Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Competition: Belgian law

Competition and data protection boutique Faros was founded in September 2022 by a core of seasoned experts from contrast, including Frank Wijckmans, Maaike Visser, Emmelie Wijckmans and Karolien Francken.

Competition: Belgian law in Belgium

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman‘s longstanding expertise in domestic cartel defence, merger control and antitrust litigation work ensures that an impressive and growing roster of local and global market leaders – particularly those operating in the TMT sector – instructs the group. Recently, the team has also increasingly been advising on Belgian foreign direct investment rules, levering the strength of the firm’s public law department. Dirk Arts heads up the department, supported by a deep bench of specialised senior associates , including the newly promoted Nele De Backer.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dirk Arts


Autres avocats clés:

Charles Pommies; Eliana Paredis; Hannelore Wiame; Nele De Backer


Les références

‘Very capable team. Good knowledge and long-standing experience. Flexible thinking and to the point advice.’

‘Pleasant and quick way of working. Experienced and high availability.’

Principaux clients

BelOrta


Mediahuis


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising BelOrta on the envisaged acquisition of one of its key competitors, Belgische Fruitveiling.
  • Assisting Mediahuis with the merger control process related to the partial sale of its stake in Vlaanderen Eén, a joint venture between Mediahuis and the French media group NRJ, to telecoms operator Telenet.

contrast

As well as handling a plethora of complex cartel investigations and abuse of dominance cases, contrast is regularly instructed to act in interim measures cases before the Belgian Competition Authority. The firm has also carved out a niche for itself in high-level sports disputes where competition law issues are in issue. The core senior bench comprises founding partner Filip Tuytschaever, merger control expert Herlinde Burez, and newly promoted partner Sébastien Engelen.

Responsables de la pratique:

Filip Tuytschaever; Herlinde Burez; Sébastien Engelen


Autres avocats clés:

Stefanie Colaers; Benjamin Magnus


Les références

‘Very good legal experts that can combine legal advice with practical business needs. Very accessible and strong in communication. Would highly recommend contrast to others.’

‘Great lawyers. Keen sense of business. Strong in advice and communication.’

‘Highly knowledgable team with a strong interaction and the clear support of the founding partner (if needed).’

Principaux clients

Adriaenssens Management en Beheer Holding


Arvesta


AXA Belgium


Belgian Competition Authority


Belgian Ministry of Economy


Caudalie


CEBEO


Energetica Natura


FEBEV


Flemish Government


ING Belgium


Orange Belgium


Renault Trucks Belgium


Royal Excelsior Virton


The Football Forum


Volvo Car Belgium


Volvo Trucks Belgium


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as external legal counsel to the Belgian Competition Authority in the appeal introduced before the Brussels Market Court by four tobacco manufacturers (Philip Morris Benelux, British American Tobacco Belgium, Japan Tobacco International Company Netherlands, and Imperial Tobacco against a decision imposing fines of more than €36m.
  • Successfully represented Orange Belgium in an interim measures case and investigation brought by the Belgian Competition Authority into the strategic joint venture between Orange Belgium and Proximus for the roll-out of 5G in Belgium following a complaint by Telenet.
  • Representing the Belgian Ministry of Economy in the appeal procedure filed by Proximus with the Brussels Market Court against the €66m fine imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority on Proximus for abuse of dominance.

Covington & Burling LLP

At Covington & Burling LLP, the key senior contact for Belgian competition work is Johan Ysewyn, who also co-heads the firm’s global offering in this space and acts as managing partner of the Brussels office. Merger control filings, cartel investigations, monopolisation cases and other conduct investigations make up the team’s regular workload. Of counsels Carole Maczkovics and Melissa Van Schoorisse round out the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Johan Ysewyn


Autres avocats clés:

Carole Maczkovics; Melissa Van Schoorisse


Principaux clients

Carmeuse


PSA Antwerp/MPET


Belgian Government


advising DPG Media, the leading Belgian media group and publisher


active in Flanders, the Netherlands and Denmark, on the merger control aspects of its €250


million acquisition of the Belgian radio and television group RTL Belgium, active in Brussels


and Wallonia


Dexia Group


DPG Media NV


Fluxys Belgium SA


European Tissue Symposium


UCB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising DPG Media, a Belgian media group and publisher active in Flanders, the Netherlands and Denmark, on the merger control aspects of its €250m acquisition of the Belgian radio and television group RTL Belgium, active in Brussels and Wallonia.

