Firms To Watch: Tax

Fieldfisher continues to grow its tax practice under the guidance of Geoffroy Galéa, whose broad-ranging expertise lies in both direct and indirect taxation matters. The team advises domestic and international clients in complex international tax issues, management incentive plans, and cross-border transactions and restructurings.
Tax advisory, wealth planning, and tax litigation are the three pillars of Simont Braun, which under Thomas Gernay and Guillaume Delfosse provides clients with an integrated service across corporate and international tax law related especially to corporate M&A, real estate, and fintech.

Firms in the Spotlight Tax

Lauwers Law

Lauwers Law logo

Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

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Tax in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

A major heavyweight in the field of financial and transactional tax, Allen & Overy LLP also handles a variety of matters across tax litigation, private equity, and increasingly energy taxation. Household names in the banking and finance sector in particular seek out the team, which, under the leadership of Patrick Smet, is highly regarded in tax dispute resolution, investigations and administrative controversies. Isabelle Panis, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, enjoys a transactions-centred practice encompassing leveraged financing, restructurings, and private equity deals. Sara Husain offers support on both direct and indirect taxes, with a focus on M&A and capital markets.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Smet


Other key lawyers:

Isabelle Panis; Sara Husain


Testimonials

‘Great litigation team. Wide knowledge of the practice (both the procedural aspects and the technical matters). Very updated on the latest rulings by courts. It is also worth highlighting their capacity to understand the client’s concerns and to transfer this to the appeal. ’

‘Massive industry knowledge in Belgium tax cases from a litigation perspective. Also very commercial in an M&A context.’

‘Patrick Smet was brilliant on a recent M&A transaction with very difficult counterparties.’

Key clients

Ackermans & van Haaren/Manuchar


DEME / CFE


House of HR


Liberty Global


CVC Capital


Robeco


Frontline


Lone Star


Energa Brussels / E.ON Energy Projects


Randstad Groep


Work highlights


Arteo

A three-pronged approach targeting full-spectrum tax services, wealth and estate planning, and Supreme Court procedures characterises the practice of boutique firm Arteo, whose tax team demonstrates particular aptitude in M&A, finance, and real estate transactions. Practice head Daniel Garabedian is a reference in the field, well-regarded in tax litigation and legislative drafting. Corporate specialist Jean-Michel Degée focuses on reorganisations, tax planning, and remunerations, while An Weyn serves as the primary point of contact for private clients. Steven PeetersXavier Pace and Emilie Maes are well-versed in transactional tax and tax disputes.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Garabedian


Other key lawyers:

Jean-Michel Degée; An Weyn; Steven Peeters; Pierre-Olivier van Caubergh; Xavier Pace; Emilie Maes; Charlotte Bihain


Testimonials

‘The Arteo team includes for sure the most brilliant tax lawyers in Belgium. Arteo delivers exceptional and to-the-point legal work, the team is on top of that responsive and able to think out of the box.’

‘Daniel Garabedian is probably the best and most regarded tax lawyer in Belgium. He is exceptional in handling and solving highly complex tax matters.’

‘Arteo is unique by proposing services by very high skilled and trained tax lawyers. They are able to share, present and defend very technical tax matters. I always appreciate the pedagogical approach they adopt in their presentation, which is a plus for all the stakeholders.’

‘Diversity and availability of the team enables clients to have a one-stop shopping approach when dealing with Arteo.’

‘Perfect alignment of the team members in the quality level of the deliverable. Partners with outstanding experience and network to facilitate the achievements.’

‘Very strategic team that thinks through all the various considerations. Clearly, the technical considerations are deeply thought through, but also how to appropriately engage and communicate with the judge given experience and expertise.’

‘Very accessible, very thoughtful and very strategic.’

