David Theys joins new Antwerp office of Houlihan Lokey

Global investment bank and corporate finance consultancy Houlihan Lokey has bolstered its senior team in Belgium with David Theys.

Appointed a Managing Director, Theys brings with more than 25 years of investment banking and dealmaking experience to Houlihan Lokey. He is based in the firm’s newly opened Antwerp office and will have a focus on the Belgian and wider Benelux market.

“Houlihan Lokey is a proven leader in mid-cap mergers & acquisitions. I look forward to working with all colleagues across the firm to help our clients continue to grow and thrive,” said Theys on his new role.

Theys joins Houlihan Lokey from Nielen Schuman, where he spent five years leading the Belgian operations of the Dutch corporate finance boutique. Before that, he was a partner at Clairfield, and spent 17 years working for investment banks such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.

Houlihan Lokey has been present in the Benelux since opening its Amsterdam office in 2015. Since its inception, the firm has advised on more than 60 transactions in the Benelux. With the fresh Belgian operation now up and running, Houlihan Lokey aims to expand its local presence in the country.

“We are proud to have established one of the most successful Corporate Finance practices in the Benelux region, and with David’s knowledge, we will be even better positioned to support our clients in the Belgian market,” said Rob Oudman, who leads Houlihan Lokey’s Benelux team.

“David has advised both financial sponsor and corporate clients on a wide range of transactions during his career. I am confident that his arrival will be of tremendous benefit to our clients and colleagues alike.”

Matteo Manfredi, European Co-Head of Corporate Finance at Houlihan Lokey, added: “The opening of our office in Antwerp and David’s appointment underscores our commitment to clients in the region.”

According to data by Refinitiv, Houlihan Lokey is the world’s most active dealmaker in the mid-cap segment by deal volume (transactions under $1 billion in the tiers used by Refinitiv). The company has offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.