Stibbe

The integrated antitrust litigation group at Stibbe is widely known for successfully representing a roster of notable clients before the Belgian Competition Authority, as well as regularly handling follow-on damages claims, and cases relating to illegal state aid. As well as its contentious excellence, the team is also noted for advising on merger control issues and joint ventures. Peter Wytinck and Sophie Van Besien are the key partner-level names to note. Counsel Quentin Declève joined from Van Bael & Bellis in January 2023, further boosting the team’s significant litigious strength.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Wytinck; Sophie Van Besien


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Ruys; Quentin Declève


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting in the elevator cartel case, including handling one procedure which has been referred to the Court of Justice.
  • Representing a key player from the tobacco industry in appeals against the Dutch and Belgian Competition Authorities’ decisions to fine four major cigarette manufacturers.
  • Advised a major Belgian roadside assistance company on its internal restructuring and the subsequent sale of its business to AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Fortis.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

The team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has significant experience representing public and private companies before the Belgian Competition Authority and in competition-related litigation before the Brussels Court of Appeal and local commercial courts. Merger control proceedings are another key area of specialism for the firm, with key senior practitioners including Nicholas Levy – who splits his time between the Brussels and London offices – and Robbert Snelders standing out for their expertise in this field. In April 2022, the practice was further strengthened by the arrival of Isabel Rooms from Linklaters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicholas Levy; Robbert Snelders


Autres avocats clés:

Isabel Rooms; Dirk Vandermeersch


Les références

‘Excellent collaboration.’

Principaux clients

Philip Morris International


bpost


VOO


Nethys


NV Roche SA


Exide Technologies


Henkel


JCDecaux


Petercam


American Express


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Nethys on the proposed acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange.
  • Representing Philip Morris International in a Belgian Competition Authority investigation into the indirect exchange of information.

CMS

Between them, CMS‘ senior practitioners Annabelle Lepièce and Dirk Van Liedekerke provide both breadth of expertise and clear industry focus, with the former standing out for her knowledge of state aid work in the aviation sector, while the latter is widely recognised for his expertise at the intersection of competition and telecoms law. Antitrust cases, merger control proceedings, cartel investigations, and issues relating to foreign direct investments are also capably handled by the wider team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Annabelle Lepièce; Dirk Van Liedekerke


Autres avocats clés:

Romain Alderweireldt; Marguerite Soete


Principaux clients

Walloon Region


Moderna


Thalys


European Industrial Gas Association (EIGA)


Horeca Totaal


Proximus


FIFA / Diarra


Belgian Federal State


Interreg


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted several Walloon public entities with assessment and notification of aid schemes in support of renewable energy, decarbonation, climate and environment protection.
  • Advised Moderna on the distribution of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine by Medison in more than 20 countries in Central Eastern Europe and Israel and all related competition law issues.
  • Representing Proximus in investigations regarding the RAN-sharing mobile network agreement that it concluded with Orange Belgium.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring is best known for handling competition law issues for notable clients operating in the telecoms and media industries, including representing such household names before the Belgian Competition Authority and the Market Court. Thomas De Meese and Karel Bourgeois lead on the key mandates; between them, their regular practices span foreign direct investment screening, the regulation of state aid and subsidies, advice on distribution issues, and provision of antitrust compliance programmes. In May 2023, counsel Benjamin Geisel joined from A&O Shearman.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas De Meese; Karel Bourgeois


Autres avocats clés:

Karl Stas; Marieke Van Nieuwenborgh; Benjamin Geisel


Les références

‘I work with Thomas De Meese and Marieke Van Nieuwenborgh. Both are exceptionally skilled. Good industry knowledge, their legal knowledge is second to none. Advice is hands-on and pragmatic. They think with the client for workable solutions.’

