About

Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel

We have had an office in Brussels, the centre of European law, since 1967. Comprising 6 partners, more than 30 lawyers and legal practitioners and other experts, all former senior European civil servants, we share our uniquely comprehensive expertise with our French, European and international clients whose strategic decisions are significantly influenced by Brussels. We support our clients in three key areas:

Regulatory affairs

We appear before European institutions, national authorities and the competent courts. Listed on the Transparency Register of the European Commission and the European Parliament, we are able to implement advocacy strategies.

Competition law and anti-trust

We act in major cartel and abuse of dominant position cases before European, national and international administrative and judicial authorities. We have extensive expertise in State aid and competition matters linked to the development of new European regulations (FSR, DMA/DSA, AI, etc.).

International trade and regulation

In addition to traditional customs matters, our office is a pioneer in the innovative application of regulations on dumping practices and foreign subsidies, as well as new “level playing field” rules (IPI, FSR…). We are often asked to advise on matters regarding the application of new European regulations with an external dimension (local content, reciprocity in public procurement directives, etc.). 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition: EU - Belgium

5
Band 5

What the Team is Known For

Gide Loyrette Nouel regularly advises on merger control issues arising from planned M&A and joint venture transactions. It has further experience in EC abuse of dominance and anti-competitive practice investigations, with a focus on advising complainants and interveners. It is particularly active for TMT, transport, energy and finance companies and stands out for its focus on French and Polish clients, whom it represents before both national and EU authorities. The team's practice is also well versed in issues relating to state aid litigation, compliance and notifications.

Work Highlights

  • Gide Loyrette Nouel advised Électricité de France in a complaint to the European Commission under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Benoît Le Bret
3
Benoît Le Bret
3
Band 3

Benoît Le Bret has experience in EU and national merger filings and also assists with the filing of complaints to the EC in response to anti-competitive conduct by competitors. He frequently advises on the new Foreign Subsidies Regulation. He is particularly active for transportation and telecommunications clients.

Benoît Le Bret is willing to think outside the box and provide efficient solutions to his clients. He is also very proactive and keen on following up on matters, making sure no stone is left unturned.

Laurent Godfroid
5
Laurent Godfroid
5
Band 5

Laurent Godfroid is a popular choice with clients from the technology sector for advice on abuse of dominance cases and challenges to merger control decisions. He also assists clients with the notification of mergers.

Laurent Godfroid is a thought leader at the top of his game and is great at reading the room with clients.

Laurent Godfroid is an outstanding lawyer in merger control, antitrust and state aid in Brussels. He has a wide spectrum of intervention, and is business-oriented and thorough.

Stéphane Hautbourg
F
Stéphane Hautbourg
F
Foreign Expert

Based in Brussels, Stéphane Hautbourg is noted for his ability to handle both behavioural investigations and merger control filings before the French Competition Authorities.

Ranked Lawyers at
Gide Loyrette Nouel

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Belgium

Competition/European Law: State Aid

Benoît Le Bret
3
Benoît Le Bret
3
Band 3
Competition: EU

Laurent Godfroid
5
Laurent Godfroid
5
Band 5
Benoît Le Bret
6
Benoît Le Bret
6
Band 6
Stéphane Hautbourg
F
Stéphane Hautbourg
F
Foreign expert for France

Members

Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel

Romain Rard

Stéphane Hautbourg

Ségolène Pelsy

Industries

Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel

Automotive

Banking

Food

Gaming

Industry

Infrastructure

Real estate

Transport