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Latham & Watkins LLP

Competition: EU

Global Guide 2026 : Belgium

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Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition: EU - Belgium

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Latham & Watkins maintains its spot in the top band based on ongoing recognition of its repertoire and performance. The law firm showcases recent experience in phase I and II EU merger investigations into transactions in the healthcare, telecommunications and heavy industry sectors, as well as impressive behavioural mandates, including investigations into no-poach agreements. It additionally defends clients in investigations into abuse of dominance and has experience in the complainant side of similar investigations. Its lawyers also represent clients in appeals to the CJEU and the EGC against EC decisions, particularly concerning cartel fines. The law firm complements its practice with expertise in state aid matters, including high-profile cases that relate to tax rulings for individual companies. Team members also offer notable expertise in matters involving Germany and Spain

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins represented Grail in its EC proceedings concerning allegations of gun jumping and appeals against prohibition decisions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • At a European level Latham & Watkins are one of the top merger control firms. The firm has great people with great links to the European Commission.

    Competition: EU respondentGlobal

  • The team has a strong presence in Brussels.

    Competition: EU respondentGlobal

  • It is a seasoned team, with in-depth expertise and business acumen. I believe that the responsiveness and practical insight distinguishes the team.

    Competition: EU respondentGlobal

  • The team at Latham & Watkins is extremely creative in finding solutions to ongoing problems. It manages complexity extremely well to create compelling and understandable positions in our defense.

    Competition: EU respondentGlobal

  • Latham & Watkins are dynamic.

    Competition: EU respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Lars Kjølbye
    Lars Kjølbye

    Lars Kjølbye

    Lars Kjølbye plays a leading role in diverse matters ranging from merger clearance notifications through to the defence of technology sector clients in EC behavioural investigations. He additionally represents clients in EGC appeals against EC fine decisions and is well equipped to advise clients on matters relating to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act.

    • He has cultivated a culture of excellence and a team that reflects that.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal
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  • Alfonso Lamadrid
    Alfonso Lamadrid

    Alfonso Lamadrid

    Alfonso Lamadrid demonstrates impressive work highlights representing high-profile clients from the technology sector before both the European Commission and the CNMC. He has experience in standout cases seeking the annulment of EC fines imposed against IT companies for abuse of dominance. Alfonso Lamadrid additionally exhibits high levels of activity on seminal state aid matters, where he has successfully represented clients in appealing EC state aid decisions before the EGC. He joined Latham & Watkins in May 2025.

    • Alfonso Lamadrid is one of the best lawyers I have worked with in competition law, if not the best. He is very reactive, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking - not to mention a pleasure to work with.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal

    • Alfonso Lamadrid's client management skills are very impressive. I am certain that he is the leader in litigating in antitrust and state aid before the courts in Luxembourg.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal
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  • Carles Esteva Mosso
    Carles Esteva Mosso

    Carles Esteva Mosso

    Carles Esteva Mosso moves up in the rankings this year on the back of his work in complex FDI and merger clearance mandates, including phase II proceedings. He is also experienced in advising clients on the new Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

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  • Luca Crocco
    Luca Crocco

    Luca Crocco

    Luca Crocco has experience in handling the EU side of complex global merger control mandates, including assisting clients with phase II investigations by the European Commission. He is also active in behavioural mandates, such as consumer protection complaints.

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  • Héctor Armengod
    Héctor Armengod

    Héctor Armengod

    Héctor Armengod has handled market-leading transactions, including those with contentious elements and foreign direct investment filings.

    • Héctor Armengod is a highly experienced, knowledgeable and practical lawyer.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal
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  • John Wileur
    John Wileur

    John Wileur

    John Wileur is experienced in assisting clients with investigations into alleged abuse of dominance and with appealing European Commission decisions before the EGC. Also, he is experienced in advising clients on merger clearance and FDI filings. He is a popular choice with clients from the technology sector.

    • John Wileur is an extremely solid trusted adviser who provides excellent judgement across matters.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal

    • John Wileur has some serious intellectual firepower. He is extremely thorough and thoughtful.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal

    • He is a very strong competition advisor and one thing that stands out is his willingness to learn the complexities of his client's business.

      Competition: EU respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (7)

Belgium

Latham & Watkins LLP has rankings in the following guides

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