‘Thomas De Meese is one of the best competition lawyers I have worked with in telecoms and media.’

‘Very strong, experienced and pragmatic team.’

Principaux clients

Sandoz


AT&T


Liberty Global


Ahold Delhaize


The Flemish Government


Renewi


Telenet


IPM Group


PPTA (Protein Plasma Therapeutics Association)


Harmony Industries


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Renewi, a major waste-to-product company, in a state aid investigation initiated by the European Commission.
  • Representing The Federation of Music Festivals in Flanders (FMiV) in proceedings against SABAM related to the collective management organisation’s royalty rates and the methods for calculating the royalties due by festival organisers.
  • Represented IPM, a diversified Belgian media group, as a third party-intervener before the Belgian Competition Authority in a merger control procedure concerning the acquisition of Belgian commercial TV broadcaster RTL Belgium by DPG Media and Rossel.

Deprevernet

Under the leadership of Grégoire Ryelandt, Deprevernet maintains its stellar reputation for abuse of dominance cases. The team also continues to stand out as an advisor of choice for day-to-day competition law issues for major names from the gamut of industry sectors; founding partner Evrard De Lophem is particularly active on behalf of TMT clients. In addition, the group is regularly instructed by the Belgian Competition Authority to represent it in appeals of its decisions before the Market Court.

Responsables de la pratique:

Grégoire Ryelandt


Autres avocats clés:

Evrard de Lophem; Jasper De fauw


Les références

‘A dedicated team that is easily approachable and that provides high-quality advice with a quick turnaround for reasonable fees.’

‘Grégoire Ryelandt is always available for any small and big question and will make the extra effort to understand the specific context of each question, which is reflected in his straightforward and pragmatic approach to any legal advice.’

‘Gregoire Ryelandt is very efficient, pragmatic and a real expert in his field.’

Principaux clients

Belgian Competition Authority


LitFin


Institut belge des postes et télécommunications


gaia-x


Henkel Benelux


Ministry of Economy


Cosmetics Europe


Alcopa


Walloon Region


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing the Belgian telecoms regulator in various proceedings to oppose the planned acquisition of EDPNET by the Belgian incumbent Proximus.
  • Advising the Belgian Competition Authority on appeals launched against the decision authorising the acquisition of RTL BELGIUM by DPG and ROSSE.
  • Assisting the Belgian State with state aid aspects of the concession for the distribution of newspapers and magazines.

Jones Day

The team at Jones Day leverages the strength of its deep senior bench to expertly handle major Belgian-level merger proceedings, abuse of dominance cases, state aid issues, and follow-on litigation, including acting in proceedings before domestic courts and administrative bodies. Bernard Amory, who co-leads the firm’s global antitrust and competition practice, and Alexandre Verheyden, who oversees the Brussels office, both have significant experience in transatlantic merger and cartel work. Other key contacts in the practice include Laurent De Muyter and Yvan Desmedt.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bernard Amory; Alexandre Verheyden


Autres avocats clés:

Laurent De Muyter; Yvan Desmedt; Serge Clerckx; Charlotte Breuvart; Geoffroy van de Walle; Laurence Van Mullem


Les références

‘Alexandre Verheyden is knowledgeable, available, nice, pragmatic and business minded.’

‘Highly skilled people, very open communication.’

‘Charlotte Breuvart is an outstanding lawyer. Besides an in-depth knowledge in competition law, she is also very business-oriented and very flexible.’

Principaux clients

bpost


BT


ECS Corporate


Fluxys


iSTAR Medical


Luminus (subsidiary of EDF)


Mastercard


Mestdagh (subsidiary of Fidagh)


Solvay S.A.


