Shaping the Future of Private Equity

13.00 - 13.05 | Welcome – M&A Community

13.30 - 14.15 | Panel discussion
"Private equity in 2030 – What will it take?" A thought-provoking conversation between leading PE fund managers, exploring how firms must evolve to stay competitive, relevant, and impactful over the next five years and beyond.

Carl Annicq (Partner at M80 Partners)
Michiel Deturck (Managing Partner at Vendis Capital)
Nicolas Linkens (Senior Partner at Rivean Capital)
Katti Van Oosterwijck (Senior Investment Manager at Korys)
Thomas Lenné (Partner at Loyens & Loeff – moderator)

14.15 - 14.45 | Coffee break

14.45 - 15.30 | Breakout sessions – Round 1 

• Masterclass: Improving portfolio company performance in challenging times

  How do private equity firms maximise the performance of their portfolio companies? Which key metrics truly make a difference? And how do leading PE firms leverage data to drive strategic decision-making? During this knowledge session you will explore the key financial insights behind successful PE strategies.
  
  Sophie Manigart (Professor at Vlerick Business School)

• Round table: From Wall Street to Brussels: Steering PE through shifting tides

  How should private equity navigate the current climate? With less capital flowing from the US to the EU, how can firms adapt? What is the impact on deal-making? Is defense the sector to watch?
  
  Vilmar Feenstra (Partner at Loyens & Loeff – moderator)
  Thomas Lenné (Partner at Loyens & Loeff – moderator)

• Case study: Deal by deal: How Moore engineered growth through buy-and-build

  Explore how Moore’s leadership team identified the right targets, overcame integration challenges, and built a culture of performance — turning fragmented businesses into a unified powerhouse positioned for growth.
  
  Philippe Craninx (Managing Partner at Moore)

15:30 - 16.00 | Coffee Break

16.00 - 16:45 | Breakout sessions – Round 2 

• Masterclass: Unlocking opportunities: What belgium’s tax reform means for the fund industry

  The federal government has introduced a sweeping tax reform. These changes will have a direct impact on investors, fund managers, and investment funds — bringing both challenges and new opportunities. Join us for this insightful session, where we will break down the key elements of the reform, including the new capital gains tax and the revised carried interest regime. We will help you understand the risks, identify opportunities, and explore the strategic steps you can take to stay ahead in this evolving market.
  
  Nicolas Bertrand (Partner at Loyens & Loeff)
  Vincenzo Vilardi (Associate at Loyens & Loeff)

• Round table: Is ESG Dead? What’s Next?
  A candid debate on the future of ESG: is it a passing trend, or simply evolving into something new? Explore how LP expectations, regulatory shifts, and market realities are reshaping ESG strategies.
  
  Michiel Deturck (Managing Partner at Vendis Capital – moderator)

• Case study: Beyond the spreadsheet: The human factor in value creation
  Unpack the critical role that leadership, culture, and talent play in driving sustainable returns. This session examines the strategic execution of buy-and-build models, effective post-investment integration, and a case study demonstrating how aligning people and purpose can unlock outsized value creation beyond the spreadsheet.
  
  Vanessa Bolsens (Founder – Helping deals succeed through people)

16:45 - 17.15 | Coffee Break

17.15 - 18.00 | Closing keynote & final reflections

17.15 - 17.40 | Closing keynote

17.40 - 17.55 | Closing remarks – Loyens & Loeff

18.00 - 20.00 | Walking dinner & networking