‘Arteo is a tax boutique firm, meaning that their expertise solely covers tax aspects. For tax matters, this gives them an advantage compared to more general law firms. In addition, for me Arteo is known for their client centricity, their availability, their pragmatic approach and the fact that they think together with the client and dare to propose alternative solutions.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a Belgian listed real estate investment trust with the tax aspects regarding its delisting and conversion following a take-over bid, and obtained tax rulings in that context.
  • Assisted a multinational group with an in-depth audit regarding intragroup financing arrangements and corporate restructurings.
  • Assisted a Belgian headquartered cloud communication group with the tax aspects of a (re)financing with different foreign debt funds, the structuring of the funding and the on-lending of the funds, and obtaining a landmark ruling confirming the exemption of Belgian withholding tax and absence of tax abuse.

Linklaters

Making full use of both its international network and the close collaboration within internal teams, Linklaters‘s tax practice is a safe port of call for financial institutions, corporations, investment funds and regulators for assistance with the key areas of tax advisory and planning, tax and VAT disputes, and transactional advice. Leading tax authority Henk Vanhulle heads the team, bolstering a distinct track record in R&D tax incentives with broad experience in corporate M&A, capital markets, finance and real estate transactional tax. Guido De Wit is the house VAT expert, while Caroline Borgers excels in corporate tax and tax litigation. Matthieu Possoz, who was promoted to counsel in May 2023, covers tax structuring, private equity, and real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Henk Vanhulle


Other key lawyers:

Guido De Wit; Caroline Borgers; Matthieu Possoz


Testimonials

‘I’m glad to work with the Linklaters practice all around Europe, including the Belgian team, as I know I’ll have a great service and follow-up, so I don’t miss any aspects of a transaction, for example.’

‘I particularly appreciate working with Caroline Borgers, who is a significant asset to the Belgian tax practice of Linklaters. Her availability and wide knowledge is very much appreciated.’

‘The team is very well established in the Belgian market. They have capabilities covering the whole range of tax topics, from VAT to corporate income tax. They also work very closely with the other departments of the firm (notably the corporate and the real estate practice) which makes them a fully integrated tax practice, ready to work on large M&A transactions.’

‘Matthieu Possoz’s practice is really broad (both direct and indirect taxation). He has a deep understanding of the market, and his track record is impressive. He also covers the full range of tax topics, which is very rare and a serious asset in the Belgian market.’

Key clients

Johnson & Johnson


P&V


Engie


Ahold Delhaize


McDonalds


Belfius


Ageas, AG Insurance, AG Real Estate


Solvay


Waterland Private Equity


Barclays


AXA


BNP Paribas


Arcelor Mittal


Elia


CMI


Work highlights


  • Advised P&V, a Belgian insurance company, in the context of post-M&A tax issues after the acquisition of PI, another insurance company.
  • Represented various clients in the proceedings before the EU General Court in relation to the qualification of the Belgian excess profit ruling system as an ‘aid scheme’ giving rise to unlawful State aid.

Loyens & Loeff

Supplementing a strong corporate tax offering, Loyens & Loeff directs its large team into dedicated specialisations covering transactional tax, transfer pricing, private clients, exmployment tax, and tax litigation. Nicolas Lippens takes the helm, with a recognised track record in corporate, European and international tax law, while Natalie Reypens is the face of the transfer pricing team, and Nicolas Bertrand and Saskia Lust take charge of the private client offering. Bert Gevers leads the indirect tax team, and Marc Dhaene assists with litigation matters. Transfer pricing specialist Aldo Engels was promoted to counsel in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Lippens


Other key lawyers:

Natalie Reypens; Nicolas Bertrand; Bert Gevers; Saskia Lust; Marc Dhaene; Aldo Engels


Testimonials

‘Pragmatic and solution-oriented (particularly so for tax lawyers). Reactive. Good team composition.’

‘Nicolas Bertrand is client-oriented.’

Key clients

Candriam


Fluvius


STEF


Skoda


Euroclear


Galapagos


Mc Cain


Vesalius


Work highlights


  • Represented Fluvius before the European Court of Justice with regard to a VAT proceeding.
  • Assisted STEF on the carve-out of its Belgian real estate portfolio.
  • Advised Skoda Transportation on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Signalling Company.

