White & Case LLP > Brussels, Belgium > Firm Profile
White & Case LLP Offices
Wetenschapsstraat 37
37 rue de la Science
1000 Brussels
Belgium
White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Belgium > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
White & Case LLP's team is very well-regarded for its ability to hand cross-border leveraged finance work, regularly collaborating with the firm's global offices to advise both borrowers and lenders in connection with high-value acquisitions. As direct lenders increase their market presence in Belgium, the practice often advises global private capital funds on complex unitranche financings and holdco PIK financings. The team is also a popular destination for clients seeking advice on debt capital markets matters, with Willem Van De Wiele advising on bond issuances and private placements in addition to handling securitisation mandates. The practice is jointly led by leveraged financing expert Hadrien Servais and restructuring specialist Thierry Bosly. Eline Souffriau is also recommended for debt finance and capital markets work.Practice head(s):
Thierry Bosly; Willem Van de Wiele; Hadrien Servais
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Belgian private debt/ finance team overall is very strong. Communication is especially strong: The team is always responsive and creative to tackle matters that are difficult to resolve. I think the whole team is quite unique or certainly far ahead of other law firms in creatively tackling issues in our documents and contracts and coming up with solutions that work well for us and are also acceptable to counterparties. ’
‘Hadrien Servais is exceptional in terms of knowledge and depth of expertise, combined with an extremely strong work ethic and unique skills in negotiations. On top of that, he has a very good commercial understanding of the private debt/ private equity business, which helps hugely in his legal advice.’
‘One of the best teams in the market, with a commercial drive and client service that is second to none.’
‘White & Case has a very strong team. Well connected across offices globally, so you feel like you get global advice, even when speaking with your local counterparts.’
‘Hadrien Servais is an excellent leveraged finance lawyer. He understands the commercial aspects of a deal, which allows him to understand the point of view of both negotiating parties and to identify and solve problems and loopholes. He works relentlessly to always meet tight timetables with impeccable quality of deliveries.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank
Alcentra
Aliaxis
Ardian
Armonea
Aurubis
Barclays
Bain Credit
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Baring Asset Management Limited
Bayerische Landesbank
Belfius Bank SA/NV
Bluebay Asset Management
BNP Paribas Fortis
BofA Securities
CACIB
Capital Four Management A/S
Castik Capital Partners
Citigroup
Cobepa NV/SA
Commerzbank
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Credit Suisse
Crelan SA
CVC Capital Partners
CVC Credit
Danske Bank A/S
Dentius Group
Deutsche Bank
Diaverum
DNB Bank
DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank
Elia System Operator
Erste Group Bank AG
Eurazeo
EQT Credit
European Investment Bank
Euroports
Goldman Sachs Private Credit
GSO Capital Partners
Hamon & Cie
Hayfin Capital Management
HSBC
Huvepharma
Ideal Standard
ING
JPMorgan
KBC Bank
Keensight
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
Le Pain Quotidien
Mithra Pharmaceuticals
Morgan Stanley
Natixis
NatWest Markets
Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale
Nordea Bank
Nurtra
Park Square
Plukon
Royal Bank of Canada
Santander
SettleMint
SD Worx
Siemens Bank
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Société Générale
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Swedbank AB
Tikehau
Triton Partners
UBS
UBS Investment Bank
UniCredit
Wilmington Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Kpier on a unitranche financing provided by funds managed by Bain Capital Credit and Apax Credit.
- Advised Barings on a unitranche financing for the acquisition of Trustteam by Rivean Capital.
- Advised Belgian bank Crelan SA on the establishment of an EMTN programme and on two benchmark issues under this new programme.
Belgium > Competition: EU and global Tier 2
White & Case LLP continues to enjoy its reputation as a ‘litigation powerhouse‘, and has recently been active in a range of bet-the-company investigations and cases. The firm is also well versed in advising on global mergers, and fields an integrated foreign subsidies regulation team. James Killick is the regional EMEA competition head. Other recommended senior practitioners include Mark Powell and Strati Sakellariou-Witt, while at the more junior level, counsel Irina Trichkovska is singled out. Former Brussels office executive partner Axel Schulz left in late 2023.Practice head(s):
James Killick
Other key lawyers:
Mark Powell; Strati Sakellariou-Witt; Assimakis Komninos; Genevra Forwood; Irina Trichkovska
Testimonials
‘Industry knowledge, insightfulness, practical view, strong litigation practice.’
