Bird & Bird’s competition practice has a strong track-record in assisting clients in complex multi-jurisdictional cartel investigations. The team is also well-equipped to handle merger control, FSR and FDI matters, with particular experience acting for clients in the telecoms sector. Practice head Hein Hobbelen is regularly turned to for his expertise regarding cartel investigations, State aid and regulatory issues. Other key lawyers in the team include Baptist Vleeshouwers, who demonstrates notable merger clearance and FDI experience. José Rivas retired from the practice in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team, led by Hein Hobbelen and Baptist Vleeshouwers, is very engaged and stands out for its commitment to rigorous preparation, which ensures clients are well-positioned to achieve strong outcomes.’
- ‘Baptist Vleeshouwers stands out for his responsiveness and attention to detail. He addresses queries promptly and is on top of case details, making him an effective collaborator throughout the litigation process.’
Key clients
- Securitas
- Patria Oyj
- CLEPA
- FBCA
- Radio-Television Belge
Work highlights
Represented RTBF on the State aid aspects in a taxation dispute with Commune of Schaerbeek regarding a municipal tax exemption granted in 1930.
Represented Securitas as leniency applicant in the landmark cartel investigation by the Belgian Competition Authority into the Belgian security and guarding sector.
Practice head
Hein Hobbelen
Other key lawyers
Baptist Vleeshouwers