The Legal 500

Within Competition, tier 4

Steptoe & Johnson LLP has shown an increased emphasis on international cartel cases, and has ‘extensive knowledge of antitrust law’. Ethias appointed the group as monitoring trustee following an EC investigation into the receipt of €1.5bn in state aid. The ‘impressive’ Yves Botteman advised RÉEL Group SAS on a dominant practice matter, and Robert Fleishman continues to handle complex behavioural matters in the chemicals sector. Kees Kuilwijk departed in 2010.

Within Corporate and M&A , tier 4

Olislaegers & De Creus has ‘outstanding knowledge of mergers and acquisitions’, and also handles joint ventures, contracts and corporate governance matters, and has significant experience in corporate restructuring. Michael Olislaegers is ‘highly co-operative and a proactive thinker’, and Kristof De Creus is ‘a very good contractual lawyer’.

Within Customs, trade, WTO and anti-dumping, Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a second tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s ‘top-notch’ trade lawyers provide EU and WTO trade expertise in the areas of anti-dumping, customs, export control and dispute resolution. The firm advises the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association on regulatory issues that impact EU members’ international trade interests, and recently carried out an anti-dumping investigation for the client. Guy Soussan and practice chair James Searles are recommended.

Within Dispute resolution, Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a third tier firm,

Olislaegers & De Creus’ ‘accurate, responsive and professional’ team is adept at handling business law disputes before state courts and arbitral tribunals. Frank Roose, Michael Olislaegers, Kristof De Creus and expert employment litigator Dylan Casaer are recommended.

Within Chemicals (REACH), Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a first tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson LLP handles consortia management and disclosure matters, and is sole representative of a number of clients and an industry body. Anna Gergely has the rare ability to give clients ‘not only legal advice, but also a scientific interpretation’ of complex REACH matters. James Searles recently advised International Flavors & Fragrances Inc on compliance matters.

Within Environment (including WEEE and RoHS), Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a first tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s team attracts praise for its ‘extensive knowledge of chemistry’. Practice head Anna Gergely’s ‘excellent’ scientific background is a great asset. Her group represents prominent electronics manufacturers – including RICOH and Hitachi – on the WEEE and RoHS aspects of nanotechnology. Darren Abrahams and James Searles are the other names to note.

Within Financial services, Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a first tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s Brussels practice serves members of the Swiss banking community, and recent years have seen it handle a number of novel issues for industry groups such as the Swiss Bankers Association. Ethias recently appointed the firm as a monitoring trustee – an EU first – following an EC state aid investigation. Jean Russotto is the key contact.

Within Food , Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a first tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s team shows ‘full knowledge in both legal and scientific areas’. Darren Abrahams handles GMO authorisations, and the highly respected Anna Gergely guides clients through compliance strategy development and food contact questions.