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

Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel

  • Gide Loyrette Nouel advised Orange on the merger control filings for the proposed combination of its Spanish subsidiary with MásMóvil.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Laurent Godfroid
5
Laurent Godfroid
5
Band 5

Laurent Godfroid advises transport and oil and gas companies on the notification of mergers and has experience in complex cases that require the negotiation of significant remedy packages. He has also got notable expertise acting for interveners and complainants in EC investigations in the IT industry.

Laurent is a fantastic person and a well-positioned lawyer. He knows what he's talking about, is hands-on and very detail-oriented.

Laurent Godfroid is a key lawyer in competition law, taking charge of complex and political cases.

Benoît Le Bret
6
Benoît Le Bret
6
Band 6
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 is particularly active for transportation and telecommunications clients.

Benoît Le Bret is an undeniable and essential asset for his strategic advice, and his knowledge of the Commission's stakeholders.

I am a big fan of Benoît and his can-do attitude.

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: 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