Linklaters and Simmons & Simmons have both turned to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for new finance partner hires in Europe.

Belgium banking and capital markets partner Charles-Antoine Leunen will join Linklaters' Brussels finance practice on 1 August, where he will mainly focus on transactional, project and infrastructure finance, insolvency work and company and debt restructuring.

He previously headed Freshfields' finance practice in Belgium, and has worked at the firm since 1999, where he was made up to partner three years ago. He also spent four years of his stint in the magic circle firm's London infrastructure team. 

Linklaters global head of banking Gideon Moore commented: "[Leunen's] expertise and background will strengthen our capabilities both in Belgium and globally. With his expertise and experience in this area he will be a welcome addition to the team."

Elsewhere, Simmons has ramped up its Frankfurt office with the hire of former Freshfields finance counsel Wolfgang Kotzur, who is joining as a partner.

Kotzur's practice focuses on commercial and investment banking work and private equity including the financial aspects of acquisitions, infrastructure, real estate and restructuring.

The move marks the second recent magic circle hire for Simmons' Frankfurt office, after the firm recruited former Clifford Chance finance associate Robert Koller as a partner in May.