The Legal 500

Within Banking, finance and capital markets, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a second tier firm,

Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) acts for commercial banks, investments banks and corporates, and has increased its client portfolio over the past year. Recent work includes advising Hatfield Philips International on a €15m Belgian law mortgage. Johan De Bruycker heads the practice.

Within Corporate and M&A, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a third tier firm,

Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien)’s well regarded corporate practice has attracted a number of new clients including Heineken, which practice co-head Carine Van Regenmortel advised on the 100% share acquisition of Stassen. Alexis Goeminne is the other practice co-head. The firm attracts a steady deal flow from companies such as Delhaize Group, ISS and Sanoma Magazines Belgium.

Within Dispute resolution, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a third tier firm,

The well-regarded team at Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) regularly represents the Brussels regional government in Belgian court cases. Practice head Christophe Ronse specialises in commercial and IP litigation, notably involving the life sciences. Commercial litigator Alexander Hansebout was made partner in 2012, bringing the partnership to five. Paul Maeyaert is recommended for his IP expertise, notably complex trade mark and patent litigation.

Within Environment, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a third tier firm,

The environmental team at Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) includes the firm’s planning and zoning law experts as well as the energy practice, which has a particular focus on renewable energy. Clients include Delhaize, Van Neerbos, and Matexi. William Timmermans and Lieven Peeters are recommended.

Within Information technology, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a second tier firm,

Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) has a strong IT practice, advising a range of clients on contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is also developing its privacy and data protection practice. Work includes providing day-to-day advice to Brussels Airlines on data protection, e-commerce and online trade practises. Gerrit Vandendriessche is the name to note.

Within Insolvency and restructuring, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a second tier firm,

Managing partner Carine Van Regenmortel heads the restructuring and insolvency practice at Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien). Alexander Hansebout is particularly strong in contentious matters, and senior associates Marie Brasseur and Bart Heynickx are also recommended.

Within Intellectual property, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a first tier firm,

‘Top firm’ Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) provides a high level of service and ‘value for money’, and its sizaeble team covers all the traditional branches of IP law and unfair competition, as well as emerging technology-related disciplines. The team has witnessed a significant increase in its workload in the life sciences industry. Clients include Alken-Maes, Moët Hennessy and Novartis. Paul Maeyaert has ‘deep insight’ and is ‘an experienced authority in his field’, and Olivier Vrins is responsive, involved, innovative, and ‘outstanding’. Christopher Ronse and senior associate Philippe de Jong are also recommended.

Within Labour and employment, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a third tier firm,

The ‘fantastic’ team at Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) provides ‘top-notch’ advice and is ‘great value for money’. Sylvie Dubois heads the department, which handles all aspects of employment law. Sven Demeulemeester’s approach is ‘the perfect balance between legal insight and business acumen’. ‘Impeccable’ lawyer Philippe De Wulf, who is ‘to-the-point and pragmatic’, joined the firm from Taylor Wessing along with senior associate Stefaan Diels in October 2011.

Within Media and entertainment, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a second tier firm,

Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien)’ Philippe Vlaemminck is highly regarded for EU regulatory matters pertaining to gaming and gambling. The team advises SLE, the service company of the EuroMillions Group, on an ongoing basis regarding legal and regulatory issues pertaining to its lottery.

Within Real estate, Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is a second tier firm,

‘Very good’ firm Altius (in co-operation with Tiberghien) is ‘good value for money’, and provides ‘in-depth and to-the-point advice’. It advised Blackstone on the purchase of a pan-European portfolio of 27 warehouses from Gecina Group, including associated environmental and planning issues. Lieven Peeters ‘delivers consistent quality’ and William Timmermans is also recommended.