Suez R&R Belgium


Telenet / Liberty Global


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented Carrefour and secured a ruling which rejected an attempt to challenge the Belgian Competition Authority’s clearance of Fidagh’s sale of Mestdagh to French company Groupement Les Mousquetaires/Intermarché on behalf of Fidagh.
  • Successfully represented Newpharma in a case before the Belgian Competition Authority, which issued a decision to impose the maximum fine against beauty products manufacturer Caudalie in relation to Caudalie’s illegal imposition of the sale price of its online products.
  • Advised iStar Medical on its strategic alliance with AbbVie.

Liedekerke

Liedekerke‘s capabilities span the gamut of contentious and advisory competition matters, including merger control cases, dawn raids, cartel investigations, and compliance programs. Ex-President of the Belgian Competition Authority Stefaan Raes and former in-house counsel Vincent Mussche bring their specific experiences to the team, allowing the firm to leverage a range of viewpoints. Recently, clients have been increasingly reliant on the department to assist with navigating through the Belgian foreign direct investment screening regime.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stefaan Raes


Autres avocats clés:

Vincent Mussche


Les références

‘Available, very hands-on.’

‘I appreciate their deep expertise in Belgian competition law.’

‘Vincent Mussche has exceptional understanding/expertise in competition law. Strong dedication to clients, making himself available at short notice.’

Principaux clients

MWingz (JV Proximus – Orange Belgium)


AG Insurance


Sligro Food


UBER


Philip Morris Benelux


IQVIA


Jean-Paul Van Avermaet


APEAL


Mundipharma


ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)


AEG Belgium (Vinci Group), presently called TRANZCOM


BNP Paribas Fortis


Brussels Airlines (Lufthansa)


Proximus


Provera (Cora – Louis Delhaize)


Veolia


Domo


DP World (Antwerp Gateway)


Welcoop


Boehringer Ingelheim


Motz-Computer


Deister Electronic GmbH


Gantner Pigeon Systems GmbH


Ruter EPV-Systeme GmbH


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Proximus in abuse of dominance proceedings initiated by the Belgian Competition Authority against the client’s acquisition of Edpnet.
  • Successfully advised Sligro Food Group on the acquisition of nine Metro cash & carries, including representation in merger control proceedings before the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Successfully acted on behalf of AG Insurance before the Belgian Competition Authority regarding the acquisition of Touring.

Quinz

Household names across the gamut of industry sectors continue to instruct Quinz, relying on the firm’s proficiency in both handling contentious antitrust mandates and advising on commercial strategies in the competition field. Experienced litigator Wim De Meester was promoted to partner in January 2023, shoring up the team’s capabilities in that space. The arrival of counsel Nathalie Smuha from Jones Day in November 2022 further developed the group’s abilities around the regulation of digital technology, already an area of considerable strength.

Responsables de la pratique:

Wim De Meester


Autres avocats clés:

Miranda Van Limpt; Nathalie Smuha


Les références

‘Available, to the point, pragmatic and “readable” advice, top expert knowledge.’

‘The lawyers are easily accessible. Very good preparation of the case with sufficient consultation moments with the client.’

‘Promising young team with good cohesion and prepared to go to the extra mile.’

Principaux clients

Alvo


European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF)


BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity


Tony Rus Activities


Stephenson Harwood LLP


Veepee


Royal Belgian Pigeon Association


Spadel


AG Insurance


KBC


Nu Skin International


Ghelamco


Johnson & Johnson


BNP Paribas Fortis


Roche


Recordati Group


Pharma.be


Febelco


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Roche in an investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority involving alleged anticompetitive practices towards biosimilars entering the Belgian market.
  • Represented Febelco in a cartel investigation launched by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Representing the Royal Belgian Pigeon Federation in proceedings before the Belgian Competition Authority.

