Rising Stars

Competition: Belgian law in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP offers specialist Belgian law support to an international client base, including major names in TMT, automotives, and chemicals, advising and representing clients in Belgian Competition Authority proceedings relating to mergers, cartel defence, behavioural investigations, and damages litigation, as well as domestic elements of state aid applications and public procurement issues. Dirk Arts heads up the team, and is a specialist in domestic competition law, playing a key role in a number of BCA proceedings, supported by senior associate Eliana Paredis, who is highly active in merger control cases.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Arts


Other key lawyers:

Eliana Paredis; Nele De Backer


Key clients

Agfa-Gevaert


Aviapartner


MBZ (Port of Zeebrugge)


Mediahuis


Ter Beke


Recticel


TVH


Waterland Private Equity


Work highlights


  • Advising the Port of Zeebrugge on securing competition clearance for its merger with the Port of Antwerp.
  • Adivsed TVH Group on the sale of a 40 per cent stake in TVH Parts to D’Ieteren Group.
  • Advising Recticel on the competition aspects of the sale of its engineered foams business to Carpenter.

Covington & Burling LLP

Led by the vastly experienced Johan Ysewyn, the team at Covington & Burling LLP advises clients on a variety of cases before the Belgian Competition Authority, including merger control proceedings, cartel investigations and other conduct cases, and monopolisation, and is able to work on compliance and advisory matters alongside representing clients in litigation. Ysewn’s expertise includes the telecoms, IT, media, and retail sectors, with counsel Carole Maczkovics a key name for work on behalf of network industry clients on public contracts. Counsel Melissa Van Schoorisse plays a key role in the Belgian aspects of cross-border merger proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Johan Ysewyn


Other key lawyers:

Carole Maczkovics; Melissa Van Schoorisse; Carl Wettinck


Testimonials

‘They just get your clearance across the line: their initial thoughts on feasibility of a clearance are always right.’

‘Johan Ysewyn is one of the best European competition lawyers. His team follows his path in an impressive manner. Melissa Van Schoorisse is hands on and gives clear guidance. Newcomer Carl Wettinck is a clear top talented competition lawyer.

‘Great competition team.’

Key clients

Carmeuse


PSA Antwerp/MPET


Belgian Government


Dexia Group


DPG Media NV


Fluxys Belgium SA


European Tissue Symposium


UCB


Work highlights


  • Assisting PSA International Pte Ltd with the merger control filings triggered by the transaction whereby PSA and Terminal Investment Limited Sàrl acquired joint control over Pusan Newport International Terminal Co., Ltd., a container terminal located in South Korea’s south-eastern port city of Busan.

Stibbe

Stibbe handles high-profile and complex Belgian competition issues for a global client base, including major names in consumer goods, financial services, and automotives, alongside public sector bodies. The firm advises on merger notifications, cartel proceedings, and litigates up to Council of State level in damages claims and appeals against rulings by regulatory bodies. Peter Wytinck, a vastly experienced expert in domestic competition law with a particularly strong record in follow-on damages cases, heads up the team alongside Sophie Van Besien, who continues to handle a wide range of merger, cartel, and abuse of dominance cases in key sectors such as tech, pharma, and telecoms. Antitrust litigator Quentin Declève joined as counsel from Van Bael & Bellis in January 2023. Delphine Gillet departed for a position at the European Court of Justice.

Practice head(s):

Peter Wytinck; Sophie Van Besien


Other key lawyers:

Quentin Declève


Work highlights


  • Representing British American Tobacco in appeals against the Dutch and Belgian Competition Authorities’ decisions concerning the tobacco industry to fine four major cigarette manufacturers.
  • Assisting the Antwerp Port Authority on its merger with the Port of Zeebrugge to create the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of the World’s leading ports and in 2021 the biggest merger filing in Belgium and only phase 1 procedure before the BCA.
  • Assisting Geberit, a market leader for sanitary products, in preliminary procedures (first instance and appeal), injunction procedures, and in damage claim procedures (dealing with infringements on competition, abuse of economic dependence and unfair competition law and contract law).

