AKD’s real estate and retail group has a long-established relationship with several high-profile retailers, assisting clients from the worlds of food and beverage, cosmetics, electric bikes and clothing, to name a few. The group supports its clients throughout the course of retail leases, acting for both tenants and – more latterly – landlords. Steven Ongena heads up the department; he possesses more than 26 years of experience in the market, and frequently represents industrial groups and retailers in distribution and agency agreements. At counsel level, Pol Cools is experienced advising both domestic and international clients, in the restructuring, expansion or establishing of their retail networks.
Industry focus: Retail in Belgium
AKD
Practice head(s):
Steven Ongena
Other key lawyers:
Pol Cools
Testimonials
‘The team is clear in all aspects, including billing, communication, briefness and flexibility.’
‘We work with Pol Cools and Steven Ongena; a professional but human touch.’
‘A very dedicated team, combining strong legal advice with good industry knowledge.’
‘The team understands our needs, our capacities, and our limitations.’
‘Highly professional, but also very agreeable people.’
Key clients
Hilfiger Stores Belgium (PVH group)
Calvin Klein Stores Belgium (PVH group)
Furla
Claire’s Accessories
Dessange International
Jennyfer
Stella Bikes
IMDC (brand “Grain de Malice”)
RJB Belgium
Retif
Spadel
Esports Club
Work highlights
ALTIUS
ALTIUS’ multidisciplinary retail team is a go-to for various manufacturers and retailers, who turn to the team for its expertise in the apparel and luxury goods sectors. The group is well-versed in the full array of industry-specific legal questions, including contract law, commercial agreements, labour/employment and IP protection. Carmen Verdonck advises both Belgian and international clients on the establishment and restructuring of distribution networks, and is particularly knowledgeable regarding franchising. Entrusted by both retail tenants and landlords, Lieven Peeters is reputed for his real estate and construction expertise, while Alexander Hansebout, who often appears before the national courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union on litigation matters, is also noted for his distribution work.
Practice head(s):
Carmen Verdonck; Lieven Peeters
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Hansebout
Key clients
Corinthia Hotels
Foot Locker
ING
KFC
Zalando
Royal Canin
Maxeda DIY Group
Limehome GmbH
Cloudkitchens
Farm Frites
ProWinko
Beidersdorf
PMI
C&A
CBREIM
Mars
G-Star
Bolton
FHP Vileda
CRISP
Ireleo SpA
Gilmar SpA
Veuve Clicquot
Work highlights
- Assisted Maxeda DIY Group with the real estate related work of its store portfolio, the review and update of its franchise agreements, and various other commercial law issues.
- Assisted Beiersdorf on all commercial, competition, IP and data protection matters related to the sale of the Beiersdorf products on the Belgian market through retail chains and pharmacies.
- Assisted Indufin Capital Partners with the acquisition and merger control clearance of a controlling shareholding in the VARO Group of companies.
DLA Piper
Leveraging its global presence, the retail team at DLA Piper is well-equipped to advise domestic and international clients who are entering new markets. The practice’s expertise across IP, employment, restructuring, and advertising law makes it a strong choice for a number of significant retailers, investors and landlords. Alexis Fierens – who possesses more than 15 years of experience in IP, IT and commercial law – often advises on soft IP matters, including unfair commercial practices and distribution, copyrights, software and trademarks. Charlotte Sas is routinely engaged for her expertise in commercial and insolvency mandates, while Eddy Lievens is reputed for his capabilities in corporate integration and severe workplace accidents. Other names to note include Ilse Van de Mierop and Joris De Vos, both of whom are rated for their restructuring and bankruptcy acumen.
Practice head(s):
Alexis Fierens; Charlotte Sas
Other key lawyers:
Eddy Lievens; Ilse Van de Mierop; Joris De Vos
Key clients
Exterioo
Juntoo
Van Kelegom Group
Pierre Degand SA
Rituals
Dior
Dentsu
Duracell
Ontex
BD myShopi
Burberry
Casa International NV
Clarks Shoes
Daniel Wellington
Dr Martens Airwair
Easykit
IKKS
Karen Millen
Levi Strauss
Louise Vuitton Services Europe
New Balance
Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum, Belgium)
Realo (Belgium) NV
Spotify
Supergroup (including Superdry)
Work highlights
- Acted for Juntoo (previously OVS Home) in a dispute concerning alleged breach of an artist’s copyright.
- Assisted the fashion retail group of Tristan Van Kelegom in relation to various judicial reorganisation proceedings.
- Advised high-end retailer Pierre Degand SA on all aspects of its activities including project financing, corporate restructuring, the setting up and the development of online sales and of a web shop and communication campaigns.
