Legal500 Rankings 2024

Industry focus: IT and telecoms

A popular contact for medtech and digital health clients, Cresco Advocaten‘s Antwerp-based practice is well placed to handle technology transactions, digitialisation mandates and work that lies on the nexus between information technology and intellectual property such as the monetisation of intellectual assets and dispute resolution. Olivier Van Raemdonck, who is described as ’strong in negotiations’, leads the team alongside strategic transaction specialist David Dessers. Glenn L’hoëst adds to the technology transactions expertise at the firm with funding rounds and M&A areas of strength.

Testimonials

‘Quick response to questions, professional cooperation, transparent and concrete feedback to help you get started with your project.’

‘Olivier Van Raemdonck is strong in negotiations, added value in external conversations, a lot of knowledge.'

‘The team takes time to explain thoroughly the implications of certain phrases or wording. It is also a diverse crew and I have always felt safe to raise my points of concerns.’

‘We worked together with two partners, David Dessers and Olivier Van Raemdonck, and both were always very respectful and kind. They never gave us the feeling that we were asking stupid questions. They were available to call when doubt creeped in.’

‘Our experience with Cresco has been entirely positive. They have adeptly guided us through our legal requirements, offering invaluable insights. As a software company, we've greatly benefited from their expertise in intellectual property and associated matters.’

‘The team, headed by David Dessers, consistently responds promptly to our inquiries and offers insightful feedback and solutions to our legal concerns.’

‘Insights by David Dessers are exceptional!’’

‘Ward Verwaeren is a very pragmatic lawyer, who's able to advise as if he was an in-house counsel.’

Private Equity

Cresco Advocaten fields a team of ‘real specialists in VC and startup fundraising’, serving a rapidly growing client base of funds and growth companies active especially in the tech sector. The team regularly provides guidance to funds in connection with their buy-and-build acquisitions and is additionally well-versed in fund formation matters, while also handling all aspects of VC-backed investment for its corporate clients. In addition to its activity in the venture capital space, the team advises an increasing number of established private equity funds on cross-border acquisitions. Practice head David Dessers is a key contact for strategic and fund-backed transactions, while Glenn L’hoëst is noted for his expertise in fund formation and VC investment matters.

Testimonials

‘The team is extremely flexible and adapts to the situation. We have been able to rely on them in unique situations where quick decision-making was needed. ’

‘Glenn L’hoëst is an amazing lawyer. He has deep market knowledge, relevant experience, and good negotiation and communication skills.’

‘Extremely responsive, on-the-ball team with good pro-activity; committed to assisting throughout the process and afterwards; pragmatic and valuable legal advice; to the point; outstanding associates; strong team players.’

‘The team is extremely easy to reach, very hardworking and what I prefer above all, deal makers. They look at problems pragmatically!’

‘They know their topics and are real specialists in VC and startup fundraising.’

‘Efficient working team, pragmatic approach, hands-on, very knowledgeable, real team effort combining different individuals with different expertise on one topic, thinking along, structured.’

‘ They communicate very well,  are transparent, structured, to the point and on time. Always a pleasure to work with David Dessers and Glenn L'hoest. '

Dispute Resolution

Cresco Advocaten acts in intricate domestic and international disputes, with expertise in litigation regarding sale and purchase agreements, tech contracts, shareholder issues, and the dissolution of companies. The firm also has a focus on matters linked to the tech, real estate, hospitality, non-profit, and banking sectors. Antwerp-based Steven Daems leads the practice, bringing vast experience in insolvency and restructuring mandates to the team, while Natalie Lemense focuses on contentious commercial contract and private shareholder work.

Testimonials

• ‘Steven Daems: good collaboration, result driven. Amber Sampana: punctual, result driven, capacity to keep overview of complex realities.’

• 'Steven Daems: I really appreciate the highly professional approach.'

• 'I really like the Cresco approach with a real 'can do' mindset. The expertise and the way the team makes you feel comfortable was very relieving.'

Commercial, Corporate & M&A

An established presence among clients in the TMT sector, Cresco Advocaten focuses on handling transactions for start-ups and scale-ups as well as private equity and venture capital funds. The team is active across buy- and sell-side M&A and offers particular strengths in advising on buy-and-build strategies, joint ventures, and fundraising matters. Practice head David Dessers is well-regarded for advising on tech investments and transactions, while Olivier Van Raemdonck and and Glenn L’hoëst are key contacts for private equity and venture capital work.‘Cresco's multidisciplinary team complemented has specific expertise on corporate venturing. This makes them the best one-stop solution for our cases.’

Testimonials

‘Cresco has an exceptional team. It all starts with the founder, David Dessers, who is visionary in how to practice commercial, corporate and M&A law. ’

‘Glenn L'Hoëst is a great lawyer who work on cases like it is his own company to defend. His market knowledge is exceptional and accurate, he follows all the latest news in the tech and M&A sector.’

‘David Dessers is a visionary man who is an example in the Belgian law scene for commercial, corporate and M&A practice. His visionelevates each member of the team. ’

‘David Dessers and Glenn L'hoest have expert knowledge of corporate venturing. ’

‘Extremely responsive, on-the-ball team with good pro-activity; committed to assist throughout the process and afterwards; pragmatic and valuable legal advice.’

‘ The team has strong commitment and availability. It goes the extra mile and is proactive.’