Tiberghien

Boutique firm Tiberghien is a market leader in comprehensive tax advice, covering all aspects of tax law for clients ranging from private individuals to multinational enterprises. Under the close guidance of Koen Morbée, Robin Minjauw leads the corporate tax team as well as the firm’s dedicated team for Belgian headquartered international corporations. Other notable names include Claudine Bodeux for real estate transactions and structuring; Stijn Vastmans for VAT; Emilie Van Goidsenhoven and Griet Vanden Abeele for private client and international estate planning; Vincent Vercauteren for income tax; and Alain Van Geel for family law-related tax matters. Tax procedural and criminal tax law specialist Christophe Dillen was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Koen Morbée; Robin Minjauw


Other key lawyers:

Ben Van Vlierden; Claudine Bodeux; Stijn Vastmans; Emilie Van Goidsenhoven; Vincent Vercauteren; Alain Van Geel; Christophe Dillen; Griet Vanden Abeele


Testimonials

‘The team is stellar in Belgium. One of the top go-to tax teams in the country.’

‘They have different experts in various subfields of tax which makes it comfortable to team up with them.’

‘Claudine Bodeux is knowledgeable and down-to-earth.’

‘Emilie Van Goidsenhoven delivers very technical and strong advice related to private client matters.’

‘Tiberghien offers top quality. We recommend the team for all complex tax matters.’

‘Robin Minjauw is an excellent tax lawyer, very intelligent but also charismatic. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Creative and pragmatic problem-solving: the team is capable of thinking out of the box and presenting creative solutions. Very good cross-border knowledge and a large international network. Very strong analytical abilities. A personal and committed approach.’

‘A full service law firm with real top experts. Different lawyers try to find multidisciplinary and creative solutions, taking into account a proper risk estimate. They propose proactively new solutions and contact us if there are new evolutions in a certain field of expertise.’

Work highlights


Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

Multinationals and major Belgian companies rely on the team at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL for advice on domestic and international tax structuring, tax litigation, and wealth management. Practice head Géry Bombeke assists with a range of issues, including corporate income tax, transfer pricing, and corporate restructurings, while leading corporate and international tax practitioner Alain Huyghe is the go-to for insurance sector tax matters. Private equity and fund structuring is within the remit of Luc Meeus, Lionel Van Reet leads on export controls and sanctions, and Julie Permeke contributes considerable experience in complex tax procedures and dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Géry Bombeke


Other key lawyers:

Alain Huyghe; Luc Meeus; Lionel Van Reet; Julie Permeke


Testimonials

‘Exceptionally knowledgeable is Luc Meeus, a partner with the right insights and to-the-point advice for a high but acceptable fee and who carries the entire team. Pragmatic and useful legal advice.’

‘Quick replies, up-to-date with the regulation.’

Key clients

Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA)


Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen NV / SA


Fortino Capital Partners NV / SA


WP Carey


Biocartis


Pierre&Vacances-Center Parcs


AbbVie


Abbott


Work highlights


Clifford Chance

Real estate, including assisting institutional real estate investors and developers, is the cornerstone of Clifford Chance‘s tax practice, though the firm's offering in M&A tax restructurings and domestic and international tax disputes is equally strong. The team is built around Alexandre Ooms, who combines standing household tax advisory roles for well-known investors with expertise in private equity transactions and tax litigation. Stijn Van Walleghem and Thomas Linard de Guertechin support with broad corporate tax, private equity, and criminal tax law experience.

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Ooms


Other key lawyers:

Stijn Van Walleghem; Thomas Linard de Guertechin


Testimonials

‘The tax team has a great sector knowledge of real estate matters and the implication of tax issues on the commercial side of real estate (and vice versa). They are able to provide clear answers when questioned about specific topics without the need to analyse and come back with a response later.’

‘The team is highly professional and has a wide range of tax expertise. The quality of work is excellent – the team is always quick to respond and to support with pragmatic and solution-focused advice. They are easy to work with and we have been very pleased with the services provided.’

