Dentons > Brussels, Belgium > Firm Profile

Dentons
RUE DE LA RÉGENCE 58
1000 BRUSSELS
Belgium

Belgium > Customs, trade, WTO and anti-dumping Tier 2

International institutions, trade associations, and industrial producers rely on Dentons' trade expertise, with the team being especially well-disposed to act in WTO disputes surrounding Eurasian trade as well as litigation matters before EU courts in connection with anti-dumping, customs, and other trade remedy measures. The team is also active on trade compliance matters, providing due diligence advice in connection with EU sanctions and ESG-related supply chain matters. Practice head Edward Borovikov is well-versed in trade and competition law, while Xiaoyi Tang is a key contact for issues surrounding cross-border transactions. Sanctions specialists Nicoleta Tuominen and Laurens Engelen are further names to note, as is WTO expert Maria Krestiyanova.

Practice head(s):

Edward Borovikov

Testimonials

‘Dentons has a strong track record of handling anti-dumping cases and is able to work effectively with our team to identify issues and to develop practical strategies.’

‘Xiaoyi Tang displays experience and knowledge in anti-dumping investigations. He has an ability to understand and explain concisely the most complex anti-dumping issues and we are happy to work with him.’

‘Dentons Brussels trade team is a good fit for our company. They not only provide clear explanation on EU trade laws, but also help us to solve practical issues. This is very helpful for our company. They are very knowledgeable in the steel sector.’

‘Xiaoyi Tang stands out. His impressive combination of in-depth knowledge in trade remedy matters (including anti-dumping and anti-subsidies) and a keen understanding of industrial policy dynamics sets him apart. Mr. Tang’s ability to synthesize legal principles with real-world industrial challenges allows him to provide us with practical and strategic solutions that have proven invaluable for our company. His well-established connections in Brussels further enhance his ability to navigate complex trade matters and ensure that we receive comprehensive support. Moreover, Mr. Tang’s approachability and willingness to go the extra mile have made him an indispensable partner for us.’

‘The Dentons team continues their excellent service with their deep understanding and efficiency. ’

‘Nicoleta Tuominen stands out as a litigator before the EU Courts in trade defence files. She has vast experience and offers great pleadings to the court.’

‘They are diligent and creative in deep-thinking and analyzing for the optimal resolutions on various issues to best serve the client’s interest.’

‘Xiaoyi Tang is a top-notch international trade lawyer, with well and diverse experience and expertise on every aspects of international trade remedies. He is very creative and deep-thinker.’

Key clients

Vyatsky Plywood Mill

Qua Granite Hayal Yapi ve Urunleri Sanayi Ticaret A.S.

Major international steel producers

China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (“CCCME”)

China Iron and Steel Association (CISA)

S.C. Bibus S.R.L

Pantech Stainless & Alloy Industries Sdn Bhd

Neway Valve (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

SAIC Maxus Automotive Co., Ltd

The European Commission

China Rubber Industry Association

Linyi Hongshun Porcelain Co, Ltd

Raoping Jinde Ceramics Co., Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented Qua Granite Hayal Yapi ve Urunleri Sanayi Ticaret A.S, the largest Turkish producer of ceramic tiles, in EU anti-dumping proceedings concerning imports of ceramic tiles originating in Turkey.
  • Represented the China Iron and Steel Association in EU steel safeguard investigations and subsequently six rounds of review of the safeguard measures on imports of steel products from all exporting countries, including China.

Belgium > Competition: EU and global Tier 5

At Dentons, the team is equally comfortable handling behavioural investigations and merger control proceedings. Lately, the firm has carved out a stellar reputation for its work with clients involved in the luxury and high-end consumer goods sector. In October 2023, Jean-Nicolas Maillard was appointed co-head of the Europe competition and antitrust practice, alongside Jörg Karenfort, who splits his time between the Brussels and Berlin offices. Jim Venit, who is qualified in both the US and Belgium, is another key senior contact.

Practice head(s):

Jim Venit; Jean-Nicolas Maillard; Jörg Karenfort

Other key lawyers:

Yves Botteman; Edward Borovikov; Bertold Bär-Bouyssière

Testimonials

‘The team is very efficient, very responsive and innovative, with an ability to manage cross-border transactions through resources from multiple offices.’

‘Bertold Bär-Bouyssière is our go-to lawyer for cross-border matters. With a strong litigation and advisory record, Bertold is very efficient, knowledgeable, highly responsive, and can address queries and deploy resources in a very impressive timeline! And the quality of deliverables is always beyond expectations.’

‘The team is well-equipped and able to handle complex EU and national antitrust cases. They are responsive and easy to work with.’

‘Jean-Nicolas Maillard is getting more and more involved in prominent antitrust cases, in particular before the French Competition Authority. He is gaining increasing recognition from the market for his smart and facilitating approach and amiability.’

‘Great inter-personal touch.’

‘Jean-Nicolas Maillard has been particularly proactive and willing to engage with the cllient to ensure they had all the information necessary to provide sound advice.’

Key clients

UNIFE

Merck KGaA

General Mills

CTCPA

TotalEnergies

Work highlights

  • Assisted TotalEnergies with the merger control aspects of its solar plant joint venture in Saudi Arabia.
  • Representing Merck in a follow-on damages claim in the UK.
  • Advising a holding company for luxury goods brands on competition law and compliance issues.

As the world’s largest trading bloc, the EU plays a central role in the global economy. The international setting of Brussels specifically acts as a hot spot for industry and business organizations operating within the EU or dealing directly with its decision-making bodies.

The lawyers and professionals in our Brussels office form a diverse group from multiple jurisdictions and with strong academic credentials. We are experienced in all aspects of EU law and policy as well as corporate law, international investments and trade, including World Trade Organization (WTO) matters and Belgian law. We have helped drive business growth for international companies, trade associations and governments with projects involving work with EU institutions and the WTO. We can innovate for your business and help you deal with the complexities of trade, competition, regulatory law (including REACH), Belgian law and government affairs.

With a wealth of experience in Europe, Dentons can help you drive growth, meet challenges head-on and anticipate the impact of new regulation. You can benefit from local knowledge, cross-border capabilities and global support and advice. Our team innovates for your business, and helps you deal with the complexities of trade, competition, regulatory law and government affairs, while offering competitive rates and cost-efficient, high-quality legal counseling.

Lawyers from Dentons’ Brussels office have lectured at various conferences and universities and have been published in European and US law reviews.

Look to our lawyers for effective solutions in Brussels on matters including:

  • International trade and the WTO, including disputes
  • EU trade and customs
  • EU constitutional law
  • EU competition and state aid law
  • EU and international government affairs
  • EU regulatory law, product safety and the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances
  • Litigation in the EU courts
  • Belgian law
  • Regulatory financial services, banking and insurance laws
  • Eurasian Economic Union

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner Edward Borovikov edward.borovikov@dentons.com +32 2 552 29 00
Total number of people : 12,500+
Dentons Lawyers : 5,900+
Brussels Lawyers : 17
Locations : 160+
Countries : 80+