Belgian takeover market enjoys standout year

Belgium’s mergers and acquisitions market has had an exceptional year, with deals worth more than €46 billion involving a Belgian buyer, seller or target. It is the highest total since 2015 and one of the strongest years on record, newspaper De Tijd reports.

The surge was driven by a record number of billion-euro deals. In 2025, at least ten transactions in Belgium were worth more than €1 billion, an all-time high.

The biggest deal was the takeover of frozen chips producer Clarebout by US rival Simplot, valued at at least €3.5 billion. The sale led to protests by unions, who demanded a bonus for the company’s 3,000 staff. Other major deals included the Flemish government buying a stake in Brussels Airport, Ageas completing two large acquisitions, and shipping group CMB.Tech merging with Norway’s Golden Ocean to create the world’s largest dry bulk carrier.

The strong Belgian year mirrored a global boom in large takeovers, especially in technology. Worldwide deal value reached over 4.8 trillion dollars, making 2025 one of the biggest years ever for mergers and acquisitions.

Looking ahead to 2026, several major deals are already expected in Belgium, including the federal government’s planned sale of a 20% stake in Belfius and possible changes at Carrefour Belgium.

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