‘Alexandre Ooms is an excellent tax lawyer with a significant knowledge of the market and extensive expertise. He is highly responsive and, fully understanding clients’ needs, provides clear and concise tax advice which is solution-focused, taking into account commercial aspects.

Key clients

Alstom


AXA Group


Bassac


Cores Development


Deka Immobilien Investment


Engie


Ethias


Foncière Magellan


GH Group


Highbridge Capital Management


KBC


Kolmont Holding


Korian,


LIBERTY Steel Group


Macquarie


Patrizia


Prowinko


Renault


SFPI/FPIM


Solvay


Sopra Steria


Tans


The Belgian State – Federal Public Service Finance


Tom&Co


TotalEnergies


Union Investment


Whitebox Advisors


Whitewood


Work highlights


Deloitte Legal

With three dedicated groups for advisory, controversy, and private clients, Deloitte Legal‘s tax offering covers the breadth of clients’ needs, from corporations to UHNWI and their families. Annick Visschers is the face of the tax dispute resolution team, and specialises in tax risk management, litigation and criminal law. VAT expert Danny Stas and global business tax authority Tim Wustenberghs head the tax advisory arm, while international estate and tax planning is the focus of Mathieu Ex, who is the point of contact for private clients. Astrid Peeters and Filip Smet were promoted to partner in June 2023, and advise on real estate tax and tax litigation, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Annick Visschers; Danny Stas; Mathieu Ex; Tim Wustenberghs


Other key lawyers:

Astrid Peeters; Filip Smet; Alexander Baert


Testimonials

‘One of the largest tax practices in Belgium, with an outstanding reputation for tax litigation. The tax litigation team, headed by Annick Visschers, has unique experience, allowing them to effectively assess the client’s position prior to starting litigation, or when deciding to litigate or settle a case.’

‘Annick Visschers is the go-to lawyer for tax litigation in Belgium. She has vast experience, a rapid understanding of complex situations and a clear insight in possible solutions. She’s easily available and fun to work with.’

‘Excellent tax team, well managed.’

‘Excellent follow-up by team members.’

‘The team is always available and eager to help. They have great knowledge about their domains and have adapted their way of working to our needs (not general information anymore but to-the-point advice). Also their transparency regarding billing and the way they match our requests are worth mentioning.’

‘Alexander Baert is for me since years the person to go to in case of difficulties. He thinks with us, is practical and is eager to find solutions rather than throw us into the deep end with unnecessary court cases.’

Key clients

Royal Belgian Shipowner’s Association (‘RBSA’)


BVS-UPSI


Candor Groep


Work highlights


Eubelius

Separating its tax focus into two distinct segments, Eubelius provides tax advice to corporate M&A and real estate clients on direct and indirect tax aspects of inbound and outbound investments on the one hand, and handles tax litigation on the other. Leadership of the advisory arm is split between real estate and transactional tax expert Wouter Claes and VAT specialist Korneel Decroix, while Svjatoslav Gnedasj distinguishes himself in heading the tax litigation practice. Kelly Moens supports on real estate and fund taxation.

Practice head(s):

Wouter Claes; Svjatoslav Gnedasj; Korneel Decroix


Other key lawyers:

Kelly Moens


Testimonials

‘Outstanding tax team, both from an academic and transactional point of view, with services and fees that are tailored to and within reach of SMEs over (very) big companies to multinationals, combining the advantages of an independent law firm with an extensive network of partner firms abroad. Good to mention the regular legal updates (mailings and client seminars) and dedicated client platform.’

‘Gnedasj Svjatoslav is the tax litigation pit-bull you would want at your side whenever your company is involved in a complex tax litigation, never dropping the bone and negotiating on the edge, always with the best outcome for his client in mind.

‘Diversity of the team. Availability of the team, flexibility to changing circumstances, decisions or situations.’

‘Clear and efficient communication. individual availability of the person, willingness to find creative solutions in line with business or corporate needs.’

‘The tax practice of Eubelius has deep knowledge and local knowhow to deliver concise advice in a practical manner. It is our experience that the tax team is highly knowledgeable, responsive and able to deliver high quality work. Very reliable team and nice to work with.’

‘Kelly Moens is very knowledgeable and has great communication skills. She is very pleasant to work with and always responsive.’

‘Wouter Claes is a thorough adviser with a great understanding of the commercial side of business. He is able to deliver practical solutions for complex legal issues.’

‘The accessibility of the team, the depth of the expertise, the experience gained by working for other larger clients in different fields easily shared.’

Key clients

Family Baijot


Belgian State


Magnetrol International


Puratos


Delta Light


Ontex


Siemens


Industry Software


BASF Antwerpen


Ansell Healthcare


Trane


Kinepolis Group


Vasco Group


Astra Sweets


Mayekawa Europe


Celio International


Immobel


Atenor,


Nextensa


bpost


AG Real Estate


Forum Estates


Investment Capital Partnership


Liantis


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Belgian State in structuring and negotiating the extended operation of two nuclear reactions.
  • Assisted AG Real Estate, one of the largest real estate investors in Belgium, with respect to various high-profile real estate projects.
  • Represented three major real estate project developers in 20 corporate tax and VAT litigation cases before the Belgian Courts, considered pilot cases of the Belgian special tax inspection related to the re-characterisation of share deals into (taxable) asset deals/services.

Stibbe

Integrated full-service Benelux firm Stibbe values close collaboration with its teams in Amsterdam and Luxembourg in bolstering its Belgian tax practice, which is particularly strong in tax litigation, transfer pricing, and transactions, as well as tax legislative work. Indirect taxation expert Wim Panis heads the practice, with transactions and litigation specialist Henk Verstraete, corporate restructuring and financing-focused Giovanni Smet and procedural and litigation-experienced Lizelotte De Maeyer rounding out the team.

Practice head(s):

Wim Panis


Other key lawyers:

Henk Verstraete; Giovanni Smet; Lizelotte De Maeye


Work highlights


  • Acted as lead tax advisor on the integration of the stock listed Picanol Group into the stock listed Tessenderlo Group.
  • Assisted Touring with the transfer of all operational and commercial activities with respect to its road assistance business and its insurance business to AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Fortis, including the pre-transaction restructuring of the business.
  • Obtained a landmark decision on the limits of the powers of the tax authorities in case of dawn raids, and a landmark decision on carried interest structures.

CMS

CMS capitalises on the strength of its international network in providing a full range of tax advisory services, notably in corporate transactional tax, VAT, tax employee benefits, and tax litigation. Corporate tax lawyer Olivier Querinjean, whose focus is largely on reorganisations, restructurings and cross-border taxation, leads the team, and is joined by indirect and real estate taxes specialist Stéphanie Houx.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Querinjean


Other key lawyers:

Stéphanie Houx; Arnout Vaninbroukx


Key clients

Coreso / TSCNET


Windvision/Blackrock


Veolia (Suez Group)


Airbus Defence and Space


Quantessence


Kpler


Dell / EMC


Deliveroo


Lazard Frères Gestion Belgique


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management


Everland Group


Colliers


SOWAER


AIG


Work highlights


  • Advised Coreso and TSCNet and their shareholders on a cross-border joint cooperation in view of developing IP tools enabling their stakeholders/shareholders to deal with cross-border interconnection of high voltage electricity networks.
  • Represented Windvision and Blackrock during an unannounced dawn raid performed by the Special Tax Inspection on the Brussels offices and guided employees through the investigations and interrogations of the tax inspectors.
  • Assisted Veolia (formerly known as Suez Group) with VAT advice on the full group structure.

Liedekerke

Offering advice across the spectrum of tax matters, Liedekerke focuses particularly on transactions and reorganisations, real estate tax, and tax dispute resolution and litigation. Lievin De Wulf, who centres his practice on M&A and private equity transactions, and dedicated real estate tax expert Pierre Desenfans jointly lead the team.

