Competition: EU
Global Guide 2024 : Belgium
Band 2
About
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Primarily through its Brussels office, Skadden advises clients regarding the rapidly evolving areas of European Union (EU) law, including a full range of competition issues (e.g. merger control, cartels and Articles 101/102 (formerly Articles 81/82)). Several of our resident attorneys are qualified to practice Belgian law and are members of the Brussels bar. Our attorneys include nationals admitted to practice in various Member States within the EU.
Our attorneys handle matters in the following principal categories: EU and other non-U.S. cartel, antitrust, merger control laws and other EU competition, liberalization and regulatory issues. Our Brussels-based attorneys regularly coordinate with their U.S. and Asian colleagues on global merger and antitrust cases.
Skadden’s Brussels office is recognized as having one of the top practices in the area of European Union and International Competition by Chambers Europe, IFLR 1000 and The Legal 500. In 2016, Skadden ranked as an “Outstanding” firm in Global Competition Review’s survey of Brussels’ top competition practices. Attorneys in our practice are fluent in Dutch/Flemish, English, French, German, Greek and Italian.
Chambers Review
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom benefits from a strong pipeline of major M&A transactions, including US strategic investments into Europe and vice versa. The strength of its Brussels-based practice earns the firm roles on transactions that are subject to detailed investigation by the EC and that often necessitate the negotiation and implementation of complex remedy packages. The firm is particularly popular with clients from the technology sector. Skadden also acts on important EU behavioural mandates, including investigations into potential collusion between companies in the financial services sector.
Work Highlights
- Skadden acted for Activision Blizzard on phase II merger control proceedings before the European Commission in relation to its USD68.7 billion acquisition by Microsoft.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I think Skadden is very knowledgeable, provides very solid guidance and is quick as well. A lot of times things come up and we need a quick turnaround on some advice and the team has always been accommodating to meet our deadlines."
"Skadden provided top-notch analysis, knew there was an issue while others did not, had great commercial and legal acumen and was responsive."
"The team does a really nice job of speaking antitrust in business terms and does a good job at the operational level of getting to know the business, which makes things easier."
"The firm also has a network of other Skadden offices or local counsel that it can bring together as a complete package."
"There is a reasons we use Skadden and it is because it is very knowledgeable and reachable. It is very responsive to our requests."
"I think Skadden is very knowledgeable, provides very solid guidance and is quick as well. A lot of times things come up and we need a quick turnaround on some advice and the team has always been accommodating to meet our deadlines."
"Skadden provided top-notch analysis, knew there was an issue while others did not, had great commercial and legal acumen and was responsive."
"The team does a really nice job of speaking antitrust in business terms and does a good job at the operational level of getting to know the business, which makes things easier."
"The firm also has a network of other Skadden offices or local counsel that it can bring together as a complete package."
"There is a reasons we use Skadden and it is because it is very knowledgeable and reachable. It is very responsive to our requests."
Notable Practitioners
Frederic Depoortere leads a significant amount of Skadden's most high-profile merger control work, earning him a spot at the top of the rankings this year. He is experienced in complex multi-jurisdictional mandates and has represented clients in phase II reviews.
"Aside from being a good advocate, he is a strategic thinker and he understands the business priorities behind the transactions we are doing, which helps deliver top-quality advice."
"Frederic Depoortere plays things well with the agencies and gets the message through. He is the best merger control lawyer you can think of."
"Frederic Depoortere is fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. He would provide high-level guidance at times or was another sounding board."
"He is a super nice person, competent and a very good negotiator. He is somebody who can clearly handle the client and is a dealmaker."
"Frederic Depoortere is good at keeping everybody calm and is the kind of lawyer who knows when to become more assertive if there is a fight with authorities. He is a big-picture kind of guy."
Ingrid Vandenborre has a broad practice that encompasses both merger control mandates and significant cartel investigations. She is particularly active in matters involving the technology and financial services sectors.
"Ingrid Vandenborre is very clear, direct, efficient and always great to work with."
"She is a two-handed person, she has a right hand to strike and a left hand for diplomacy, and this makes her a formidable negotiator. I have always been very impressed with her."
"It is always a good experience working with her and she does a good job."
Bill Batchelor has standout experience in merger clearance matters, often in the technology sector. He is admitted to the Bar in Brussels, as well as England and Wales, where he regularly assists with interactions with the CMA.
"Bill Batchelor is an outstanding counsellor who provides world-class advice, is extremely responsive and has a wonderful attitude."
"Many heads of antitrust value him as a partner."
Ranked Lawyers at
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Belgium
Members
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates