The tax practice at Stibbe handles complex tax litigation, large-scale transactions, and support to high net worth individuals across both Belgium and the Benelux region. VAT expert Wim Panis heads the team, offering a deep knowledge of the Belgian tax authorities and particular strength in the real estate sector. For tax litigation, Henk Verstraete is recommended, combining international tax experience with expertise in the fund industry. The team’s corporate tax offering includes transfer pricing expertise; Giovanni Smet is a key name here.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hands on approach, responsiveness and attention to detail. Great all around knowledge within the team and diversity in key leadership positions.'
‘Business minded and practical approach. They are easy to work with and are able to outline legal risks with a business sense.’
‘Giovanni Smet is a very good contact! Technically very good.'
‘The colleagues from Stibbe think proactively and drive the mandate forward which is very helpful.’
‘Giovanni Smet is very hands on and pragmatic while at the same time being on top of the legal questions.'
‘Responsive, hands on, strategic thinking.’
‘Proactive.’
Key clients
- Befimmo and Brookfield
- Touring
- Highbridge and Whitebox
- Carpenter
- Storm
Work highlights
Advised Befimmo (a large Belgian real estate investor) related to the refinancing of its activities following its recent acquisition by Brookfield.
Assisted Storm in negotiating and drafting the contracts with Q8 and service providers like McDonald's in the framework of Storm’s 250 million euros investment in 200 fast-charging stations.
Assisting a major electricity supplier in two pilot cases where the Belgian tax authorities are trying to take an entirely new VAT approach on joint offers, which threatens to affect many other consumer oriented sectors.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Wim Panis
Other key lawyers
Henk Verstraete; Giovanni Smet; Lizelotte De Maeyer