Practice head(s):

Lievin De Wulf; Pierre Desenfans


Other key lawyers:

Jasper Bossuyt


Testimonials

‘Knowledge of the sector and its various tax challenges at each level.’

‘Pierre Desenfans is hands-on and available.’

‘Lievin de Wulff is very experienced and highly skilled. My go-to person in Belgium.’

‘The team is technically skilled, very practical and quick in replies. Besides that, it is also fun working with them.’

‘Lievin de Wulf is a great guy. Understands the business of the clients.’

Jasper Bossuyt is technically skilled and nice to work with.’

Key clients

B&B Hotels


Work highlights


  • Assisted a listed German-based multinational company in its acquisition of a majority stake in a Belgian life-science company.
  • Assisted a major real estate investor in various mutual agreement procedures with the Belgian and French tax authorities in order to resolve tax disputes over the sale of the shares of French real estate companies leading to a situation of double taxation in violation of the Belgium-France Tax Treaty.
  • Acted as trusted advisor for a global leader in the maritime and logistics sector on various corporate income tax and VAT files as well as on the Belgian tax aspects of its intra-group restructuring.

Advisius

Boutique firm Advisius leverages strong relationships with France to assist Belgian and international clients with French-Belgian tax questions, supplementing the traditional range of tax law advice on transactions, restructuring, and investments. Founding partner Laurent Donnay de Casteau is an expert in Belgian-French tax matters and cross-border management packages, and heads the practice. Jean Meeùs who focuses on corporate tax, tax audits and disputes, was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Donnay de Casteau


Other key lawyers:

Jean Meeùs; Xavier Clarebout


Work highlights


ARGO Law

The tax and private clients practice at ARGO Law divides its expertise between tax transactions, advisory, and litigation, and is commonly retained by private equity and venture funds, corporations, and medium- and large-sized private and family businesses. Corporate, M&A and capital markets transactions specialist Philippe Rens leads on the tax side, alongside Wouter Verhoeye, who joined the firm from Linklaters in March 2023. Estate planning expert Hannes Casier heads the private client practice.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Rens; Wouter Verhoeye; Hannes Casier


Testimonials

‘Argo works in a very pragmatic, down-to-earth way with very good understanding of the local situation and with the same professionalism as the international law firms.’

‘It was a fantastic experience to work with Wouter Verhoeye as our attorney. He not only proved to be a master in his field but also demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his clients. Our case was exceedingly technical and complex, yet he managed to present this maze of details in a comprehensible and transparent manner to the ruling authority.’

‘Argo’s team is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated. They provided expert legal guidance and helped me navigate a complex legal issue with ease. What impressed me most was their professionalism and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients. They truly go above and beyond to deliver top-notch legal services.’

‘The team has an unparalleled knowledge of the Belgian tax landscape when it comes to alternative investment funds and corporate tax. They have a tremendous amount of experience and know exactly how to satisfy client needs.’

‘Philippe Rens has an amazing amount of experience and knowledge. Moreover he’s able to think commercially and puts himself in his client’s shoes, helping to think beyond the mere legal problem or question at hand.’

‘In working with Argo I experienced a unique blend of pragmatism, personalisation and professionalism. They love intellectual challenges and seek innovative solutions. During the process they make sure as a client you feel understood and supported. They create an atmosphere where you feel not only heard but valued.’

‘The services and accessibility were very good. The cooperation was excellent. Facts and circumstances were accurately recorded, presented and solutions developed. Complicated tax requirements were broken down and presented in a targeted manner. The theoretical as well as practical structure of the tax opinions was thus very usable for foreign legal practitioners.’

‘We greatly appreciated Wouter Verhoeye’s goal-oriented and thoroughly honest approach. Approaches to solutions were identified in a practice-oriented manner. He was available at all times and responded at short notice. The adherence to deadlines was extraordinary.

