Firm Profile > Loyens & Loeff > Brussels, Belgium
Loyens & Loeff Offices
TERVURENLAAN 2
1040 BRUSSELS
Belgium
Loyens & Loeff > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus: energy Tier 1
The energy team at Loyens & Loeff is noted for its particular strength in renewable energy projects, and is regularly instructed on offshore wind farm developments. The group benefits from a multidisciplinary team, which handles transactional work, and also leverages the firm's wider regulatory, banking, administrative, competition and corporate experts; the group recently advised Northwester 2 on its offshore wind farm in the Belgian part of the North Sea. In addition to assisting developers and financial institutions with energy sector construction projects, the team also handles regulatory matters and disputes. Practice head Thomas Chellingsworth and senior associate Christine Delagaye are key names to note and attract praise for being 'solution-driven lawyers'.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Chellingsworth
Testimonials
‘Thomas Chellingsworth and Christine Delagaye are solution-driven lawyers, which facilitates deal-making.‘
Key clients
Aspiravi NV
Belwind NV
Bionerga NV
Biostoom Beringen NV
Fluvius
Interconnector (UK) Limited
KBC Bank
Nobelwind NV
Norther NV
Northwester 2 NV
Northwind NV
Nuhma CVBA
Parkwind NV
Reed Smith LLP
Sunrock
Triodos NV
Veolia SA/NV
Watson, Farley & Williams LLP
Industry focus: Food Tier 1
The multidisciplinary food and beverages practice at Loyens & Loeff counts Ferrero Benelux, Mondelez and Dawn Foods among its clients. The group advises on a range of issues including regulatory, IP, corporate and real estate matters and is jointly led by Bert Gevers and Kris De Schutter in Brussels, who focus on tax and employment law respectively. The group also benefits from the ability to work closely with its offices across the Benelux region. Yves Van Couter retired from the practice, while Aude Mahy joined DALDEWOLF.
Practice head(s):
Bert Gevers; Kris de Schutter
Key clients
Ferrero Benelux
Vivaqua
Panzani
Cosucra
Choprabisco
Dawn Foods
Mondelez
Friesland & Campina
Metagenics
Krones AG
Kerry Ingredients
Cargill
Capespan Continent
Remy Cointreau Europe & MEA
Tax Tier 1
Loyens & Loeff's team provides standalone advice on the full range of domestic and international tax matters for clients in industries such as energy, real estate, retail, automotive and food and drink, among others. It also works closely with other departments, such as corporate, real estate, banking and finance, and employment. With this multidisciplinary approach the firm provides transactional support and also assists with state aid cases and corporate investigations. It also has a strong capability in the transfer pricing arena, where practice head Natalie Reypens leads a specialist group advising on transfer pricing policies, the set-up and conversion of business models, restructurings, profit allocation to permanent establishments and disputes. Xavier Clarebout is experienced in the tax aspects of corporate restructurings, M&A and structured finance transactions, among other areas. Saskia Lust and Nicolas Bertrand specialise in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on wealth optimisation techniques. Bertand was part of a cross-office team which assisted a client with the restructuring of its intragroup financing and treasury activities. Other key figures include Christian Chéruy, who leads the Belgian tax controversy and litigation group, Marc Dhaene, Bert Gevers and senior associate Aldo Engels.
Practice head(s):
Natalie Reypens
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
BNP Paribas Fortis
Ferrero
Unitronics
Mc Cain
Bayer
Agilent Technologies
Carrefour
Edenred
Flir Systems Inc
Yara
Viacom Inc
Rio Tinto
STEF Logistics
IBM
Aurubis Belgium
Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff is a strong choice for cross-border financing transactions, with its Benelux presence and ability to provide related support on regulatory and tax issues enabling it to win high-end work. The Brussels team is led by Marc Vermylen, who has a wealth of experience of secured and asset-based lending, project finance, securitisations, derivatives and debt restructuring. Vermylen is also sought out for his knowledge of Euroclear-related matters and settlement work. He works alongside Koen Panis, who has extensive expertise in real estate finance and PPP transactions. The firm has particularly made a name for itself in the renewable energy sector; Vermylen has led the advice to clients on the financing aspects of all offshore wind parks (which have reached a financial close) in Belgium to date. Recent highlights included him and others acting for 17 lenders on the development, construction and financing of SeaMade’s two offshore wind farm projects in the Belgian North Sea. In addition, the team also assisted Northwester 2 with securing the €700m financing for a 218.5 MW offshore wind farm. Senior associates Eveline Hellebuyck, Jan Missoul and Sarah Libregts are also recommended. Vanessa Marquette joined from Simont Braun.
