Michael Van Acker

Michael advises on international finance, with a particular focus on leveraged finance deals across a number of industries and asset types. He is also well accomplished in advising on financial restructurings. Michael has represented a wide range of lenders and private equity sponsors on the leveraging of domestic and cross-border buy-outs, real estate acquisitions, and property redevelopments, among others.

• Advised ING Belgium and KBC Bank as arrangers of the EUR141 million senior financing of the leveraged buy-out of Euronext-listed Xeikon by Bencis Capital Partners.
• Advised BNP Paribas Fortis as arranger in connection with the EUR2 billion financing of the design, construction and maintenance of 165 schools in the Flemish region.
• Advised ING Bank, ING Belgium, BNP Paribas Fortis and KBC Bank on the EUR90 million refinancing of the Studio 100 group.
• Advised IG Watteeuw International on the EUR210 million refinancing of the IG Watteeuw group, including the partial refinancing of the acquisition of the VCST group.
• Advised BNP Paribas Fortis as coordinator of a EUR400 million plus multicurrency revolving loan facility for Agfa-Gevaert.
• Advised KBC Bank as lead arranger of the EUR224 million financing of the redevelopment of the Rijksadministratief Centrum in Brussels.
• Advised Nyrstar in connection with the ca. EUR79 million forward sale of silver to finance the redevelopment of Nyrstar's plant in Port Pirie, Australia.

Michael has been mentioned consistently as a leading banking and finance lawyer in Belgium in publications such as International Tax Review, Chambers Global, Chambers Europe and The European Legal 500.

• 'According to clients, Michael Van Acker is "commercial and focuses on practicality", which has led him to be "well respected within the banking industry." His key areas of practice include syndicated loans, project finance and real estate finance.' (Chambers Global — 2018).

• 'Michael Van Acker is "doing an excellent job in terms of technical knowledge, effectiveness and client service," say clients. He has particular expertise in acquisition, project and property finance, as well as in syndicated loans. He has recently been advising ING Belgium as arranger on several leveraged buyouts.' (Chambers Global — 2017).

• '"Excellent work," says one client of the team at Baker McKenzie. "There was a high involvement from the responsible partner, who leads a well-trained team. They were proactive and input where relevant from other jurisdictions was done in a seamless way." Others praise the "fast and to the point advice" provided by the lawyers and the availability of key partners, saying the firm in general provides an "excellent service."' (IFLR 2015).

• European Association of Banking and Finance Lawyers - Member
• Vlaams Pleitgenootschap - Member
• Brussels Bar Association - Member