‘Assimakis Komninos is a certainty when it comes to delivering timely and high quality advice, insights and support.’
‘The White & Case Brussels team is a litigation powerhouse and expertly handles complex antitrust cases. They are fierce in court and get the argument across in a simple and efficient manner.’
‘We particularly enjoy working with Mark Powell, Irina Trichkovska and Assimakis Komninos, are all stand-out individuals and superb litigators. Their team of junior lawyers is also very smart and knowledgeable.’
‘Mark Powell is one of the finest EU antitrust litigators on the market. He has a unique superpower that grabs the attention of the Court. He sets out complex legal arguments in a simple, easy to understand, way. Assimakis Komninos is a very charismatic litigator, who has a unique style when getting his arguments across to the Court.’
‘Mark Powell and Irina Trichkovska worked devotedly and efficiently for years on a complicated case which is important for our firm.’
‘Strati Sakellariou-Witt is an outstandingly capable, proactive and client-focused advisor. Her experience with EU competition law and multi-jurisdictional merger control is first rate. Totally cool under pressure, Strati is committed to anticipating the needs of our large global organisation and consistently delivers comprehensive legal advice in a business-friendly manner.’
Key clients
Amazon
Mr Ioan Micula, European Food and others
Crédit Agricole
Saudi Aramco
Servier
Pfizer
Intermarché Casino Achats (INCAA)
Lenovo
Nexans
Synthos
Avast
Liberty Global
Coca-Cola HBC
Maersk
GlaxoSmithKline
Work highlights
- Representing Google in three separate investigations into alleged abuses of dominance.
- Represented Amazon in its appeal against the European Commission’s decision to initiate proceedings in the Buy Box investigation.
- Representing Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD and its gas portfolio companies Bulgartransgaz EAD and Bulgargaz EAD in a case which contests before the General Court the decision of the European Commission to impose €77m for an alleged abuse of dominant position.
Belgium > Environment Tier 2
White & Case LLP's environmental law practice stands out for its focus on international and EU regulatory matters, which it handles for high-profile clients such as Eni, Daimler AG, and Nestlé Nespresso. Team lead and EU regulatory specialist Genevra Forwood has a broad practice that includes advising on public procurement and state aid with environmental objectives. Up-and-coming partner Sara Nordin handles sanctions, export controls, customs law and important regulatory matters, and litigation expert Alexandre Hublet chiefly handles contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Genevra Forwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Eni
PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna S.A. (PGE GiEK)
Daimler AG
Japan Business Council for Europe
Nestlé Nespresso SA & Nespresso SAS
First Solar
Belgium > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 2
White & Case LLP is prolific in advising on distressed M&A and asset transfers, having advised creditors such as Deutsche Bank on post-bankruptcy acquisitions as well as acting for individual and corporate creditors in post-insolvency asset recovery proceedings. The team, which is active across Belgium and Luxembourg and frequently collaborates with the firm’s global network to advise on cross-border matters, also represents its debtor clients in high-profile restructurings and disputes arising out of financial distress. Practice head Thierry Bosly is a key contact for distressed asset purchases, while Alexandre Hublet is highly recommended for her commercial litigation experience.Practice head(s):
Thierry Bosly
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Hublet; Elien Claeys
Key clients
Deutsche Bank
Orpea
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Bank on the post-bankruptcy acquisition on the secondary market of claims on the estate of former Belgian airline company, Sabena, which is now in bankruptcy.
- Advised the ORPEA Group on all issues in the context of its financial restructuring.
Belgium > Private equity Tier 2
Cross-border private equity transactions are a key area of focus for the team at White & Case LLP, which works across the Benelux region and also frequently collaborates with the firm’s global offices to handle a diverse range of high-value private equity investments and acquisitions. In addition to its international work, the team also advises Belgian funds and portfolio companies on transactions, financing matters, and VC-backed fundraising rounds. Although it is active across a wide array of deals, the team is particularly noted for its ability to handle private investments in the tech, financial services, and energy sectors. Practice co-heads Carlo Meert and Thierry Bosly focus on cross-border M&A, as does Thomas Glauden, who exhibits particular expertise in Luxembourg-based matters. Philippe Hendrickx is also highly recommended.Practice head(s):
Thierry Bosly; Carlo Meert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Professional and extremely available.’
‘Very helpful and dedicated to serving the client.’
Key clients
Cobepa SA
CVC Capital Partners
IK Partners
PPF
Active Ownership Capital
Regnology Group
EQT
Cary Group
HY24
Cosucra
Work highlights
- Advised Cobepa SA on its acquisition of Ned Stevens from AVALT.