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton represents a global client base in the full range of competition cases before the Belgian Competition Authority and Market Court, including merger control, cartel, and abuse of dominance proceedings, with clients including public and private companies in a diverse range of sectors. The team is led by Nicholas Levy and Robbert Snelders, who both offer significant domestic competition expertise alongside cross-border experience, and was further strengthened by the April 2022 arrival of Isabel Rooms from Linklaters, who regularly advises on Belgian elements of multi-jurisdictional merger proceedings and investigations.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Levy; Robert Snelders


Other key lawyers:

Isabel Rooms


Testimonials

They are world class in their expertise, business acumen and responsiveness.’

Key clients

Philip Morris International


bpost


VOO


Nethys


NV Roche SA


Exide Technologies


Henkel


JCDecaux


Petercam


American Express


CMS

CMS advises clients on a range of issues, including merger control, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance, and interim measures cases before the Belgian Competition Authority, and also offers standout capabilities on contentious public and private enforcement litigation. The team has bespoke expertise in several key sectors, most notably the aviation sector, working on behalf of a number of airports, rail, pharma, and electronic communications, as well as advising public sector clients including Belgian regions on domestic state aid considerations. The practice is headed up by Dirk Van Liedekerke, a highly experienced figure in Belgian competition and communications law, alongside rail and aviation specialist Annabelle Lepièce.

Practice head(s):

Annabelle Lepièce; Dirk Van Liedekerke


Testimonials

‘A dedicated team of experts with a real business and creative approach, a perfect understanding of the context and constraints of their clients. A real cooperative work to define the best legal strategy.’

‘Dirk Van Liedekerke is a brilliant competition law expert, very responsive and solution oriented. Moreover his expertise and his profound understanding of the issues at stake, both from a legal and an economic point of view, are invaluable for his clients. His calm and educational way of presenting clearly any complex matter is a real asset for a company going through a crisis period.’

‘CMS Brussels has extensive knowledge in state aid law applicable to enterprise support in the Walloon Region.’

Key clients

Hoogstraeten – REO


Rexel


Proximus Eurofiber and DeltaFiber


Proximus


FIFA


Walloon public entities


Brussels Region


Walloon Region


Moderna


Febelco


European Industrial Gases Association


Work highlights


  • Assisted several Walloon public entities in the preparation of five notifications of aid schemes and individual aid in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak and an aid scheme in favour of undertakings impacted by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
  • Advising Proximus regarding the merger control aspects of the Joint Venture Agreements that it has concluded with two alternative infrastructure providers (Eurofiber and DeltaFiber/EQT) for the accelerated roll-out of optical fiber solutions (fiber to the home) in, respectively, Wallonia and Flanders.
  • Represented Proximus in the different ongoing investigations regarding the RAN-sharing mobile network agreement that it has concluded with Orange Belgium.

contrast

contrast is heavily involved in high-stakes competition cases before the Belgian Competition Authority, encompassing a large number of cartel cases, alongside matters relating to vertical agreements, horizontal agreements, abuse of dominance, and merger control. As well as acting for a global client base, the firm is also regularly instructed by the BCA itself, notably representing the Authority before the Market Court in the appeals brought by four tobacco companies against its cartel fines decision. The team is led by Filip Tuytschaever, a highly experienced figure in cartel investigations and an expert in Belgian competition and distribution law, alongside Herlinde Burez, a key name for merger control processes. Frank Wijckmans departed the firm in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Filip Tuytschaever; Herlinde Burez


Other key lawyers:

Sebastien Engelen; Berto Pals


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge about the Law and Practices as well as trust from the BMA.’