Key clients

ArcelorMittal Belgium


NXC Corporation (NXMH)


Südzucker AG (Tiense Suikerraffinaderij NV)


Work highlights


  • Advised ArcelorMittal Belgium with the strategic and tax technical R&D incentives in relation to its €1.6bn investment in decarbonisation technologies at its flagship Gent plant.
  • Represented various clients in the proceedings before the Constitutional Court in relation to the newly introduced copyright tax regime.
  • Advised Hummingbird Ventures Management with the set-up and structuring of their latest venture capital fund Hummingbird Ventures V.

Bird & Bird

Maintaining a finger on the pulse of IP and R&D tax issues, the practice at Bird & Bird is valued by clients from the life sciences and non-profit sectors. Practice head Brent Springael coordinates the firm’s international centre of intelligence for tax structuring in this regard, while the addition of DALDEWOLF‘s  Olivier Bertin in November 2022 strengthens the team’s tax disputes offering.

Practice head(s):

Brent Springael


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Bertin


Key clients

ArcelorMittal Group


Mastercard


Qlik Group


Quantum Simulate


Capsugel / Lonza


Coopervision


Cardiovascular Center Aalst


SABAM


Certa Insurance


Action Refund


Vlaamse Nieuwsmedia


Pleo


PDC*Line


NuNet


Mediafin


EORTC


Belgian company – member of UK-listed international retail and online betting group


SA Doyen Auto


Saint-Gobain Construction Products Belgium


Work highlights


  • Assisted California-based start-up QSimulate with setting up its first and only site in Europe, based in Ghent, including securing the beneficial copyright pay treatment for its software developers (based on the characterisation of pay as movable income rather than much higher taxed professional income) via a ruling procedure.
  • Assisted a Belgian holding company active in retail and online betting with securing the innovation income deduction for the royalty income from its in-house innovative software via a ruling procedure.
  • Advised the leading automotive spare parts distributor in Europe, with around eight subsidiaries in Belgium, with simplifying its structure.

DLA Piper

With a strong standing in industries including funds, shipping, and banking, DLA Piper provides advice on cross-border transactions, financing, and corporate restructurings. Practice head Nicolas Engelmann offers the broad range of support through the tax life cycle, from planning to controversy, taking over from Philippe Hinnekens, who left the bar in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Engelmann


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Thompson


Key clients

School Invest


Kuwait Petroleum


Tioga Capital Partners


Euclid


Conti-Lines


Work highlights


  • Assisted School Invest with regard to tax aspects of the execution of the “PPP school construction program” of the Flemish Government, through which the Flemish Government aims to invest about €550m in the construction of new schools.
  • Represented Kuwait Petroleum before the Constitutional Court to seek the annulment of the Belgian (alternative) implementation of the solidarity contribution introduced by the EU Council Regulation 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022, applicable to certain registered oil companies.
  • Advised and assisted Tioga Capital Partners with the set-up of a second Luxembourg investment fund.

Monard law, joined by Buyle

Particularly robust in tax litigation, Monard law, joined by Buyle supports both companies and individuals with tax audits, judicial and administrative proceedings, as well as the broad range of tax advisory and estate planning. Estate and inheritance planning specialist Hilde Van den Keybus heads the practice, with Pieter Van Den Berghe advising on corporate and international tax law matters.

Practice head(s):

Hilde Van Den Keybus


Other key lawyers:

Pieter Van den Berghe; Luk Cassimon


Testimonials

‘The Monard team is very good at their job. It is a people business and they use their strengths very well in the work they perform for us, especially in the negotiations with the tax authorities.’

‘Down-to-earth team members and very knowledgeable in their job.’

‘It is a small but reachable team. Pieter Van den Berghe is not afraid to pull up his sleeves, knows his files and communicates on a regular basis. His particular knowledge about the innovation deduction and the number of clients he represents in this field, creates a broad knowledge of the market and the positions of the Ruling Commission. The price for quality is exceptionally good.’

‘Pieter Van den Berghe is hands-on, is skilled with numbers and creative in finding solutions. He firmly speaks up for his client in meetings with the tax authorities. His interventions are always to the point and based on knowledge of the market.’