Practice head(s):
Marc Vermylen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Marc Vermylen and Jan Missoul are excellent in getting things done and managing complex negotiations with numerous parties involved‘
Key clients
All Belgian offshore wind parks: Parkwind NV, Belwind NV, Northwind NV, Norther NV, Rentel NV, Nobelwind NV and Northwester 2
ING
JP Morgan
Goldman Sachs
KBC
Eurofactor
Deutsche Bank
Bank of New York Mellon
Rabobank
European Investment Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
The 'dedicated and efficient' corporate and M&A team at Loyens & Loeff has 'strong technical skills' and 'a high-level of expertise and broad experience in corporate matters, especially cross-border transactions'. Practice head Grégoire Jakhian attracts praise for being 'an outstanding lawyer' with particular expertise in the aviation and energy sectors, while Wim Vande Velde is frequently instructed in transactions in the real estate sector. Other names to note include Robrecht Coppens, who is particularly active in the start-up and venture capital space, and counsel Godfried Ampe, who specialises in cross-border corporate structuring issues, governance matters and transactions. The group benefits from the addition of Vanessa Marquette who joined from Simont Braun and has experience handling real estate, banking and insurance sector M&A.
Practice head(s):
Grégoire Jakhian
Testimonials
‘They articulate information in a very detailed way and fast way. They have prepared very nice documents for our inquiries. A very professional and prompt team.‘
‘They are even proactively guiding us on matters without us knowing about the legal changes in Belgium.‘
‘They have been one of the firms we use from time to time especially for M&A transactions in Europe. They have also provided general advice to our operations and helps us understand and fulfil the regulatory requirements.‘
‘Very good understanding of client’s needs. Available and reactive. Ability to comply with client’s deadlines. Very good knowledge of Belgium corporate law. Pragmatic.‘
‘Compared to other firms, L&L have a practical knowledge and approach that makes sense to business people, not just to lawyers.‘
‘Robrecht Coppens is extremely smart, very knowledgeable and he gave the right guidance to resolve an issue in between partners.‘
‘Nils Vermeulen is hardworking, very smart and result-oriented person.‘
‘Grégoire Jakhian has very broad experience, is a very good listener. His advices are very valuable.‘
‘Aubry Daerden is a promising lawyer. Efficient and responsive.‘
‘Robrecht Coppens is extremely intelligent, highly experienced and very responsive. Importantly for a U.S.-based client, his English is perfect, both in legal terms and in business terms.‘
Key clients
ABB NV
Agilent Technologies Inc.
AGP Glass
Altria Group Inc.
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Cappelle Holding NV
Cognizant
Equistone Partners
Ferrero International
H.I.G. Capital
Iconiq Capital
Intrexon Corporation
PAI Partners
RKW Hyplast NV
Sita
Thomas Cook Group
Dispute resolution Tier 2
Hakim Boularbah's group at Loyens & Loeff reports an uptick in instructions involving class actions, alongside handling high-profile arbitration matters. In the latter space, the team is acting for the National Bank of Kazakhstan in a challenge to a third party garnishment order; this forms part of an ongoing dispute with two Moldovan investors regarding an arbitral award. Yves Van Couter retired in July 2019. In January 2020 Olivier van der Haegen was promoted to partner.
Practice head(s):
Hakim Boularbah
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The National Bank of Kazakhstan
Proximus
Dargaud
Employment Tier 2
Filip Saelens heads Loyens & Loeff's employment team, which stands out for its 'pragmatic and fast advice'. Restructurings, employee benefits, transactional support matters and business migration issues have been prominent in the group's workload. Kris De Schutter is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Filip Saelens
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Greenyard
British Airways
Goodyear
Alcon
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Not-for-profit Tier 2
Fielding experts across all relevant areas of law, Loyens & Loeff has become a destination firm for many European institutions, and large associations and foundations across a multitude of industries. Corporate partner Grégoire Jakhian, and associates Mélanie Schollaert and Barbara Albrecht, assisted Paris-based Meridiam SAS with forming a public utility foundation known as Africa Infrastructure Fellowship Program (AIFP), which contributes to the improvement and promotion of infrastructure projects across Africa and supports the continent's economic growth. Jakhian, who heads up the not-for-profit practice, also leads the specialist aviation team. In addition, he has expertise in areas such as manufacturing and energy, among others. Jakhian, tax expert Nicolas Bertrand and others provide assistance on a wide range of matters, including GDPR, contract reviews and debt recovery.
Practice head(s):
Grégoire Jakhian
Other key lawyers:
Private equity Tier 2
The private equity team at Loyens & Loeff handles a range of M&A and corporate transactions, as well as fund formations and the regulatory aspects of deals. It is frequently instructed on cross-border matters and receives referrals from international law firms; in a recent transaction, led by practice head Grégoire Jakhian, the group acted for UK-based private equity company Equistone Partners Europe on its sale of France-based manufacturer Averys to Blackstone Group. Other names to note include Wim Vande Velde, who has particular experience in the real estate and private equity sectors, and newly promoted partner Robrecht Coppens, who leads the start-up and venture capital team.