‘I worked only with Sebastien Engelen in a very sensitive competition matter which required a high level of experience, connections, and analysis and I was really impressed by his skill and availably in an urgent and difficult case. His intervention helped our client to avoid an important fine from the Belgian Competition Authority.’

‘The team has played a central role in complex competition and regulation files in the telecoms sector. It has proven expertise in competition law and considerable experience in market investigations in heavily regulated sectors that extends to defending our company as a telecoms operator in national competition investigations. The team is also highly competent to handle the complex economic and technical aspects of our files in an efficient and result-oriented manner. The team represents us in different files before the national competition authorities and in judicial procedures. The collaboration is smooth, gives confidence, is strategic and sensible, so a delight to work with.’

Key clients

Belgian Competition Authority


Belgian Ministry of Economy


Royal Excelsior Virton


Désiré Stadsbader


Hedin Automotive Belgium


FEBEV (National Belgian Federation of slaughterhouses)


Caudalie


Orange Belgium


Work highlights


  • Representing the Belgian Competition Authority in its imposition of fines over 36 million EUR on tobacco manufacturers Philip Morris Benelux, British American Tobacco Belgium, Japan Tobacco International Company Netherlands and Imperial Tobacco, for illegal information exchanges through their common wholesalers.
  • Lead counsel to Orange Belgium in the interim measures case and ongoing investigation on the merits by the Belgian Competition Authority (as well as the Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications) into the strategic joint venture between Orange Belgium and Proximus for the roll-out of 5G in Belgium.
  • Representing the Belgian Ministry of Economy in the appeal procedure filed by Proximus with the Brussels Market Court against the record fine of 66 million EUR imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority on Proximus for abuse of dominance.

Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring represents public and private sector clients before the Belgian Competition Authority and Market Court in damages recovery cases and enforcement proceedings relating to conduct investigations, as well as advising on domestic merger clearances, distribution issues, and broad compliance matters. The team has diverse sector strengths, and is led by media and telecoms specialist Thomas De Meese alongside Karel Bourgeois, who has broad experience in competition law issues in the life sciences space and public sector, among others. Karl Stas is a key name for network industry issues, while Marieke Van Nieuwenborgh specialises in damages work.

Practice head(s):

Thomas De Meese; Karel Bourgeois


Other key lawyers:

Karl Stas; Marieke Van Nieuwenborgh


Testimonials

‘Very professional and efficient work. The work is executed in a flawless way.’

‘Karl Stas as a very reliable and smart lawyer knowing the procedures. He is also up to date concerning the latest case law and is thus able to provide sound advice.’

‘The Competition law practice of Crowell & Moring is very hands-on. They have assisted us in many cases: their advice is always very helpful and valued. They are able to translate complex questions into practical recommendations. They do not only stick to the theory but understand the reality of the business which makes their advice and guidance very practical for an in-house counsel.

Key clients

Liberty Global


Telenet


Ahold Delhaize


Deceuninck


Federation of Flemish Music Festivals


Renewi


Immoscoop


Sandoz


Nitto


bpost


FEAC – European Mercedes-Benz Dealer Association


The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators


IPM Group


Otis


Work highlights


  • Advising the Flemish government on several strategic state aid cases including the Green certificates scheme and the housing and renovation subsidy scheme.
  • Represented a major media and telecommunications client on many separate matters before the BIPT, BCA and the European Commission, and before the Belgian courts.
  • Advised bpost on State aid matters, including the notification of the new – 7th – Management Contract regarding State compensation for the performance of services of general economic interest in the period 2022-2026

Deprevernet

Deprevernet represents corporate clients active in a variety of sectors before regulatory authorities such as the Belgian Competition Authority in domestic merger notifications, horizontal and vertical competition questions, and investigations, including high-level litigation. The team has a particular focus on abuse of dominance proceedings, particularly abuse of economic dependence issues. Practice head Grégoire Ryelandt combines competition law expertise with high-level litigation capabilities, representing clients before the Market Court alongside advising on domestic competition questions, while at senior associate level, Evrard De Lophem regularly represents the BCA in the Market Court, and Jasper de Fauw specialises in private enforcement litigation.

