Dealmakers Dialogues Amsterdam: Benelux M&A challenges and opportunities in 2024

Lena Lindlar is Head of M&A at Philips. She is responsible for M&A strategy, end-to-end deal-making and post-merger integration globally. In recent years, the Philips M&A team has successfully completed over 40 M&A transactions executing on the company’s inorganic growth strategy as a global leader in Health Technology and continuing to transform and focus its businesses.

Lena has over 15 years of international experience in strategy, business development and M&A and a strong track record in originating and executing M&A deals and managing strategic projects in various industries and geographies. Prior to her current role, she worked at global biopharmaceutical leader Sanofi and at family-owned pharma company Boehringer Ingelheim. She started her career in investment banking at Dresdner Kleinwort in London.

Lena has an MBA from ESSEC Business School in Paris and holds a Major in Accounting and Auditing, Banking and Finance from the University of Mannheim.

Stephanie Horowitz is Partner within Clifford Chance's global Corporate and M&A practice in Amsterdam. Stephanie specialises in corporate law with a focus on public and private M&A and joint ventures, including public offers, buy-side acquisitions, sell-side divestments and strategic combinations. She has a strong track record of domestic and cross-border transactions, acting for a range of financial investors and corporate enterprises.

Since joining Clifford Chance in December 2021, Stephanie has led multidisciplinary and cross-jurisdictional teams on a broad range of prominent transactions on the Dutch market and beyond, including the recommended public offer for Accell Group, the acquisition of Blue Phoenix Group by InfraVia Capital Partners, a strategic investment in Esdec Solar Group by Blackstone, the acquisition of Eurofins Scientific's Digital Testing business by Stirling Square Capital Partners, the acquisition of HQ Group by NPM Capital, the intended acquisition of 4PS Group by Hilti Group and more. 

In recent years, Stephanie had the opportunity to contribute to leading publications and conferences, such as IJGlobal's ESG Report 2022, M&A Community and more.

Sergio Herrera is Managing Director at Rabobank M&A and has 20+ years experience in M&A and capital markets. Sergio is responsible for Energy & Infrastructure M&A with a focus on the Energy Transition. Sergio has been working with companies and financial investors across various sectors (e.g. Utilities, Renewables, Oil & Gas, Offshore Energy Services, Mobility/Transport & Logistics, and Waste/Circularity) in the Benelux and Europe. He previously worked at ING and MeesPierson.

Sergio has a Master in Business Administration for the Financial Sector from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.