Strelia

With a particular focus on highly regulated sectors – including energy, insurance, retail, telecoms and transport – Strelia regularly appears before the Belgian Competition Authority on merger clearance cases, as well as handling notifications and third-party interventions. The team is also well known for litigating damage actions resulting from anti-competitive practices and regulatory infringements before domestic courts. Pierre Goffinet leads on much of the work, supported by counsel Laure Bersou and associate Mediona Shehu.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pierre Goffinet


Autres avocats clés:

Laure Bersou; Mediona Shehu


Les références

‘Availability and knowledge of the subject.’

‘Extensive experience in competition law, including within the Belgian Competition Authority.’

‘Pierre Goffinet is a standout performer and a pleasure to co-operate with. He has a great willingness to dive deep into complex matters and to work on very short notice.’

Principaux clients

Carrefour Belgium


Orange Belgium


Sogenam


Ethias


Lineas


CarASAP (D’Ieteren)


Herta


Cono Kaasmakers


City of Brussels


One Square Advisors


Pro League


Hector Cue Sports Belgium (GDM Sports)


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Carrefour Belgium in litigation against the Belgian Competition Authority, supported by Intermarché Alimentaire and Fidagh, concerning the decision adopted by the Belgian Competition Authority to approve the acquisition of Mestdagh by Intermarché Alimentaire.
  • Representing Orange Belgium in litigation against Coditel (Telenet) concerning access to the television cable-network.
  • Advising Pro League, the association of professional Belgian football clubs, on the allocation system of TV rights.

Van Bael & Bellis

Regularly appearing before the Belgian Competition Authority and national courts, Van Bael & Bellis fields a specialised team which is well placed to handle merger control cases, abuse of dominance investigations, and distribution issues. The firm is particularly well regarded for its strength in the healthcare and life sciences industries, with practice head Peter L’Ecluse providing key expertise in these fields. Kris Van Hove is the group’s damages litigation specialist, and is instrumental both in handling such mandates locally, and co-ordinating the response across Europe.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter L’Ecluse


Autres avocats clés:

Kris Van Hove; Koen T’Syen; Valérie Lefever


Les références

‘This practice is very business oriented and understands the company’s needs when dealing with antitrust matters which are critical to move forward strategies.’

‘Individuals are very up to date with legislation and easily accessible.’

Principaux clients

Ads & Data


Allianz


Coca-Cola Europacific Partners


DAF


GlaxoSmithKline plc


Haleon (spin-off containing the former consumer health business of GlaxoSmithKline)


pharma.be


Safran Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented advertising management agency Ads & Data in its challenge of the acquisition of RTL Belgium by DPG Media and Rossel Group before the Belgian Competition Authority and the Markets Court.
  • Representing the DAF group and Paccar group companies in all their damage claims which are being raised in Belgium following on from the Commission’s settlement decision in Trucks.
  • Represented Sopra Steria before the Belgian Competition Authority on its acquisition of Assua.

ALTIUS

Merger control forms the core of the practice at ALTIUS; the firm is skilled in clearances from the Belgian Competition Authority, as well as co-ordinating filings. Recently, the team has also seen a dramatic increase in antitrust damages litigations cases, which are fast becoming an area of specialism. Carmen Verdonck oversees the department, working closely with recently promoted counsel Beatrijs Gielen, for whom IP-related competition law issues are a particular strength.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carmen Verdonck


Autres avocats clés:

Beatrijs Gielen; Nina Methens


Les références

‘Carmen Verdonck is very knowledgeable and is involved in top cases.’

‘Beatrijs Gielen is very approachable and works quickly. She clearly knows her stuff.’

‘Carmen Verdonck and her team and very knowledgeable, extremely responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Their advice is concise and business-oriented.’