Practice head(s):

Grégoire Ryelandt


Other key lawyers:

Jasper De fauw; Evrard de Lophem


Testimonials

‘We repeatedly sent work to the firm following a public procurement procedure. They have extensive experience acting for regulators. Their work has always been of a very high standard, delivered well in time.’

‘Effective and efficient. pragmatic approach.’

‘Gregoire Deprevenet: very skilled, friendly, professional, hands-on and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Belgian Competition Authority


LitFin


Région Wallonne


Covidrive


IBPT (Institut Belge des Postes et Télécommunications)


gaia-x (https://gaia-x.eu/)


Henkel Benelux


Fluxys


Ministry of Economy


Minister of Public Companies, Telecommunications and Post


Municipality of Uccle


SABAM


Cosmetics Europe


Work highlights


  • Representing the Belgian Competition Authority before the Brussels Market Court to defend the decision of the Belgian Competition Authority authorizing the acquisition of RTL by DPG and Rossel.
  • Assisting LitFin in the private damages litigation launched before the Belgian courts against Mastercard.
  • Assisting the Ministry of Economy to notify the European Commission of the state aid awarded for the distribution of newspapers and magazines.

Jones Day

Jones Day acts for a global client base in Belgian competition issues, including merger approvals, cartel investigations, and a particularly strong record in abuse of dominance proceedings, offering standout cross-border expertise in sectors such as financial services, the public sector, and energy. The firm is able to handle Belgian elements of major global cases alongside Belgium-specific cases for global clients, and also offers antitrust litigation capabilities, able to represent clients before Belgian courts and the BCA. Alexandre Verheyden and Bernard Amory head up the team, with Serge Clerckx a key name for private enforcement work and Yvan Desmedt noted for his work in the public sector and financial services industry. Laurent De Muyter is well-regarded as an expert within the space, and was recently re-appointed as an assessor for the BCA.

Practice head(s):

Bernard Amory; Alexandre Verheyden


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘They have a fantastic knowledge of Belgian competition law and procedure that is rare in an international law firm.

‘The team supporting us is very impressive. Bernard Amory is hugely experienced and knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Laurent De Muyter has excellent knowledge of the local procedures and a very sharp mind – he sees the wood from the trees. Geoffroy van de Walle has a very analytical mind and is a clear communicator.’

‘I have worked pretty intensively with Bernard Amory, on competition issues. He is very knowledgeable, clear in his explanations, calm and very didactic. He inspires confidence and is very pleasant to work with. His associate Laurence Van Mullem is also excellent.’

Key clients

bpost


BT


Compagnie Du Bois Sauvage


ECS Corporate


Fluxys


Luminus (subsidiary of EDF))


Mastercard


Mestdagh (subsidiary of Fidagh)


ORES


Société Régionale d’Investissement de Wallonie (SRIW)


Solvay S.A.


Suez R&R Belgium


Telenet / Liberty Global


Work highlights


  • Representing Mastercard in enforcement litigation proceedings in Belgium and the UK in connection with the long-running and high-profile legal debate on the legality of certain Mastercard fees paid by retailers (multilateral interchange fees) for payment card transactions.

Liedekerke

Liedekerke has broad competition law expertise and acts for an array of domestic and international clients including major names in tech, consumer goods, and aviation, as well as the public sector and industry organisations. The team, led by the vastly experienced Stefaan Raes, acts for clients before the BCA alongside Belgian and European courts in merger control cases, cartel and behavioural investigations, dawn raids, and regulatory issues. Vincent Mussche is another key name in the team, coordinating multi-jurisdictional merger proceedings and also handling Belgian aspects of state aid cases. Associate Nina Carlier is noted for her work on internal competition compliance programmes, utilising past in-house counsel expertise.

