The Brussels Legal Scene Just Got a Jolt: M&A Maestro Aubry Daerden Brings His Might to Crowell & Moring

In a significant – and dare I say, rather strategic – development shaking up the Brussels legal scene, Aubry Daerden, a name synonymous with high-stakes M&A, has officially joined Crowell & Moring. It’s a move that, frankly, speaks volumes about the firm’s ambitions, especially when it comes to beefing up their European corporate and litigation muscle. A real power play, you could call it.

But let's be clear: this isn't just another lawyer changing firms. Daerden, you see, comes with an impressive track record, particularly in those knotty, cross-border corporate transactions and private equity deals that so often define today's global market. He’s the kind of legal mind that clients in highly regulated sectors — think energy, infrastructure, financial services, even tech and automotive — genuinely seek out, given his nuanced understanding of their complex worlds.

Kris De Schutter, one of Crowell & Moring's Brussels Co-Managing Partners, couldn’t be more enthusiastic, describing Daerden as a "tremendous addition" who's poised to significantly deepen the firm's M&A expertise. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. His extensive experience at EY Law, where he notably led their corporate M&A practice in Belgium, means he's bringing a wealth of leadership and practical knowledge to his new role as a partner in both the Corporate and Litigation groups.

Thomas A. G. Graham, who chairs Crowell & Moring's Corporate Group, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Daerden’s specialized focus on private equity and cross-border transactions as absolutely key to supporting the firm's clients in Europe and, truly, far beyond. It’s all about serving those multinational companies and sophisticated investment funds who are, let's face it, navigating an ever-more intricate global M&A landscape. Sometimes it feels like a maze, right?

As for Daerden himself? He expressed genuine excitement about contributing to a firm renowned for its global reach and its "seamless integration" of corporate and litigation advice. He specifically mentioned the firm's dedication to its clients – a trait, I might add, that often sets the truly great firms apart. He sees a real opportunity to expand Crowell & Moring’s already formidable M&A practice, particularly when it comes to guiding clients through their most sophisticated and, well, often trickiest deals.

Indeed, Crowell & Moring has been on something of a growth trajectory lately, quietly yet confidently expanding its European footprint. This latest appointment, for once, really solidifies that strategic push, ensuring their Brussels office remains a crucial hub for handling complex, often high-stakes, corporate and commercial litigation matters. It’s a move that doesn’t just fill a gap; it amplifies an existing strength, signaling a clear intent to remain a significant player in the competitive European legal arena. And that, you could say, is good news for anyone looking for top-tier M&A counsel.