Principaux clients

Campine


Siemens


Flemish Government (Agentschap Natuur & Bos)


Indufin


Beiersdorf


PACE


Citymesh (Cegeka group)


Fost Plus


Bolton


Henco


Bricon


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Campine in proceedings before the General Court and the Court of Justice regarding a fine imposed by the Commission and the Commission’s refusal to pay interest on the amount of the fine which was provisionally paid by Campine and thereafter partially annulled by the General Court.
  • Representing private investment fund Indufin Investment Fund in merger clearance proceedings relating to its acquisition of joint control – together with BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity Belgium, Jan Penne and Frans Penne – in the PENNE GROUP.
  • Advising Citymesh on all competition law issues relating to its entry onto the Belgian telecoms market and the roll-out of its 5G network, as well as representing it in the appeal against Proximus’ acquisition of EDPNET and its intervention in the case launched by the Belgian competition prosecutor against Proximus regarding this acquisition.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP‘s team is valued by clients for its experience in both restrictive practices and merger control cases; both of these areas are key focuses for highly regarded practitioner Annick VroninksDenis Fosselard, who is dual qualified in both Brussels and Rome, is a particular expert in state aid and behavioural matters. In September 2022, Esther Kelly joined the firm from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, bringing additional strength in abuse of dominance work to the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Denis Fosselard


Autres avocats clés:

Denis Waelbroeck; Annick Vroninks; Esther Kelly


Principaux clients

Imperial Brands


P&O Ferries


UEFA


Unilabs


FIFA


RTBF


New Yorker Jeans


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Imperial Brands in an appeal procedure against an infringement decision before the Belgian Market Court, following fines imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority on the four main cigarette manufacturers in a restrictive practices case.
  • Representing a ferry operator before the Belgian Courts regarding service charges which are challenged under competition law and internal market rules.
  • Assisting Unilabs with the notification of a direct competitor in the field of laboratory diagnostics.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Under the leadership of Kurt Haegeman, who is particularly noted for his work in the consumer goods and retail industries, the team at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL expertly handles domestic merger control cases, provides general compliance advice, and represents clients in relevant litigation. Recently, the firm has also been growing its investigations expertise. Counsel Bram Hoorelbeke is another key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kurt Haegeman


Autres avocats clés:

Bram Hoorelbeke


Principaux clients

Allianz


Ansell


Bâloise Belgium


Barco


Bayer


Biogen


Carglass


Cobelfret


Danone


Emerson


Galapagos


Google


HP


Levi Strauss Europe


L’Oreal


Mercedes Benz


Methanex Europe


Merck


Nike


Philips


Pioneer Europe


Samsonite Europe


Unilever Belgium


VPK


VF Europe


Zespri


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented HP before the Belgian Competition Authority and Belgian courts in an investigation and a request for interim measures alleging abuse of dominance.
  • Represented the Pharmaceutical Wholesale Cartel in the Belgian Competition Authority’s investigation into the pharmaceutical wholesale sector.
  • Advised Mercedes Benz on the reorganisation of its distribution system, including the divestiture of several of its owned and operated workshops and dealerships to multiple acquirers.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird offers clients from a range of heavily-regulated industries expertise in both competition and trade law, and is consquently increasingly instructed to advise on foreign subsidies and foreign direct investment control mechanisms. Cartel investigations are another rapidly growing area, while advice on distribution, online sale and geo-blocking issues also continues to keep the group busy. José Rivas and Hein Hobbelen are the key senior names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

José Rivas; Hein Hobbelen


Les références

‘Bird & Bird is one of the best law firms that I have worked with. They provide comprehensive and tailor-made legal opinions in a timely manner.’

‘Whenever I need legal assistance José Rivas is the person that I call at first instance. I respect his great expertise and work ethic.’

‘We have worked and continue to work with Bird & Bird in a very large strategic competition matter. We have been impressed with the work of the Bird & Bird team which is highly knowledgeable and provides business focused, succinct advice in a very timely manner.

Principaux clients

Securitas


RTBF


Boehringer Ingelheim


Arçelik


EG


NRB


ACE


CLEPA


CLECAT


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Securitas in a cartel investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Advised NRB on the notification of its acquisition of NeWIN to the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Represented the generic medicines manufacturer EG, as an interested third party, in an investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority into an alleged cartel in the sector for the distribution of pharmaceutical products to pharmacies.