Practice head(s):

Stefaan Raes


Other key lawyers:

Vincent Mussche; Nina Carlier


Key clients

Kiwa


Mwingz (Jv Proximus – Orange Belgium)


Uber


Philip Morris Benelux


IQVIA


ABB Industrial Solutions


Orange Belgium


Jean-paul Van Avermaet


Belmedis


Caudalie


Apeal


Mundipharma


ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)


AEG Belgium (Vinci Group)


BNP Paribas Fortis


Brussels Airlines (Lufthansa)


Proximus


Provera (Cora – Louis Delhaize)


Group Bel


Veolia


Belfius


Domo


DP World (Antwerp Gateway)


Welcoop


Boehringer Ingelheim


Work highlights


  • Assisting Kiwa before the Belgian Competition Authority on its acquisition of Vinçotte.
  • Assisting the former leading manager of the security services firm G4S, thereafter CEO of bPost (presently former CEO of bPost), in the investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority regarding alleged restrictive practices in the sector of security services.
  • Assisting Philip Morris Benelux in its appeal before the Brussels Market Court against the decision of the Belgian Competition Authority imposing a fine on cigarette manufacturers for alleged exchange of confidential information regarding wholesale and resale prices on the Belgian Market.

Quinz

Quinz acts for a combination of domestic and international companies, including leading global names Roche and BNP Paribas, in Belgian merger control, cartel, and abuse of dominance proceedings, as well as providing ongoing compliance advice and representing clients before the Belgian Competition Authority in investigations and enforcement proceedings. The team is led by counsel Wim De Meester, who takes the lead on antitrust litigation, alongside associate Miranda van Limpt, who advises on merger control, abuse of dominance proceedings, and sectoral investigations.

Practice head(s):

Wim De Meester


Other key lawyers:

Miranda Van Limpt; Brice Hennen


Testimonials

‘Available, pragmatic, to-the point.’

‘Wim De Meester will not leave a stone unturned and will always look for the optimal solution for the client.’

‘What makes this team unique is the level of dedication, client-first approach, anticipation of events.’

‘Stand-out associates: Wim De Meester and Brice Hennen. I highly appreciate their availability and level of dedication.’

‘The team is very competent, driven and efficient. We always ask them very specific questions regarding our sector and that is not very easy or normal for any law firm, but the team always does an elaborate study and always provides complete, correct and swift advice.’

‘Ambitious and motivated young team that is still growing but has a very interesting client portfolio.’

Key clients

Roche


Febelco


Nu Skin International


Veepee Northern Europe


BNP Paribas Fortis


Recordati Group


Boss Paints


AG Insurance


Royal Belgian Pigeon Association


Spadel


HOTREC


Work highlights


  • Representing Roche in an investigation of 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 in 2016.

Strelia

Strelia continues to expand its share of cases before the Belgian Competition Authority, advising on merger control proceedings, cartel and behavioural investigations, and interim measures applications, as well as representing clients, which include Belgian subsidiaries of major names in retail as well as public sector organisations, in antitrust litigation relating to investigations and regulatory infringements. Pierre Goffinet heads up the team, specialising in work for network industry clients, with counsel Laure Bersou a key name for abuse of dominance and cartel proceedings in regulated industries such as energy and telecoms alongside senior associate Pauline Van Sande.

Practice head(s):

Pierre Goffinet


Other key lawyers:

Laure Bersou; Pauline Van Sande


Testimonials

‘Offers a wide range of services to companies.’

‘Pierre Goffinet has extensive experience and knowledge in the energy sector.’

‘Unique knowledge of the energy sector combined with outstanding mastery of the legal rules surrounding it.’

‘Pierre Goffinet is very reactive, knows his job, and is extremely pleasant to work with. Undoubtedly one of the best on the market.’

