Competition: EU

Van Bael & Bellis has a strong EU and domestic Belgian competition law offering, with a deep bench of partners based in Brussels. It handles behavioural and merger control matters that necessitate interaction with the EC or the BCA. The law firm has notable experience in the appeal of EC decisions, having acted on significant cases for third-party interveners or addressees of EC decisions operating in the IT, aviation and sports sectors. It assists an impressive list of life sciences or consumer goods companies with questions surrounding pricing of goods or the management of compliance programmes. Van Bael & Bellis has also secured roles acting on phase II EC merger investigations and is active in cartel cases and subsequent damages claims.

"Van Bael & Bellis is very good at handling complex merger filing matters."

"The firm knows our business very well and this is important, it can understand our markets and other relevant deals. There are excellent talents in the firm."

"It always has sufficient manpower to serve customers in due time and has a high level of expertise."

"I knew that Van Bael & Bellis had in-depth knowledge and years of experience in European competition law and would also be responsive and practical."

"Not only did the Van Bael & Bellis team consistently stay on top of things, it anticipated issues before they arose to position us well in addressing them."

Van Bael & Bellis advised Japan Airlines on its appeals of the EC's decision in the Airfreight cartel case, as well as on damages actions before EU courts.

Jean-François Bellis is considered one of the top competition lawyers in Brussels. He has a superb reputation for his handling of CJEU and EGC litigation on behalf of either intervening third parties or the addressees of EC decisions. In addition to handling mandates in the technology arena, he is an experienced representative of clients in the sports industry. "Jean-François Bellis remains one of the most outstanding lawyers in the field." "He is an extremely impressive person." "He is one of the most eminent competition lawyers in Europe."

Andrzej Kmiecik leads merger control mandates, with proven experience acting for interested parties on transactions that are subject to phase II review. Andrzej Kmiecik also acts on behavioural investigations and damages claims following EC cartel decisions. "Andrzej Kmiecik's expertise and customer-oriented approach are outstanding." "He is the first person to call if I want a quick, intuitive answer or if we have a highly strategic, high-stakes issue. He delivers."

David Hull is a key contributor to the firm's strong reputation among life sciences clients. He provides advice to multiple prominent pharmaceutical companies, concerning competition compliance in collaboration agreements, pricing and the distribution and supply of products.

Kris Van Hove's practice includes appealing EC decisions before the CJEU and EGC related to Article 102 investigations and cartels, as well as acting on subsequent follow-on damages actions. "He gives me a good impression immediately, is very solid and goes deep into the details. At the same time, he is someone with whom it is easy to communicate and he has an open mind to consider aspects of the case that we have not seen." "If I want to speak to Kris Van Hove, he is always available." "Due to his excellent legal skills and his clear understanding of what is legally required, what is objectively feasible and what is economically desirable for the client, he ensures that clients always get the best possible results." "Even in the most complex situations, he remains on top of things and achieves optimal solutions."

Porter Elliott plays a leading role in several of the firm's most important EU merger control mandates, frequently assisting third-party interveners with major merger investigations, or with merger notifications as part of remedies packages. "Porter Elliott is a complete package of knowledge, skill, practicality and strategic thinking." "It is great to work with Porter Elliott. He has deep knowledge but also a very client-friendly attitude."

Markus Wellinger acts for third-party interveners on EU merger filings, as well as appeals against abuse of dominance investigations. "He is very talented and clever." "He understands business alongside his excellent knowledge." "Markus Wellinger is absolutely fantastic with the lawyer-client relationship. He is extremely responsive and makes me feel like my questions are top priority. He is really great, responsive, reactive and proactive."