Stibbe’s leading TMT team is recognised for its strength across the full spectrum of technology and telecoms law, advising major private and public-sector clients on litigation, complex transactions, and regulatory matters. The practice is co-led by Erik Valgaeren, a specialist in IT, telecoms, privacy and digitalisation; Jan Bogaert, noted for strategic, cross-border M&A; and Hans Van Bavel, an expert in company-related criminal law. Carolien Michielsen further enhances the team with her focus on data protection, AI, cloud and blockchain technologies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘High professionalism and great availability.’
- ‘Strong Benelux TMT practice with real depth in technology work. Capable of delivering concise, on-target advice. Can identify regulatory impacts and deliver in a commercially pragmatic way.’
- ‘Erik Valgaeren remains our go-to Belgian tech lawyer. Knowledgeable, responsive and able to deliver against the brief.’
- ‘Very good mix of deep, theoretical and legal knowledge and practical insights. This leads to very useful and immediately applicable legal advice.’
- ‘With his broad experience, deep knowledge and highly client-oriented approach, Erik Valgaren brings a unique set of skills to the table.’
- ‘Ability to assemble a team of highly competent people across multiple domains (e.g., corporate, social, fiscal, tax) to ensure a 360° coverage of your business issue.’
Key clients
- Aldi
- Belgian State
- Proximus
- Belgium Tower Partners
Work highlights
Advised Proximus on (i) the carve-out and sale of its datacenters and the corresponding housing business/housing customers to a third-party buyer, while purchasing back colocation services from that third party via a long-term contract.
Advised Solvay, a multinational company with headquarters in Belgium and a leading player in the chemical and plastics industry, on the entire process of tendering and insourcing of a modernised cloud-based ERP package.
Advising Brussels Airport Company (BAC) on the contemplated development, concession and operation of a commercial data centre, to be awarded to and subsequently operated by a professional provider in the data centre industry, of one of their buildings that is located on the site of the airport and currently not used. As part of this project, Brussels Airport Company wants to have the option to become a customer of the data centre itself.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Carolien Michielsen
Practice head
Erik Valgaeren; Jan Bogaert; Hans Van Bavel
Other key lawyers
Carolien Michielsen; Cyril Fischer; Jan Joos