Key clients

Carrefour Belgium


Orange Belgium


Sogenam


Ethias


Total Energies


Lineas


DKV


Grand hôpital universitaire de Bruxelles (GHUB)


CarASAP (D’Ieteren)


Herta


Burger Brands


Cono Kaasmakers


City of Brussels


Work highlights


  • Represented Sogenam – RMGA during the notification of the acquisition of Truck Service SA, Initial Auto SA and Integral Auto SA.
  • Representing Orange Belgium in litigation against Coditel (Telenet) concerning access to the television cable-network.
  • Representing the City of Brussels in litigation against Ghelamco concerning the construction of the Euro Stadium project.

Van Bael & Bellis

Van Bael & Bellis acts for a number of major international companies and brands across merger control, cartel, abuse of dominance, and damages cases, regularly acting in high-stakes, complex cases before the Belgian Competition Authority both relating to litigation and investigations. The team has seen an increased focus on work in regulated industries such as energy and pharma, as well as real estate, and also advises domestic governments on public procurement considerations. The team is led by Peter L’Ecluse, who specialises in life sciences and pharma work, while Kris Van Hove takes the lead on damages litigation. Valérie Lefever is a senior associate with a strong focus on the telecoms space, encompassing sector-specific regulations and competition issues.

Practice head(s):

Peter L’Ecluse


Other key lawyers:

Kris Van Hove; Valerie Lefever


Key clients

Allianz


Coca-Cola Euro-Pacific Partners


DAF


The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)


GlaxoSmithKline


Koninklijk Meteorologisch Instituut/Institut Royal Météorologique


Météo-France


pharma.be


Safran Group


Work highlights


  • Rrepresenting the DAF group and Paccar group companies in relation to all their damage claims following on from the Commission’s settlement decision in trucks that are being raised in Belgium.
  • Successfully assisted the Belgian government in setting up a loan scheme to benefit the travel industry (in the wake of the impact of Covid-19) in compliance with the EU Commission’s State Aid Temporary Framework and in notifying the aid scheme to the EU Commission.

ALTIUS

ALTIUS offers integrated sectoral support to clients in the life sciences, retail, and infrastructure sectors, among others, advising on domestic competition considerations relating to joint ventures, distribution agreements, and technology transfers, as well as representing clients before the Belgian Competition Authority in merger control and state aid cases. The firm is also noted for its work at the intersection of intellectual property and competition law. Carmen Verdonck, praised for her ‘great experience with competition law matters‘, leads the team, which also includes counsel Beatrijs Gielen, who acts for clients across a wide range of sectors on mergers, cartel, and intellectual property issues.

Practice head(s):

Carmen Verdonck


Other key lawyers:

Beatrijs Gielen


Testimonials

‘The team’s strength is its people’s knowledge and coordination (if one is not available, the others support with same level of support) to fulfil clients’ needs on time.’

‘I found people with the highest knowledge on this matter. Listening needs and fast reaction complete the strengths.’

‘Solid team with great industry knowledge providing services at good price/quality ratio.’

‘Carmen Verdonck has great experience with competition law matters in our sector and is available to discuss and willing to think alongside the business.’

Key clients

VZW K. Racing Club Genk


Indufin Capital Partners


Campine


Cordes & Graefe KG


Siemens


Felbermayr Holding GmbH


Beiersdorf


Euroseeds


PACE


BOLTON


Work highlights


  • Assisted Indufin Capital Partners with the acquisition of a controlling shareholding in the DIY tools VARO Group of companies.
  • Assisted Cordes & Graefe KG (“C&G”) in their acquisition of the full control of the FACQ Group, a major player on the Belgian market for the sale to professional customers of mainly sanitary, plumbing, ventilation, heating and air conditioning products.
  • Assisted Felbermayr Holding GmbH and its affiliate company, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics GmbH, with the merger control clearance procedure before the European Commission concerning the creation of a full-function joint venture between the Felbermayr group and the PSA group.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP acts for an international client base, including major companies in telecoms, sports, and consumer goods, handling Belgian merger approvals for cross-border transactions, major sectoral investigations and enforcement actions, and litigation before the Belgian Competition Authority relating to a broad range of antitrust issues. Integrated closely with its wider UK and European offices, the firm is adept in co-ordinating parallel investigations involving Belgian and international regulators. Denis Fosselard leads the team, which includes Annick Vroninks, who has a strong focus on merger and restrictive practices cases, and experienced litigator Denis Waelbroeck as key contributors.

