Department profile
Gide Loyrette Nouel

Competition/European Law: State Aid

Europe Guide 2026 : Belgium


Gide Loyrette Nouel

Rankings

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/European Law: State Aid - Belgium


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 Chambers

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

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Gide Loyrette Nouel's team has outstanding skills in complex and high-profile cases.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Gide Loyrette Nouel's team maintains not only a technical approach, but also a pragmatic one.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Gide Loyrette Nouel's team is very well informed and with good subject matter expertise on the regulations at a EU level.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • The lawyers understand our sector, know what they are talking about and learned the characteristics of our sector. They focus the advice correctly and also provide timely replies.

    Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Benoît Le Bret
    Band 3Benoît Le Bret

    Benoît Le Bret

    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.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
  • Band 5Laurent Godfroid
    Band 5Laurent Godfroid

    Laurent Godfroid

    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 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.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope
    • Laurent Godfroid is a thought leader at the top of his game and is great at reading the room with clients.

      Competition/European Law: State Aid respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Gide Loyrette Nouel (3)

Belgium

Members

Provided by Gide Loyrette Nouel

Gide Loyrette Nouel has rankings in the following guides

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