Practice head(s):
Grégoire Jakhian
Key clients
Iconiq Capital
Marlin Equity Partners
Open Gate Capital
Anthemis Group
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Koramic
IDI SCA
H.I.G. Capital Partners
AAC Capital
Sunrock Investments BV
Real estate and construction Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff is 'very knowledgeable in Belgian real estate'; high-value transactions and acquisitions are core strengths of the practice. The 'outstanding' Christophe Laurent leads the team, in which Ariane Brohez is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Christophe Laurent
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
L’Etoile Properties
AG Real Estate
Swiss Life
Korea Investment & Securities
Arax Properties
Cording Real Estate Group
EU regulatory: Privacy and data protection Tier 3
The team at Loyens & Loeff provides 'hands-on advice' to clients drawn from the technology, financial services, construction, healthcare and retail sectors on GDPR compliance matters, data transfers and data breaches. Filip Saelens, Rotterdam-based Kim Lucassen and senior associate Stéphanie De Smedt ('reliable and accurate') are the key names.
Practice head(s):
Filip Saelens; Kim Lucassen; Stéphanie De Smedt
Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3
The healthcare and life sciences group at Loyens & Loeff fields individuals from several practice groups and advises on employment, tax, regulatory, soft IP, public law and corporate matters. Employment and benefits specialist Filip Saelens heads up the team with senior associate Stéphanie De Smedt, who has particular expertise in privacy and data protection issues. Yves Van Couter retired.
Practice head(s):
Filip Saelens; Stéphanie De Smedt
Key clients
Allergan
International Team for Implantology
CordenPharma
Stop Darmkanker VZW
SERB
Cinven / Bain Capital
Arthrex
Bristol Myers Squibb Belgium
Teva
EU-IPFF
Insolvency and restructuring Tier 3
Loyens & Loeff's cross-departmental insolvency and restructuring team has experience acting on the full range of transactional work and litigation relating to companies in financial distress. The practice has particular expertise in financial restructurings and benefits from the group's experience in structured finance work, securitisations and regulated markets. Counsel Laurent Mertens leads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Laurent Mertens
Key clients
LRC Group
Credit Suisse AG, London branch
National Bank of Kazakhstan
Everyan Hospitality Properties NV
Fabory Centres Belgium NV
Renewi
Pioneer Europe
Loyens & Loeff > Firm Profile
The firm: As a leading firm, Loyens & Loeff is the logical choice for a legal and tax partner if you do business in, or from, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, the firm’s home markets. You can count on personal advice from any of its advisers based in one of the firm’s offices in the Benelux and Switzerland or in key financial centres around the world. Thanks to its full-service practice, specific sector experience and thorough understanding of the market, its advisers comprehend exactly what you need.
Independent and international: as a fully independent law firm, Loyens & Loeff is excellently positioned to co-ordinate international tax and legal matters. The firm has a network of offices in major financial centres, staffed with specialists in Dutch, Belgian, Luxembourg and Swiss law. Through these offices, clients have access to Loyens & Loeff’s full-service legal expertise in their own time zone. The firm’s office network is complemented by its numerous country desks, all of which are experienced in structuring investments all over the world. It’s this winning combination that enables the firm to assist international clients in the most efficient of ways. Moreover, the firm is on excellent terms with other leading independent law firms and tax consultants. That way, Loyens & Loeff guarantees you top-level advice in every part of the world.
Innovative and pragmatic: each problem requires a customised solution. The firm’s pragmatic approach and drive to devise innovative solutions allow it to effectively address the demands of its clients’ domestic and international businesses. Thanks to the broad range of the firm’s legal experience, know-how and the size of its practices, the firm can offer you top-level advice, locally and internationally. The firm is committed to meeting your needs at the highest quality level in the most efficient way.
Focused and engaged: entrepreneurship, client focus, quality awareness and social engagement all characterise the firm’s culture. Loyens & Loeff offers a challenging work environment and equal opportunities for all its employees. The firm is mindful of the environment and helps charities with the support and knowledge of its employees.