Work highlights


NautaDutilh

Collaboration with the firm’s corporate M&A and real estate groups serves NautaDutilh‘s tax practice well in providing all-round support in tax transactional matters, including to clients in the real estate and finance sectors. Ken Lioen leads the team, bringing to the table experience in cross-border transactions and international tax planning.

Practice head(s):

Ken Lioen


Other key lawyers:

Bruno Vanden Berghe; Aurélien Lenaerts


Testimonials

‘We would recommend NautaDutilh for efficient collaboration and communication, their hands on approach and speedy, qualitative delivery. Very dedicated team of lawyers.’

‘Cooperation with Ken Lioen is very smooth. Pleasant communication, and delivery of qualitative and to-the-point advice in no nonsense language.

‘The team has a very involved approach and are willing to support and relieve their clients in any way possible. Expertise in various tax matters, special recommendation for financial and real estate matters.’

‘I have worked with and would highly recommend Ken Lioen and Bruno Vanden Berghe. They have a very involved approach and are willing to support and relieve their clients in any way possible.’

‘They think along with their clients to provide a working solution. A good calloboration between the different teams.’

‘Ken Lioen has a hands-on way of working and makes a good liaison between the different teams.’

‘Swift, quality and practical.’

‘Ken Lioen and Aurélien Lenaerts are swift, practical and knowledgeable of the financial industry.’

Key clients

Ayming


City Mall


Colruyt


Nyxoah


Efficy


ENGIE


FCR Media


Fedex


Hugo Boss


Icen (formally Travelers)


Odoo


ING Lease


Lycops – De Beurme – Omnia


Montea


Aneurotech


Xior


Triodos


Altrio


Fedex


Tessenderlo Chemie


Work highlights


  • Advised the founder of ANeuroTech and owner of Anima, Erik Buntinx, on various aspects of tax law.

PwC Legal

Tax controversy and litigation are the hallmarks of PwC Legal, covering both direct and indirect taxes, tax audit support, banking and financial services transactions and restructuring, as well as private wealth management. Practice head Véronique De Brabanter supports in procedural matters and administrative and court proceedings, while the addition of the PwC Belgium financial services team in July 2023 under Patrice Delacroix and Olivier Hermand expands the team’s regulatory and private wealth competencies.

Practice head(s):

Véronique De Brabanter


Other key lawyers:

Patrice Delacroix; Olivier Hermand; Gauthier Vael


Testimonials

‘In-depth expertise, with a focus to obtain a practical solution.’

‘Veronique De Brabanter excels in assisting us from a practical perspective. She also highlights potential hurdles and provides practical solutions without creating an additional pile of paperwork and red tape. Always a pleasure to work with.’

‘Very knowledgeable team that used the right approach to make the case and win it.’

‘PwC Legal always showed me they understood the context of their answers/opinions within the realities of “my” business. I appreciate them being strategic in their thinking and options presented. I also appreciate the fact that they always find a way to communicate with me in a succinct and to-the-point manner and that they keep me informed, i.e. they do not let me be surprised.’

‘Gauthier Vael gives me practical advice tied to the realities of the telecom business. The team are advisers, not just lawyers. I value the fact that they value my input, that they are patient and answer my questions but that they do not talk down to me. I also value their honesty and truthfulness. If something “bad” occurs, I need to understand what happened, why it happened and what our plan is to fix it.’

‘Excellent mastery of the subject matter. Specific and appropriate responses. Excellent responsiveness. Prompt communication of important updates for the subjects analysed, such as new case law.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a specialty chemicals company in a landmark litigation with regards to the interpretation of VAT permanent establishment for toll manufacturers.
  • Represented a global transport and logistics company before the court in relation to a dispute that arose from a simultaneous tax audit carried out by 9 different participating EU countries with respect to a franchising agreement and successfully challenged the Belgian tax adjustment which was entirely annulled by the Court.
  • Assisted an American global management consulting firm with the handling of a multilateral tax audit conducted by the tax authorities of Italy, Belgium, Denmark and Germany, with respect to the group’s new transfer pricing policy.