotive sectors. In addition, she also developed a strong expertise in restructuring M&A and regularly speaks on ESG topics, including CSRD, CSRDDD and due diligence.

Virginie will be integral to our Belgian corporate team, led by Michael Heene. Following the hire, the Corporate team will comprise around 20 lawyers, demonstrating considerable bench strength.

The team provides comprehensive counsel to a diverse clientele spanning both national and international markets. With the addition of Virginie, the firm’s ability to navigate complex transactions will be further enhanced, reinforcing its position as a trusted corporate and M&A go-to firm across the Benelux region.

Additionally, she will work closely with Pierre Berger, who heads the firm’s Tier 1 Financial Services and Insurance team and Ilse Van de Mierop, who heads the Tier 1 Restructuring team. She will strengthen the firm’s Corporate practice across the Benelux region and bolster the ongoing development of DLA Piper’s international insurance sector offering for our clients, following the appointment of Carl Hotton who joined our UK Corporate insurance practice in March 2024.

Benjamin Parameswaran, Partner and Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate practice commented: “Virginie’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the practice in Belgium and across Europe. As our clients seek to transform their business to succeed in the next economy, Virginie’s diverse experience and insight will allow our clients to unravel complexity and unlock new ways to grow in this volatile market environment. Her mix of experience across insurance, M&A, and general corporate law complements our existing capabilities and we are excited about what we will achieve together.”

Kristof De Vulder, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper Belgium said: “Virginie will be a real asset to our Corporate practice, not only in Belgium, but across our wider Benelux and global offices. Her esteemed reputation and extensive cross-sector experience will further equip the already strong team to support our clients in the best possible way.”

Leon Taylor, Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Insurance Sector, added: “Virginie’s appointment reflects the continued growth and development of our global insurance expertise across all aspects of our clients' business needs. Virginie's excellent experience across a wide range of insurance disputes and acquisitions in Belgium, The Netherlands, and further afield, builds upon our already very strong offering in those jurisdictions, and she will provide invaluable support to our insurance clients in Europe and further afield.”