Practice head(s):

Denis Fosselard


Other key lawyers:

Annick Vroninks; Denis Waelbroeck


Testimonials

‘The team excel at working across their multiple office locations, really giving you the confidence it is “one team” despite working from different jurisdictions and bringing different expertise to the table. Each individual on the team has a clear skill set and define roles in terms of service delivery, so you feel that each member is adding value and there is little duplication of efforts. This translates into fees, which are reasonable given the level of technical expertise held by the collective team.’

‘Annick Vroninks is technically excellent and adept at managing a team to deliver a client’s needs.’

Key clients

Engie


Iliad


Imperial Brands


Luxembourg Government


HeidelbergCement/CBR/ENCI


P&O Ferries


Tetra Laval / Tetra Pak


UEFA


Unilabs


Suez


Work highlights


  • Representing Imperial Brands in a restrictive practices case alleging indirect information exchanges.
  • Representing UEFA in ongoing litigation regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Third Party Ownership (TPO) rules.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

The team at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL works with global clients across industry sectors, including major corporates and private equity funds, on merger control and compliance mandates, alongside an increasing role in major Belgian Competition Authority investigations into sectors such as security services, aviation, sport, and medical devices. The team is headed up by Kurt Haegeman, a specialist in consumer goods and retail work who plays a key role in domestic investigations. Bram Hoorelbeke stands out for his successful record in antitrust litigation, including challenges to interim measures.

Practice head(s):

Kurt Haegeman


Other key lawyers:

Bram Hoorelbeke


Testimonials

‘Kurt Haegeman deserves a special mention – not only is he very knowledgeable and experienced, the practical commercial advice he provides is invaluable. He is proactive – offering bespoke training that the commercial team can genuinely relate to. He acts as an extension of the in-house legal team. Amazing.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • Represented HP before the Belgian competition authority following a complaint and a request for interim measures alleging abuse of dominance. The request for interim measures has been dismissed and the investigation has been closed by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Represented a company in the Belgian Competition Authority’s investigation in the pharmaceutical wholesale sector, as a result of which the client was not fined.
  • Advised Mercedes-Benz in connection with divestments of its owned and operated dealers to several purchasers and the related merger notification procedures for the Belgian competition authority.

Eubelius

Eubelius represents a number of high-profile clients before the Belgian Competition Authority and courts in major litigation, most notably successfully challenging the BCA’s abuse of dominance ruling on behalf of bpost, as well as advising global businesses on Belgian merger filings, and advising on state aid and excess profits considerations. Clients include public sector organisations and businesses in fields such as financial services and aviation. The team is led by Jan Bocken, who has great expertise in acting before the BCA in a variety of proceedings, while the vastly experienced Hans Gilliams is also a key name for work in the financial services sector.

Practice head(s):

Jan Bocken


Other key lawyers:

Kim Gillade; Hans Gilliams


Testimonials

‘Small but experienced and agile team with hands-on approach. They provide clear explanations of complex matters. They show a genuine interest in the business and help you navigate around the pitfalls with concrete advice.’

‘Jan Bocken stands out. He places a lot of trust in his team, but remains into the file too and understands where he needs to step in. He can easily translate the legal complexity to the business environment.’

‘High availability and open communication with all team members of the competition law practice, especially the senior associate and the partner itself. Good knowledge of the company and the market on which we are operating. For new markets/products, the team makes a great effort to quickly understand the specifics thereof. Equal focus on the budget/fees and clear communication with the client.’