Liedekerke
Noted for its capabilities in IP, tax and corporate transactions, among other matters, the team at Liedekerke is a firm choice for a host of retailers, real estate developers, outlet stores, and distributors. Olivier Vanden Berghe is a highly experienced commercial litigator who is also sought out for assistance with joint ventures, cooperation agreements and distribution networks. Yves Delacroix is a seasoned real estate transactions lawyer with ample knowledge of lease matters, construction law issues and sale and leasebacks, while Etienne Kairis serves as a go-to name for matters within the automotive sector.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Vanden Berghe; Etienne Kairis; Yves Delacroix
Testimonials
‘The team’s strength is that they are able to translate abstract legal rules into down-to-earth practical advice within a reasonable time.’
‘They are reliable and have an excellent knowledge of the latest legal topics.’
‘The team can cover the entire country in a large variety of legal disciplines.’
Key clients
COLRUYT
Carpetright
Decathlon Belgium
Grand Opticiens Belgium
INNO
Kia Motors Belgium
LIDL
LOUIS VUITTON Services Europe
Marcolini
Pandora
ProVera
Wereldhave
Work highlights
- Assisted Inno in its €2 million damages claim against Unizo and Mode Unie, as well the termination of a partnership/demonstration agreement in relation to the 96k€ claim introduced by a former manager of INNO NV.
- Assisted Colruyt Group with several transactions including the acquisition by Colruyt Group of a 40% stake in Smartmat NV.
- Assisted Grand Opticiens with the transfer of 35 shops of the Grand Optical brand to a potential buyer.
Osborne Clarke
Able to draw on its significant international presence, Osborne Clarke routinely advises significant domestic and international clients on a wealth of employment, franchising, IP, IT and e-commerce engagements. Marie Canivet is experienced in the full array of matters, including commercial lease contracts, destruction contracts, and transfers of business; she also regularly appears before arbitration tribunals and domestic courts. Counsel Louis Hoffreumon is reputed for his knowledge of advertising and consumer law, supporting clients on the drafting of commercial real estate contracts, product regulations, and unfair competition.
Practice head(s):
Marie Canivet
Other key lawyers:
Louis Hoffreumon
Testimonials
‘Osborne Clarke has specialists in various areas of corporate law. In addition, their international coverage allows us to work with the same firm in the different countries where we are active, while benefiting from the support of our lead lawyer.’
‘We have been working with Marie Canivet for several years. Since the launch of our very first franchise, Marie’s expertise in franchise and commercial law has been a valuable support to our company development.’
‘Marie understands our business and the strengths and values of our company. She provides accurate and proactive advice, and has introduced us to valuable Osborne Clarke lawyers in different countries, not only creating the link but also following up on each issue.’
Key clients
Puma
Medi-Market
Brico
Godiva
Heytens
Diageo
Alain Afflelou
Aspria
Superdry
Work highlights
- Assisted Godiva on their e-commerce platform in order to make it compliant in all EU countries as well as the UK (T&C + GDPR), as well as an audit of all their companies in Europe.
- Assisted Superdry in several countries, including Belgium, in the reviewing of several lease agreements as well as the re-negotiation of bank guarantees given for several lease agreements relating to specific Superdry shops.
- Advised èggo on various matters including their strategy, expansion, restructuring, drafting and negotiating master franchise contracts as well as supply agreements, purchase agreements with suppliers, and tax matters.
Strelia
Regarded by some clients as 'one of the best teams I have ever met in this practice' Strelia often advises major retailers in distribution, franchise and commercial matters, including corporate takeovers and tenancy issues. Practice chair Gaetano Jannone is a 'determined, proactive' commercial arbitrator and litigator whose clientele spans the worlds of consumer food and beverages, fashion, and restaurant franchises. Olivier Clevenbergh assists franchisors with their growth in Belgium and abroad, while Jean-Pierre Fierens is noted for his proficiency in distribution law and corporate litigation.
Practice head(s):
Gaetano Jannone
Other key lawyers:
Olivier Clevenbergh; Jean-Pierre Fierens; Joanna Kolber
Testimonials
‘The Strelia team is one of the best teams I have ever met in this practice, and is surely the best in Belgium. They have a deep knowledge of the practice and an unbelievable capacity to share, with clarity, with the client the legal aspects of the case.’
‘Gaetano Jannone is the individual who stands out in this practice: determined, purposeful, efficient, proactive, always available, highly appreciated by the clients.’
‘Mr. Fierens is a very experienced attorney, who is an absolute authority in his field, both as a litigator and an arbitrator. On top of that, he has a broad knowledge of Belgian corporate, commercial and contract law.’