Eubelius

Private and public sector clients alike turn to the experienced team at Eubelius to handle cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, as well as the gamut of transactional work. The firm is regularly instructed to act in disputed matters, including appeals against decisions and fines before the Brussels Court of Appeal. Jan Bocken has a strong focus on the regulated industries, particularly public transport and mobility, telecoms and energy. Hans Gilliams  is noted for his state aid expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jan Bocken


Autres avocats clés:

Hans Gilliams; Kim Gillade


Les références

‘Their hands-on and business-minded approach, combined with excellent technical legal skills, allows you to navigate the pitfalls whilst preserving the business logic. Theoretical advice when needed, practical advice where possible. Good value for money.’

‘Relatively small team, but with the knowledge you need, and with excellent availability. Good communicators, both internally and externally.’

Principaux clients

bpost


Belgian “Excess Profit Rulings” scheme


Vinventions


Dow Silicones


Asco Industries


Batopin


EPI Interim Company


TUI Belgium


Régie Média Belge


Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Port Authority)


AGEAS


Delhaize


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing bpost in its opposition against a large fine imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Advising Batopin – a joint venture comprising four major Belgian banks which is in the process of designing, building and operating a new nationwide ATM network – on a probe conducted by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Assisting the Belgian State with the life extension of nuclear power plants in Belgium and with obtaining state aid clearance.

Linklaters

The practice at Linklaters is split between merger control and behavioural matters, with the team regularly appearing before the Belgian Competition Authority and domestic courts of all levels. Bernd Meyring, who is known for his expertise in anti-cartel proceedings, and counsel Lodewick Prompers, who has oversight of work in the Benelux region, jointly head up the department. Liliane Gam is another key senior contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bernd Meyring


Autres avocats clés:

Liliane Gam; Lodewick Prompers


Les références

‘The team was of great quality and was on top of things. The team was up to the task and targeted the right issues without overinvesting ressources. They were also able to translate the questions into easy to manage workstreams.’

‘Bernd Meyring was leading the team by setting the right focus and cutting down to the essence.’

‘Liliane Gam provided the pragmatic approach needed to speed up the process but had sufficient attention for the details.’

Principaux clients

Novartis


Pharma Belgium-Belmedis (McKesson)


Les Mousquetaires – Itermarché (ITM)


RTL Group


Verlinvest S.A.


Virya Energy NV


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Pharma Belgium-Belmedis in an antitrust investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority against pharmaceutical wholesalers.
  • Advised RTL Group on the competition aspects of the sale of RTL Belgium.
  • Represented Novartis in an antitrust investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority into an alleged unilateral abuse of a collective dominant position.

McDermott Will & Emery Belgium LLP

McDermott Will & Emery Belgium LLP is well known for successfully obtaining merger clearances, as well as defending clients in cartel investigations. State aid work is another stalwart for the team. The key contact for domestic competition work at the firm is Hendrik Viaene, who has particularly strength in the financial services, chemicals, construction, technology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hendrik Viaene


Les références

‘Profound knowledge on competition matters.’

‘Specific appreciation for Hendrik Viaene who has profound insights in competition matters.’

Principaux clients

Ardian


Soudal


Esko Graphics (part of Danaher Corporation)


Akzo Nobel


PMV (Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen)


University Hospital Gent


CHEP (Brambles Group)


Eurofiber


Belgian State


Finance & Invest Brussels


Invest-NL


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Ghent University Hospital in a cartel and abuse of dominance investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority in relation to certain pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of particular types of cancer.
  • Representing Soudal in a state aid investigation.
  • Assisting Ardian with obtaining merger control clearance from the Belgian Competition Authority for the acquisition of Belgian PPE distributor Vandeputte Group by its portfolio company RG Safety.