M&A Conference

15th M&A International Lawyers Conference

From September 18 to 20, 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting the 15th M&A International Lawyers Conference by RWP Consult GmbH in Düsseldorf.

Around 70 lawyers from across the world accepted our invitation, including participants from Brazil, the United States and numerous European countries. Over the course of three days, the conference focused on current developments in the M&A sector, engaging presentations and, above all, the opportunity for personal and international exchange.

Friday

The conference kicked off on Friday with a presentation by Mr. Rafal Siemieniec (MFW Fialek, Poland) entitled “Capital Across Borders – Navigating Investment in Poland”.

This was followed by Dr. Christian Temmel (KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Austria), who provided interesting insights into “The Development of the EU ESG Reporting Regime”.

After a short coffee and cake break, Mr. Duncan Kay (Boyes Turner LLP, United Kingdom) shared valuable insights into “Recent Negotiation Deal Trends in the UK”.

The first day of the conference concluded with a presentation by our partner Dr. Andreas Lachmann on “Distressed M&A: Risks and Opportunities”.

Following this engaging day, we rounded off the evening with a reception featuring culinary delights and musical accompaniment by a string duo.

Saturday

Saturday began with an engaging panel discussion on “Navigating Venture and Growth Capital-Backed M&A Transactions”, which was moderated by Ms. Nadine Kley and gave Mr. Howard Watt (Fladgate, United Kingdom), Mr. Grzegorz Pobozniak (kkg legal, Poland) and Ms. Carly Gulliver (Addleshaw Goddard LLP, United Kingdom) the opportunity to discuss current issues and developments in this area.

Following the panel discussion, Mr. Josep Enrich (Bartolome & Briones, Spain) provided an overview of “Middle Market M&A: Hot Topics and Recent Trends”.

At lunchtime, a flying buffet provided an opportunity to continue the conversations in a relaxed atmosphere and exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world.

After lunch, Ms. Nuria Garcia Puigpelat (AVQ Legal SLP, Spain) presented on “Investment and Shareholders Agreements pursuant to Spanish Law”, offering valuable insights into Spanish legal practice.

The conference programme concluded with a joint presentation by Mr. Philippe Billiet (Billiet & Co., Belgium) and Mr. Louis Van Oostenryck (FLINN Law, Belgium) entitled “Is There a Strong Negotiator in the Room? About Tactics and Psychological Aspects of Negotiation”. Their interactive and entertaining presentation captivated the participants and provided a memorable conclusion to the professional programme.

In the evening, the conference came to an end with a dinner at Schlosshotel Hugenpoet. Over good food and drinks, and with plenty of engaging conversations, there was another opportunity to connect personally and reflect on two eventful conference days.

Sunday: Düsseldorf to Round Things Off

For those participants whose travel plans allowed them to stay until Sunday, the conference concluded with a guided walking tour through Düsseldorf’s historic Old Town. Over coffee and cake at Café “Laterne im Schlossturm”, the conference came to a relaxed and enjoyable close.

We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions, open exchange and the many interesting and personal conversations. The international diversity and the wide range of perspectives once again made this year’s M&A Conference a truly special event.

The M&A Conference, hosted by RWP Consult GmbH, has by now become a well-established tradition at RWP, and we are already looking forward to continuing it next year.

The next M&A Conference will take place in Prague in 2027 – we are looking forward to seeing you there!