Department profile
Covington & Burling LLP

Competition: Domestic

Europe Guide 2026 : Belgium

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Covington & Burling LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition: Domestic - Belgium

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Covington & Burling has an established reputation for its work on high-profile state aid cases for public entities, and it has been notably active in the notification or defence of state aid measures introduced to support the aviation sector. The team also has proven experience in defending clients in BCA investigations and advises on domestic civil litigation that seeks to rely on competition law principles. The law firm acts both for merging parties and for third-party interveners on transactions that are notified either to the EC or to the Belgian Competition Authority. Together with its London colleagues, the Brussels team regularly advises on large-scale global merger control mandates. It has additional experience in handling EC cartel probes. The firm is particularly popular with clients from the life sciences sector.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Covington & Burling advised Cameco on the merger control filings for its proposed acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Covington & Burling has outstanding expertise and very strong experience in merger control filings as well as cartel investigation cases.

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

  • Covington & Burling has a strong expertise in life sciences. Its team has an in-depth and thorough knowledge of issues which are specific to the industry.

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

  • The team at Covington & Burling combines a high level of knowledge with pragmatism and commercial acumen.

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

  • Covington & Burling has in-depth understanding of its clients and industry expertise, and offers pragmatic advice rather than long-winded academic responses.

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

  • The competition and regulatory expertise of Covington & Burling stands out. The lawyers are extremely hands-on, very pragmatic and really go for the best result for the clients.

    Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Johan Ysewyn
    Johan Ysewyn

    Johan Ysewyn

    Johan Ysewyn has a notably broad practice across merger filings and cartel investigations that fall within the remit of either the BCA or the EC. His domestic ranking is based on his capacity to handle sophisticated contentious and non-contentious BCA matters. He additionally advises clients on EC investigations in the technology sector and on the new Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

    • Johan Ysewyn has great communication skills which allows him to translate very complex and sensitive matters to non-legal audiences.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Johan Ysewyn knows his clients and is able to give tailor-made and pragmatic advice.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Johan Ysewyn has a brilliant mind and combines a vast expertise with a pragmatic approach in complex matters to come to the best solution for his clients.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Johan Ysewyn possesses very strong expertise, particularly in cartel investigations.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Whenever I've had the chance to work with him it has been great.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
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  • Carole Maczkovics
    Carole Maczkovics

    Carole Maczkovics

    Carole Maczkovics is a popular choice with clients from the transport sector and also with public sector clients. She frequently advises on challenges against alleged illegal state aid, as well as assisting with the notification of state aid schemes to the EC. She also assists clients with matters concerning the application of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

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  • Christian Ahlborn
    Christian Ahlborn

    Christian Ahlborn

    Dual qualified in England & Wales and Germany, Christian Ahlborn has substantial experience representing clients in merger control and FSR filings on both a UK and European basis. He is equally acclaimed for his ability to assist clients with behavioural investigations.

    • Christian Ahlborn is a very brainy and competent lawyer who is also good with strategy.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Christian Ahlborn is very experienced, particularly in merger control situations.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Christian Ahlborn works things through from first principle. I have always been impressed by him.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
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  • Melissa Van Schoorisse
    Melissa Van Schoorisse

    Melissa Van Schoorisse

    Melissa Van Schoorisse is frequently called upon to assist clients with merger clearance matters before the Belgian Competition Authority. Her expertise also covers abuse of dominance complaints.

    • Melissa Van Schoorisse is a hands-on goal-getter who will go for the extra effort.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
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  • Sibel Yilmaz
    Sibel Yilmaz

    Sibel Yilmaz

    Sibel Yilmaz has experience in the notification of mergers and foreign direct investments, and is able to assist clients with FSR-related questions. She demonstrates particular understanding of the life sciences sector.

    • Sibel Yilmaz is a truly excellent and well-rounded advisor. She provides solid and pragmatic advice on complex topics that enables the client's business to operate in a compliant way.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Sibel Yilmaz is a very talented lawyer who takes her client's interests to heart. She is truly a partner to her clients.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope

    • Sibel Yilmaz is very pragmatic and solution oriented. She is able to put herself in the client's shoes and understand their needs.

      Competition: Domestic respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Covington & Burling LLP (6)

Belgium

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