Areas of practice: The firm offers expertise in the fields of tax, corporate law, financial law and capital markets, cross-border financing, private equity, real estate, VAT, EU, regulatory issues, employment law and taxes, commercial law, IP, IT, public and administrative law, energy law and litigation.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner, Banking and finance, Capital Markets, Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Regulatory. | Marc Vermylen | marc.vermylen@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 15 |
| Family-owned business and private wealth. | Nicolas Bertrand | nicolas.bertrand@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 23 46 |
| Litigation and risk management, Corporate Litigation, International Arbitration, Asset Recovery. | Hakim Boularbah | Hakim.Boularbah@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 50 |
| Real estate, Investment Management. | Ariane Brohez | ariane.brohez@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 21 |
| Corporate Law, National and International M&A transactions, post-transaction dispute resolution. | Peter Callens | peter.callens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 95 |
| Competition, Energy. | Thomas Chellingsworth | thomas.chellingsworth@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 43 |
| International Tawe Services, Tax Controversy and Litigation. | Christian Cheruy | christian.cheruy@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 03 |
| Private equity. | Robrecht Coppens | robrecht.coppens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 12 |
| Public and Administrative Law, Procurement. | Valentijn De Boe | Valentijn.De.Boe@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 33 |
| Employment, taxes and benefits, Alternative remuneration, Restructuring, Change Processes. | Kris De Schutter | kris.de.schutter@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 13 |
| Data protection and privacy, Intellectual property, Life Sciences. | Stéphanie De Smedt | Stephanie.De.Smedt@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 77 |
| Coporate Income Tax, Transaction Tax. | Marc Dhaene | marc.dhaene@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 22 |
| Indirect Tax, International Trade | Bert Gevers | bert.gevers@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 18 |
| Corporate Law, Cross-border M&A, Corporate Finance, Dispute Resolution, Aviation. | Grégoire Jakhian | gregoire.jakhian@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 54 |
| Investment Management, Real Estate. | Christophe Laurent | christophe.laurent@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 05 |
| Family-owned business and private wealth, International Asset Structuring. | Saskia Lust | saskia.lust@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 27 |
| Food Law. | Kris De Schutter | kris.de.schutter@loyensloeff.com | ++32 2 700 10 13 |
| Banking & Finance, Energy, Real Estate. | Koen Panis | koen.panis@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 90 |
| International Tax Services, Transfer Pricing, Tax Compliance. | Natalie Reypens | natalie.reypens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 37 |
| Employment and Benefits. | Filip Saelens | filip.saelens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 29 |
| Corporate Law, National and International M&A, Corporate Restructuring. | Wim Vande Velde | wim.vande.velde@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 96 |
| Banking and Finance, Private International Law. | Vanessa Marquette | vanessa.marquette@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 25 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mr Godfried Ampe | View Profile | |
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Mr Nicolas Bertrand | View Profile | |
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Mr Hakim Boularbah | View Profile | |
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Mrs Ariane Brohez | View Profile | |
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Mr Peter Callens | View Profile | |
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Mr Christian Chéruy | View Profile | |
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Mr Thomas Chellingsworth | View Profile | |
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Mr Xavier Clarebout | View Profile | |
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Mr Kris De Schutter | View Profile | |
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Mrs Stéphanie De Smedt | View Profile | |
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Mrs Caroline Docclo | View Profile | |
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Mr Bert Gevers | View Profile | |
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Mr Christophe Laurent | View Profile | |
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Mr Julien Lecler | View Profile | |
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Mrs Saskia Lust | View Profile | |
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Ms Vanessa Marquette | View Profile | |
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Mr Laurent Mertens | View Profile | |
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Mrs Natalie Reypens | View Profile | |
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Mr Filip Saelens | View Profile | |
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Mr Dirk Slagmolen | View Profile | |
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Mr Olivier van der Haegen | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 984 at this office : 118Languages
French Dutch English GermanMemberships
IBA Internacional Bar Association IFA (International Fiscal Association) American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (Cepani) Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) AIJA - International Association of Young Lawyers International Project Finance Association (IPFA) - APEBI Moroccan Federation of Information Technology, Telecom and Offshoring (member of the board) International Arbitration Institute IBA (International Bar Association) EELA (European Employment Lawyer Association) ABA (American Bar Association) Brussels Bar LES (Licensing Executives Society) IAPP American Employment Law CouncilOther
Contact : Managing partner: Marc Vermylen Other offices : Amsterdam Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : London Other offices : Luxembourg Other offices : New York Other offices : Paris Other offices : Rotterdam Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Tokyo Other offices : ZurichComparative Guides
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Belgium: Private Equity
Published: January 2020
Authors: Robrecht Coppens Mathias Hendrickx Filip Jorens
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in Belgium.
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The Netherlands: Private Equity
Published: January 2020
Authors: Roel Fluit Anke van Holthe tot Echten
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in The Netherlands.
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Netherlands: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2020
Authors: Martijn Schoonewille Hans van Ruiten Jelmer Post Maureen te Poel Nina Orlic
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Employee Incentives laws and regulations that may occur in Netherlands.
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Luxembourg: Private Equity
Published: January 2020
Authors: Siobhan McCarthy Kheira Mebrek
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in Luxembourg.
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Luxembourg: Restructuring & Insolvency
Published: June 2020
Authors: Anne-Marie Nicolas Véronique Hoffeld
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Restructuring & Insolvency laws and regulations that may occur in Luxembourg.