Department profile
contrast

Competition: Domestic

Europe Guide 2026 : Belgium

Share profile

contrast

Rankings

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). 

Industries (18)

  • 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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition: Domestic - Belgium

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.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • 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 respondentEurope

  • 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 respondentEurope

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

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Filip Tuytschaever
    Filip Tuytschaever

    Filip Tuytschaever

    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.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • 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.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Filip Tuytschaever is among the absolute best.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Herlinde Burez
    Herlinde Burez

    Herlinde Burez

    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.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • 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.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • She is highly appreciated for her knowledge in competition law.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
    View profile
  • Sébastien Engelen
    Sébastien Engelen

    Sébastien Engelen

    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.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

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

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at contrast (4)

Belgium

Members

Provided by contrast

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership