Cleary Gottlieb Deal Wins ‘Best Large Cap Private Equity Exit’ at 2025 Belgium M&A Awards

Cleary Gottlieb has been recognized for its role advising Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (CNP) in its strategic investment in and partnership with Equine Care Group (ECG) – winner of the Best Large Cap Private Equity Exit at the 2025 Belgium M&A Awards.

Founded in 2021 by leading equine veterinarians Dr. Tom Mariën and Dr. Frederik Bruyninx, Equine Care Group has rapidly grown into a pioneering force in interdisciplinary equine medicine. Treating over 50,000 horses annually and serving clients in more than 70 countries, ECG has redefined standards in equine healthcare.

CNP has joined Equine Care Group as a strategic partner to support its ambitious global expansion. Alongside ECG’s founders, veterinarians and Bencis, which are rolling over part of the proceeds of the transaction, CNP aims to strengthen the Group’s international position preserving its veterinarian-led model and shared mission of delivering world-class equine care.

Founded by late Mr. Albert Frère, the CNP group manages approximately €3 billion in net assets, invested through a diversified portfolio of global, sector-leading companies. Backed by a stable family shareholder base, the CNP group focuses on long-term value creation by actively partnering with the management teams of the companies in which it holds majority or leading shareholdings.

To learn more about the 2025 Belgium M&A Awards, click here.