- Advised PPF on its acquisition of a 15% interest in listed company InPost S.A. from Advent International, as well as an option to purchase a further 15%.
- Advised Cosucra Group Warcoing SA in connection with a process to search for potential strategic partners to support its further growth.
Belgium > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
The team at White & Case LLP is noted for its ‘profound understanding of cross-border complexities‘, which enables it to collaborate with the firm’s international partner offices to advise clients in a wide range of industries on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions. In addition to private equity investments, the team handles strategic transactions, spin-off deals, share capital increases, and commercial matters. The practice is co-led by Thierry Bosly, who is noted for his expertise in cross-border M&A and restructuring matters, and Carlo Meert, who handles private equity transactions and corporate finance issues. Thomas Glauden heads the team’s Luxembourg office in addition to advising on Belgium-based M&A matters. Private equity expert Philippe Hendrickx is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Thierry Bosly; Carlo Meert
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Glauden; Philippe Hendrickx; Nick Hallemeesch
Testimonials
‘I had the honour to work with Philippe Hendrickx. He consistently impressed me with his profound expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.’
Key clients
Cobepa SA
CVC Capital Partners
IK Partners
PPF
Regnology Group
Colisée
ABB AG
Cosfibel
Fluxys
Cluepoints
Cary Group
HY24
Cosucra
Work highlights
- Advised ABB AG on the separation of Accelleron from the ABB group in preparation for its $2.7bn spin-off and listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
- Advised Cosucra Group Warcoing SA in connection with a process to search for potential strategic partners to support its further growth.
- Advised Cary Group Group on the acquisitions of Autoglass Clinic, Care4cars and Touring Autoglass.
Belgium > Customs, trade, WTO and anti-dumping Tier 3
White & Case LLP serves as the trusted advisor of a number of major companies and trade associations, with a particular focus on the steel industry, and focuses on acting in trade defence and WTO investigations and disputes. The team is very active in advising on the maintenance and enforcement of anti-dumping duties, while also handling matters related totrade safeguards and remedies for clients in their capacity as materials exporters. Trade compliance is a further area of expertise for the team, which is regularly instructed to advise on sanctions, supply chain, and customs matters. A consortium of lawyers leads the practice: James Killick handles trade defence and anti-dumping matters, Geneva-based Jasper Wauters is a key contact for WTO work, and Genevra Forwood and Sara Nordin are experts on sanctions and export controls.Practice head(s):
James Killick; Genevra Forwood; Sara Nordin; Jasper Wauters
Testimonials
‘I really appreciate W&C’s team knowledge, client relationship, solution-oriented mindset, network and market knowledge. ’
‘The team has an outstanding knowledge of WTO law. They are not only excellent lawyers, but also economic and political advisors able to provide insight on international negotiations and activities necessary to build our advocacy strategy. They have a deep knowledge of our company and the internal way of working. They are a reference point for WTO law around the world and in particular in the Middle East. ’
‘W&C is highly specialised, reliable, competent, and available.’
‘Genevra Forwood is one of the very best partners practising trade law across Europe. She has a profound knowledge of the industry and her own practice and has the capacity to integrate herself in a very effective way into the business dynamics. ’
‘A great team of worldwide significance.’
‘Genevra Forwood is brilliant, very committed and trustworthy.’
Key clients
EUROFER
Saudi Aramco
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Moroccan agricultural association
Moroccan fisheries association
Japan Business Council in Europe
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Eurofer, the European Steel Association with 39 members in 22 countries, in an anti-dumping case against imports of certain hot-rolled flat products of iron, non-alloy or other alloy steel originating in Turkey.
- Acted for the Moroccan agricultural association and the Moroccan fisheries association in the ‘Western Sahara’ litigation before the Court of Justice of the European Union, concerning challenges brought to EU-Morocco trade agreements under public international law principles.
- Advised Saudi Aramco on a wide variety of trade policy issues and trade disputes across all jurisdictions.
Belgium > Dispute resolution Tier 3
The ‘very diverse and bright team‘ at White & Case LLP acts in high-profile corporate disputes, particularly across the financial services, private equity, and technology sectors. The practice is adept at multijurisdictional matters, working for leading Belgian and international companies. Alexandre Hublet and Thierry Bosly lead the team, which notably includes Irina Trichkovska, who is ‘always extremely tenacious, efficient and committed to the client’s cause’.Practice head(s):
Alexandre Hublet; Thierry Bosly
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Irina Trichkovska is always extremely tenacious, efficient and committed to the client’s cause.’
