Legal500 Rankings 2025

Industry focus: IT and telecoms

Praised by clients for its ‘good industry knowledge’, the practice at Cresco Advocaten focuses on assisting tech companies in the tech and life science spaces. Members of the team ’are friendly, pleasant to work with, and knowledgeable on negotiation tactics and approaches’, including practice heads David Dessers and Olivier Van Raemdonck. In addition to being a founding partner of the firm, Dessers is adept at handling the IT aspects of corporate and M&A transactions, while Van Raemdonck’s practice centres on innovative technology ventures. Ward Verwaeren and Glenn L’hoëst are noted.

Testimonials

‘Olivier Van Raemdonck for his kindness and thoroughness.’

‘We work with Cresco Advocaten's lawyers from time to time for contract review or legal advice on EU law, and have always been very satisfied with the way they have dealt with our requests, both in terms of content and form, sometimes within very tight deadlines.’

‘We worked mainly with Ward Verwaeren and Emilie Praet. They both did an outstanding job, giving us very detailed legal advice or a legal review in a very short time.’

‘They take the time to understand your business and build out the strategy together with you. Next to that, they have a deep knowledge of the segment of SaaS works from a tech and IP perspective and can source out of the box solutions based on their vast experience.’

‘The Cresco team has the agility to reply to questions which is super fast and foremost their multidisciplinary approach is really making us worry free.’

‘Good industry knowledge, good network in case of specific questions, readily available if urgencies, good understanding of the customer's specifics.’

'They are friendly, pleasant to work with, and knowledgeable on negotiation tactics and approaches.’

Private Equity

A premier legal firm in the venture capital space’, Antwerp-based Cresco Advocaten supports venture capital investors, start-ups and scale-ups in investments and divestments, alongside its work for private equity funds in buy-out M&A transactions, formation, and fundraising. Founder and practice head David Dessers is praised for his ’vast experience and strategic mindset‘; Glenn L’hoëst was made partner in December 2023, combining ’deep expertise in corporate law with strong structuring skills.

Testimonials

‘Glenn L'hoëst combines deep expertise in corporate law with strong structuring skills to ensure favourable fund terms for clients. He is detail-oriented when handling complex contracts, while maintaining a strategic outlook to align the fund structure with the client’s long-term goals. Effective communication and problem-solving.’

‘CRESCO stands out as a premier legal firm in the venture capital space, renowned for its extensive experience in this domain and its professionalism. The team combines expert legal acumen with a pragmatic approach, offering clients insightful and tailored advice. Their ability to navigate complex transactions while maintaining a client-focused mindset sets them apart, making them a trusted partner for those seeking strategic guidance and long-term value.’

‘David Dessers, the senior partner and founder of CRESCO, is a true leader in the legal field, especially in venture capital. His vast experience and strategic mindset make him a figure akin to a captain of industry. David’s calm and solution-oriented approach ensures that clients feel confident and well-guided through even the most complex legal matters.'

'Glenn L’hoëst, a recently promoted partner, brings fresh energy and exceptional talent to the team. His hunger for success and dedication to clients make him stand out as a rising star in the legal profession. Both David and Glenn exemplify professionalism, combining a personable demeanour with a focus on practical, results-driven solutions that set them apart from competitors.’

‘Very strong team around partners David Dessers and Glenn L'hoëst, with several exceptional associates.'

‘Fantastic availability and responsiveness, eye for detail and in-depth understanding of the entire file and all relevant legal docs.’

‘Knowledgeable about tech and software with an efficient and pragmatic approach.'

‘Glenn L'hoëst is a hard-working, knowledgeable lawyer with a client-centric mindset, always trying to meet our demands in terms of deliverables and timelines, in the most efficient manner. He is very responsive and always available to jump on a call and provide ad hoc legal advice, and is therefore considered a trusted advisor.’

Dispute Resolution

Cresco Advocaten acts in complex domestic and international disputes, spanning shareholder’s disputes, management liability, privacy, and data protection, representing Belgian and international companies in matters surrounding the technology, life sciences, and finance sectors. Antwerp-based Steven Daems leads the team, with expertise across shareholder disputes, directors’ liability, corporate governance, and compliance. Emilie Praet and Elyse Vandevelde are also key to the team.

Testimonials

‘Value for money, response time, entrepreneurial mindset across the organisation. Focus on the goals to be achieved.’

‘Amber Sampana: good strategist. Strong legal-technical background combined with entrepreneurial mindset. Excellent litigator.'

Commercial, Corporate & M&A

Cresco Advocaten‘s corporate and M&A team takes a ’creative attitude to corporate structuring and corporate legal topics’, with a particular focus on work for private equity funds. It leverages expertise in the technology sector to support start-ups and scale-ups in the industry. Founding partner David Dessers heads the corporate offering, ‘a tower of trust for many Belgian tech ventures’, working closely with Olivier Van Raemdonck and Glenn L’hoëst.

Testimonials

‘Broad knowledge of markets relevant to us. Creative attitude to corporate structuring and corporate legal topics. They listen well and are very open to our wishes, they are genuinely interested in and protecting our interests.’

‘The Cresco team is very knowledgeable and extremely flexible. They have a calm and decisive way of working.'

‘Hands-on team providing strategic insights on the transaction. Their experience is shared with their customer. We appreciate the fast turn-over of the documentation and their availability.’

‘We highly valued the support of David Dessers and Glenn L'hoëst, their availability, their hands-on support and their knowledge of M&A transactions.’

‘Cresco covers the most important legal aspects for both scale-ups and investment funds. The team is hard-working but clearly well balanced.'

‘David Dessers is a tower of trust for many Belgian tech ventures as he clearly understands the stakes involved for founders, investors and management. He aligns interests of all parties, has a unique ability to set legal and commercial priorities and is particularly keen on not losing deals for the wrong reasons.'

‘It has been great working with them and they have become a trusted advisor!'

‘Glenn L'hoëst is great - he is always able to guide us forward compared to other lawyers who often take a less collaborative approach.'