Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Competition/European Law: State Aid

Europe Guide 2026 : Belgium


Baker McKenzie

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Provided by Baker McKenzie

Please visit bakermckenzie.com to learn more about our practice.

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Competition/European Law: State Aid - Belgium


What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie is often selected to handle merger filings in support of high-value transactions that are notifiable both to the EU and to numerous competition authorities worldwide. It has handled standout transactions on behalf of clients from the TMT, consumer goods and life sciences sectors. The law firm is adept in advising clients on sector inquiries, issues around selective distribution networks as well as vertical block exemption regulations. The team also has a notable state aid practice that includes compliance mandates for public bodies and CJEU appeals against EC findings of illegal state aid. Baker McKenzie equally boasts strength in abuse of dominance investigations before the EC.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Methanex on the EC merger control aspects of its USD2.05 billion acquisition of OCI Global's methanol business.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie offers a combination of strong technical skills and a business-oriented mindset.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Baker McKenzie's strength lies in a combination of deep regulatory expertise, an innovative approach, and a proven track record of success.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Baker McKenzie's team is proactive, deeply knowledgeable and reliable in urgent matters with strong client service standards.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Baker McKenzie has a strong bench across key legal domains and jurisdictions, ensuring both specialist expertise and seamless coordination on complex, cross-border matters.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Baker McKenzie has a lot of experience with the EC and offers quick, pragmatic, and understandable advice.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Nina Niejahr
    Band 3Nina Niejahr

    Nina Niejahr

    Dual-qualified in Belgium and Germany, Nina Niejahr has a busy state aid practice that includes representing clients in appeals against state aid decisions, as well as advising on the approval of state aid filings, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Band 5Fiona Carlin
    Band 5Fiona Carlin

    Fiona Carlin

    Fiona Carlin has notable experience acting on merger control matters, as well as providing strategic competition advice, particularly in the healthcare sector. Her practice extends to assisting clients in the context of competition law investigations, including into no-poach agreements.

    • She stands out for combining legal expertise with sharp political insight, enabling her to deliver advice that is both technically sound and strategically attuned to the broader policy landscape.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
    • Fiona Carlin has a very good knowledge of competition law in Europe.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Band 5Gavin Bushell
    Band 5Gavin Bushell

    Gavin Bushell

    Gavin Bushell assists clients with behavioural investigations carried out by the EC.

    • Gavin Bushell is a highly experienced and pragmatic lawyer who is always quick to respond.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
    • Gavin Bushell is highly responsive, commercially astute, and exceptionally sophisticated in handling complex matters with clarity and strategic insight.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (3)

Belgium

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

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