‘Very diverse and bright team, which deploys great legal strategies. We really enjoyed working with Irina Trichkovska on a number of dispute resolution cases, which had great court outcomes.’
‘Irina Trichkovska is an incredibly smart and dedicated lawyer, and also great with strategizing and achieving the best outcome for her cases. It is a great pleasure working with her.’
Key clients
British American Tobacco
Confédération marocaine de l’agriculture et du développement rural
Cargotec
KT-Kinetics Technology
Lenovo
Meta
WhatsApp Ireland
Work highlights
- Representing the Moroccan agricultural interests before the European Court of Justice in cases relating to international treaties between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco in relation to Western Sahara.
- Representing the Micula parties, which succeeded in obtaining an award of damages of approx. €200m against Romania from an ICSID Arbitral Tribunal based on the Romania-Sweden bilateral investment treaty.
- Representing Meta (including Facebook and WhatsApp) in relation to disputes and defence strategies in Belgium, as well as in several EU regulatory compliance matters and related liability risks.
Poland > Competition/antitrust
The competition and antitrust group at White & Case LLP provides advice to clients from a range of sectors, including the TMT, IT, financial, and oil and gas industries. Its offering includes representation in both Polish and EU antitrust investigations, as well as assistance with merger control, state aid, and compliance matters. Jakub Gubański leads the team with the assistance of Katarzyna Czapracka, who divides her time between the firm’s Warsaw and Brussels offices.Practice head(s):
Jakub Gubański; Katarzyna Czapracka
Other key lawyers:
Iwo Małobęcki; Maciej Gac
Testimonials
‘Strong experience in the European antitrust law regime.’
‘Very prompt response, good strategy, and practical solutions meeting commercial needs.’
‘White & Case offers deep legal expertise combined with commercial understanding. Trusted and reliable advice always.’
‘Katarzyna Czapracka is a highly commercial and effective lawyer. She understand the telecoms and media industry and how competition policy plays out in this sector. She takes the time to understand what her clients need and to see how to apply the law to their advantage.’
‘Always reachable with a solutions-driven approach and a true sense of delivering the best for their client.’
‘Iwo Małobęcki and Jakub Gubański are both willing to lend themselves to assist the client with understanding the rationale for the most pragmatic approach to competition filing, so that this work stream is tackled with minimum disruption for the deal teams.’
Key clients
Synthos Group
STS Holding
Play Group
Liberty Global
Citigroup Global Markets Europe
Synthos Green Energy
W.A.G payment solutions
Saudi Arabian Oil Company
ALD Automotive
Better Energy
Mexichem Fluor
Toyota Industries Corporation
Grupa Pracuj
MidEuropa
RTL Group
CTP Group
Schneider Electric
Work highlights
- Represented Synthos in the European Commission’s cartel case relating to the arrangements between six buyers of styrene monomer.
- Advised Citigroup Global Markets Europe, acting as the financial advisor to ORLEN, on antitrust issues concerning ORLEN’s two mergers with Grupa Lotos and PGNiG.
- Advised STS Holding and its majority shareholders on the sale of all their shares in the company to Entain Holdings CEE.
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Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Thierry Bosly | Partner | View Profile | |
Elien Claeys | Associate | View Profile | |
Katarzyna Czapracka | Partner | View Profile | |
Genevra Forwood | Partner | View Profile | |
Thomas Glauden | Partner | View Profile | |
Jakub Gubański | Local Partner | View Profile | |
Nick Hallemeesch | Associate | View Profile | |
Marika Harjula | Counsel | View Profile | |
Philippe Hendrickx | Local Partner | View Profile | |
Alexandre Hublet | Local Partner | View Profile | |
James Killick | Partner | View Profile | |
Assimakis Komninos | Partner | View Profile | |
Dr Tilman Kuhn | Partner | View Profile | |
Carlo Meert | Partner | View Profile | |
Sara Nordin | Partner | View Profile | |
Mark Powell | Partner | View Profile | |
Strati Sakellariou-Witt | Partner | View Profile | |
Hadrien Servais | Partner | View Profile | |
Eline Souffriau | Associate | View Profile | |
Irina Trichkovska | Counsel | View Profile | |
Willem Van de Wiele | Counsel | View Profile | |
Olivier Vanhulst | Local Partner | View Profile |
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