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Competition: Domestic

About

Provided by contrast

contrast is the first independent boutique law firm in Brussels for specialised competition, corporate and commercial law advice, and for related dispute resolution.

 

Our team is the largest and most experienced independent competition & EU law team in Brussels. 

 

Our practice encompasses all aspects of competition law, from horizontal cooperation agreements and distribution agreements, over cartel investigations and compliance trainings, to merger control, foreign direct investment and state aid and foreign subsidies. Our team has a lot of experience in competition law litigation, including representation of private clients and trade federations, the Belgian Competition Authority, and the EU Commission (www.contrast.law/practice/competition).


contrast is the driving force behind the Distribution Law Center (www.distributionlawcenter.com), the go-to platform for EU and national distribution law.

 

Our publications include the standard work 'Vertical Agreements in EU Competition Law' at Oxford University Press (3rd ed) (www.contrast.law/knowledge). 




Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition: Domestic - Belgium

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

contrast has a superb reputation for its handling of top-end domestic Belgian competition law matters. It acts for complainants, defendants and third-party interveners on BCA behavioural investigations and assists with appeals against BCA decisions. The team frequently advises clients on merger clearance proceedings before the BCA and the EC. The firm also handles mandates that raise complex issues regarding vertical agreements between manufacturers and distributors and defends civil claims filed in Belgium that raise competition law arguments in relation to the termination of distribution agreements. The law firm also offers experience in behavioural investigations before the EC. It is a popular choice with clients in the automotive sector.

Work Highlights

  • contrast advised the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association in the end-of-life investigation before the DG COMP.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

contrast provides highly pragmatic advice with a can-do attitude, quick response times and recommendations that can be passed on to the business without the need for extensive explanatory notes.

Competition: Domestic respondent
Europe

The team at contrast is always available, provides practical and to-the-point advice and, thanks to its broad client base, is well informed about market trends and developments.

Competition: Domestic respondent
Europe

The team at contrast combines outstanding legal and academic expertise with a profound and practical understanding of business.

Competition: Domestic respondent
Europe

contrast's level of engagement, depth of knowledge and communication skills are outstanding.

Competition: Domestic respondent
Europe

It is a highly specialised, agile organisation that is business-oriented.

Competition: Domestic respondent
Europe

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Filip Tuytschaever
1
Filip Tuytschaever
1
Band 1

Filip Tuytschaever regularly represents high-profile clients before the BCA, including in merger clearance proceedings and antitrust investigations. He also advises on competition compliance, distribution networks and vertical agreements. Filip Tuytschaever has additional expertise in EU competition law, including particular know-how in automotive sector cases.

Filip Tuytschaever attends to all matters with competence, interest and a great focus on practical solutions.

Filip Tuytschaever has a very sharp mind and is capable of quickly understanding nuances and details.

He is always on top of the latest news and developments. His ability to anticipate the depth and scope of the advice needed is outstanding.

Filip Tuytschaever is among the absolute best.

He knows our business well and knows better than anyone how to translate complex legal issues into pragmatic advice.

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Herlinde Burez
3
Herlinde Burez
3
Band 3

Herlinde Burez advises on merger filings with the BCA in relation to corporate acquisitions or joint venture agreements. She also handles compliance advisory topics, including in relation to circumstances that could give rise to issues regarding information exchange and issues concerning distribution agreements. She has additional experience in investigations into alleged cartels.

Herlinde Burez offers solid, clear and trustworthy advice. She is good at breaking down complex matters and providing advice in a digestible manner.

Herlinde Burez posses an excellent combination of legal expertise and industry knowledge.

Herlinde Burez is clear, pragmatic and provides to-the-point client advice.

She has a tremendous breadth of legal competence combined with a deep understanding of the competition law and related distribution law matters relevant for our industry.

She is highly appreciated for her knowledge in competition law.

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Sébastien Engelen
4
Sébastien Engelen
4
Band 4

Sébastien Engelen is involved in high-profile competition cases heard before the Belgium Competition Authority and Brussels Market Court, as well as regulatory compliance queries. He offers specialist insight into competition matters in the sports and telecom sectors.

He can analyse the ins and outs of every situation.

Sébastien Engelen is good to do business with as he thinks along with the company and is willing to consider alternative tracks.

Sébastien Engelen is very experienced in our field and he is a great help every time we ask him.

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Ranked Lawyers at
contrast

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Belgium

Competition: Domestic
Filip Tuytschaever
1
Filip Tuytschaever
1
Band 1
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Herlinde Burez
3
Herlinde Burez
3
Band 3
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Sébastien Engelen
4
Sébastien Engelen
4
Band 4
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Competition: EU
Filip Tuytschaever
6
Filip Tuytschaever
6
Band 6
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Members

Provided by contrast

Filip Tuytschaever

Filip Tuytschaever

Head of Department

Herlinde Burez

Herlinde Burez

Head of Department

Sébastien Engelen

Head of Department

Industries

Provided by contrast

Automobiles & Parts

Chemicals

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction & Materials

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Food & Drink Producers

Government

Health Care

Industrial Engineering

Media

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Private Clients / Individuals

Retail

Software & Computer Services

Sports

Technology, Hardware & Electronics

Telecommunications

Travel & Leisure