‘Kim Gillade (senior associate): she is customer-focused and obtained an in-depth knowledge of the company and the markets on which we are operating on a short term. High availability and ensures an open and transparent communication about the topic as well as the fees/budget. She (pro-)actively follows up on the topics that are outstanding.’

‘Jan Bocken is customer-focused and offers a high availability to the customer if needed. His pragmatic approach is highly appreciated in this domain.

Key clients

bpost


Asco Industries


Batopin


EPI Interim Company


Immoweb


Flemish Government


Federal Government


SNCB / NMBS


Régie Média Belge


Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie


Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Port Authority)


Fedrus


MPE


Radio Télévision Belge Francophone


Fiberklaar


AG real Estate


Unilin (Mohawk Industries)


Novomatic


Work highlights


  • Representing bpost in its appeal against a fine of EUR 37.4 million imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority for an alleged abuse of dominant position.
  • Advising major Eurozone financial institutions in connection with the creation of the European Payments Initiative (EPI).
  • Advising the Flemish Government in connection with the state aid structuring of different major investment projects in the context of the Flemish resilience plan.

Linklaters

Linklaters advises a wide range of clients, including major global names in financial services, life sciences, and tech, on BCA merger notification processes, as well as representation in behavioural investigations and antitrust cases. Gerwin Van Gerven, a vastly experienced expert in Belgian and international competition law, leads the team alongside Bernd Meyring. Liliane Gam was promoted to counsel in May 2022, and has a strong record across merger, cartel and state aid cases.

Practice head(s):

Bernd Meyring; Gerwin Van Gerven


Other key lawyers:

Liliane Gam


Key clients

AB InBev


Agfa


AXA Belgium NV


Bekaert


BNP Paribas Fortis


DELA Holding NV


Detailresult Groep N.V. & DKM Holding B.V Y


Mediahuis NV


Pharma Belgium – Belmedis


RLT Group


Sofina


Solvay


Unilin


Verlinvest


Work highlights


  • Advised Pharma Belgium-Belmedis (McKesson) on an antitrust investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) against pharmaceutical wholesalers.
  • Advised RTL Group on the competition aspects of the sale, to DPG Media NV and Rossel & CIE SA, of RTL Belgium SA.
  • Advised AXA on its sale of AXA Bank Belgium to Crelan and the simultaneous sale of Crelan’s insurance business to AXA. The transaction involved a notification to the Belgian Competition Authority.

McDermott Will & Emery Belgium LLP

McDermott Will & Emery Belgium LLP represents clients before the Belgian Competition Authority and civil courts in merger control proceedings and competition litigation relating to state aid, cartel investigations, and follow-on damages. Clients include a wide range of domestic and global businesses, with the firm working in conjunction with its European and US offices to represent international clients in Belgian proceedings. The team is led by Hendrik Viaene, a specialist competition practitioner with strong state aid capabilities, and was strengthened by the November 2022 arrival of Stéphane Dionnet as a partner from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Practice head(s):

Hendrik Viaene


Other key lawyers:

Stéphane Dionnet


Key clients

Soudal


Esko Graphics (part of Danaher Corporation)


Akzo Nobel


PMV


University Hospital Gent


CHEP (Brambles Group)


Eurofiber


Belgian State


Finance & Invest Brussels


Herw!n/Kringwinkel


University Hospital Antwerp


Sirris


Work highlights


  • Assisting University Hospital Gent in several ongoing abuse of dominance and illegal agreements investigations by the Belgian Competition Authority.
  • Assisting Soudal and Esko Graphics in ongoing state aid litigation before the General Court and obtaining a landmark ruling before the European Court of Justice.
  • Representing Kringwinkel in litigation before national courts where it was accused by its only competitor of having received illegal state aid in many different forms, as well as of abusing its dominant position in Belgium.