‘Strelia has a very good knowledge of the retail legal challenges, and of our industry sector in general. They provide practical and solution-oriented advice, and are very responsive.’
‘They are also very proactive in providing any complementary advice or highlight as to any “side-questions” or attention points they might identify in providing their services.’
‘Good availability, quick and appropriate response to our demands.’
‘Joanna Kolber at Strelia is a very promising young partner. Great to work with; collegiate and responsive.’
‘Legal advice is always practical and professional. Work is always delivered in time. Excellent communication and fair pricing.’
Key clients
Burger Brands Belgium
Cinemas Pathé
Carrefour
Cono Kaasmakers
Essity
Exki
Immoweb
Lotronic
Herta
Lunch Garden
Media Markt
O’Tacos
PCS Innotec
Rexel
Sobeltop
Veritas
Work highlights
- Assisted Carrefour in its franchise operations in Belgium, which includes assistance in commercial, distribution, M&A and dispute resolution matters.
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL
Often engaged for cross-border work, the retail team at Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL is well-equipped to assist retail and consumer goods clients on the full spectrum of matters, particularly in relation to competition and commercial law. The practice is particularly reputed for its expertise in the establishment, management, and reorganisation of distribution models, including selective distribution and franchising. Geert Bovy advises clients on the full gamut of commercial and consumer protection laws, and is proficient in the drafting and negotiating of a raft of commercial agreements relating to manufacturing, logistics, and sales. Kurt Haegeman represents various consumer goods manufacturers in antitrust investigations, including online sales restrictions and resale price maintenance.
Practice head(s):
Geert Bovy; Kurt Haegeman
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, efficient, and to-the-point with their advice.’
‘Good business understanding.’
Key clients
Âme Antwerp
Brands for Europe
Elbee PTY
HP
Kadine BV
LA Poppe BV
Orange SA
Work highlights
Bird & Bird
The retail team at Bird & Bird is a strong choice for a range of blue-chip clients operating across the worlds of food and beverage, luxury goods, and fashion, to name a few. The group is often engaged in business-to-consumer contract matters, including refund policies, terms of sales, social media influencer agreements and subscription terms. The team is also noted for its expertise in technology, with a number of retailers seeking them out for assistance with transformative e-commerce rollouts. With over 25 years' experience in the sector, practice head Jean-Christophe Troussel is recommended for his wide-ranging abilities, handling a mix of tech and IP-intensive mandates, both contentious and transactional in nature. One of the 12 expert members of the Belgian Council of Intellectual Property, Benoit Van Asbroeck is reputed for his capabilities in both IP and IT matters.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Christophe Troussel
Other key lawyers:
Benoit Van Asbroeck
Key clients
Ontex
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Royal A-Ware BV
Burger Brands
Kontoor Brands
Volkswagen AG
Kraft Heinz
Booking.com
PPG (EWC)
Le Pain Quotidien
Work highlights
- Advised Booking.com on regulatory questions and commercial agreements related to payments between hotels and travellers who book on its websites.
CMS
Able to draw on its large global network, the retail department at CMS possesses thorough knowledge of commercial leases, development strategy and commercial promotions, and routinely assists significant retailers across multiple practice areas. Renaud Dupont is particularly proficient in distribution agreements, including franchising, agency and licence agreements; he also possesses thorough expertise in trade secret and unfair competition matters. Tom Heremans, who often works alongside foodstuff manufacturers, is noted for his expertise in advertising and marketing, internet and e-commerce, and distribution law.
Practice head(s):
Renaud Dupont; Tom Heremans
Testimonials
‘Deep sectorial knowledge, very solution-oriented, and a very responsive team.’
Key clients
Primark
eBay
AVEVE
Amazon
Delvaux
Celio
Deliveroo
Colruyt
Go Sport
Medi-Market
Hermès
Mestdagh
Cophana
Delhaize
Leonidas
Sportsdirect
Work highlights
- Advised Primark in relation to their advertising campaigns focusing on sustainability, and on commercial contracts and in one dispute about late payments.
- Conducted trademark litigation for eBay against a competitor using the name DealBay, appearing before the Benelux Intellectual Property Office
- Represented AVEVE in a dispute against a distributor who copied AVEVE’s packaging of a whole range of baking products.
KPMG Law in Belgium
KPMG Law in Belgium advises a mix of investors, retailers and project developers on a wide array of matters, including commercial and real estate deals, trademark infringement proceedings, and privacy issues. Jim Bauwens is a key port of call for multinational retailers seeking assistance with their expansion into wider European markets, while Gerald Van Walle is noted for his experience in sector-specific real estate investment transactions and development projects. Thomas De Clerck advises clients on joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, while senior associate Anneleen Vanderbauwhede is noted for her leasing work.
