AKD‘s real estate team regularly advises clients across the sector on matters ranging from development and construction to acquisition and disposals. The firm particularly stands out for assisting leading international retailers. Practice head Steven Ongena and key contact Pol Cools both focus their real estate practice on transactional work and litigation, often acting for large corporates and governments as well as retailers. Former leading associate at Clifford Chance Ruben Vermang joined the firm as partner in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘AKD's construction and real estate team boasts years of experience and vast expertise. They represent national and international contractors, project developers, property financiers and investors, but also local and regional authorities, housing associations and care institutions. Their considerable expertise and deep knowledge of the market, the team consistently provides assistance at the highest level.’
‘Considerable expertise and deep knowledge of the issues we had. Also very professional, pragmatic and solution focused. ’
‘Clear communication - always within the deadline.’
Key clients
- Shepherd Building Group (Portakabin)
- Panattoni
- Tommy Hilfiger (PVH Group)
- Calvin Klein (PVH Group)
- Claire's Accessories
- Retif Belgium
Work highlights
Representing a pan-European multi-brand retailer in a long lease transaction for a multiple floor store, under development, located on Antwerp's main shopping street.
Representing an Anglo-Saxon specialist contractor (as subcontractor) in its dispute opposite to the main contractor in relation to construction work carried out for a Google data centre.
Successfully enforced an arbitration clause before a Belgian court in defence of a Dutch main contractor in a multi-party and multi-jurisdictional construction dispute.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Steven Ongena
Other key lawyers
Pol Cools; Ruben Vermang