Practice head(s):
Jim Bauwens
Other key lawyers:
Gerald Van Walle; Thomas De Clerck; Anneleen Vanderbauwhede
Testimonials
‘It is a pleasure to work with the team as they are always available for ad hoc questions and respond within a short timeframe.’
‘In case of specific topics, the team also looks for the necessary expertise within the firm and invites them during the meeting.’
‘The billing is very transparent.’
‘They are always available for urgent questions, with clear communication and industry knowledge and corporate law knowledge.’
Key clients
J. Choo (Belgium) SRL
Retail Concepts SA (AS Adventure, Yaya, Juttu, etc.)
Fast Retailing Group (Uniqlo, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse Tam Tam, etc.)
Popken Verwaltungs GMBH & co GCV (Ulla Popken)
Group Deichmann (Solebox Belgium SRL, Van Haren Schoenen SRL, Snipes België SRL)
Maxi Zoo Belgium SRL
Decathlon Belgium SA
Exterioo (West-Vlaanderen en Wallonië SA, Oost-Vlaanderen SA, Brabant SA, Call Center SA – previous trade name: OVS Garden)
X²O (West- en Oost-Vlaanderen SA, Wallonië SA, Antwerpen en Limburg SA, Brabant SA)
Juntoo (West-Vlaanderen en Wallonië SA, Antwerpen en Limburg SA, Oost-Vlaanderen en Brabant SA – previous trade name: OVS Home)
Sociedad Textil Lonia SA (Carolina Herrera)
Bimba & Lola Belgium SRL
GGSPORT Anderlecht SRL, CHARLESPORTS SCRL and MONSPORTS SRL (Intersport franchisees)
Five Guys Belgium SRL
Bose SA
Battlekart Belgium SRL / Battlekart Europe SA
Vastned Belgium SA
Downtown Retail SA
Quest For Property SA and affiliated group companies (N2 Property SRL, C2 Property SRL and K2 Property SRL)
Flamant Design SA (Besix Group)
Delbar Tournai SRL and Carosserie Delbar SRL
Ertzberg SCRL
D&B Management SRL
ÏDKIDS (Okaidi Belgium SA)
AS Adventure France
Campari
Lovisa Belgium SRL
Urban Outfitters Belgium SRL
Sabai Sabai SA (Thai Café and Tenshi Restaurant)
PXP Anderlecht and PXP Rocourt (Project X Paris franchisees)
Work highlights
- Assisted DBDP, a Belgian private investor’s partnership, with its acquisition of a real estate company PACO SA owning various retail properties in Belgium. The deal involved the lease-back of all properties to companies of the sellers’ group.
- Assisted West-Vlaamse Intercommunale, a Flemish public entity and intercommunal service provider, with the negotiations a leasehold right on one of its business parks for the development of the cutting edge sustainable shopping park.
- Assisted the group retail companies X²O West- en Oost-Vlaanderen SA, Exterioo Oost-Vlaanderen SA and Juntoo Oost-Vlaanderen en Brabant SA/Juntoo West-Vlaanderen en Wallonië SA, in the expansion of their activities in Belgium, by advising and assisting on the negotiations of new commercial lease agreements and renewal agreements for their stores located in Belgium.
MVVP
Noted for its multidisciplinary capabilities, MVVP is regularly engaged on a diverse spectrum of work, ranging from the representation of clients in competition matters to technical marketing and communications issues in the consumer goods sector. Recent engagements have seen the team advising social media platforms with regard to technology questions and promotional campaigns, among other matters. Jan Ravelingien routinely works with retailers on a range of issues, advising clients on their relationship with service providers and relevant authorities regarding the launch of e-money and other digital processes and products. Stefaan Verbouwe is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Jan Ravelingien; Stefaan Verbouwe
Key clients
IC Group of Companies
Pearl
Esprit
CBR Fashion Group
Cochlear
Snap
Antargaz
Makita
Goodyear Dunlop Tires
Infiniti/Nissan
Buffalo Boots
Takko Fashion
Waterstones
BWin
Cewe Color
Louis Poulsen A/S
Association of Flemish Dentists
Work highlights
- Represented a world famous underwear fashion retailer before the JEP (the self-regulatory authority) against reproaches of unethical advertising featuring models from the LGBT community.
- Represented the leading Dentists’ Association against many bleaching and whitening shops, professional practices, ethical rules and the use of hazardous substances.
- Represented one of the largest supermarket chains in Belgium in contract negotiations on the assignment of a gift- and pay cards and e-Money product and service to new service providers; review of the regulatory compliance, risk management issues.