contrast

contrast is the first independent boutique law firm in Brussels for specialised competition, corporate and commercial law advice, and for related dispute resolution (www.contrast.law). The firm has earned a strong reputation for their in-depth knowledge, exceptional expertise, and tailored solutions.

• The competition team at contrast is the largest and most experienced independent competition & EU law team in Brussels. The team is also highly regarded, having been ranked in band 1 for 'competition domestic' in both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. The team is also ranked for 'competition EU' in both directories. contrast's competition practice encompasses all aspects of competition law, from horizontal cooperation agreements and distribution agreements, over cartel investigations and compliance trainings, to merger control, foreign direct investment and state aid and foreign subsidies. The team has a lot of experience in competition law litigation, including representation of private clients and trade federations, the Belgian Competition Authority, and the EU Commission.

• contrast has a team of experienced corporate and M&A lawyers, advising and representing international and domestic companies, private and publicly-held, in all aspects of their business dealings. The corporate and M&A team is similarly recognised for its expertise and high-quality services in the directories. Clients can rely on the team for the following topics: corporate law (e.g. advise on acquistion structures, negotation and drafting of shareholders' agreements, joint ventures, direct investment, private equity, corporate restructurings, governance, unincorporated and uncommon company types, director/auditor liability and certain aspects of accounting law), mergers & acquisitions (i.e. advising clients on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures as well as assistance in all phases of an M&A process, including transaction structuring, due diligence, data room management, drafting and negotiating of transaction documents, closing and implementation of carve-outs and post-merger integration), corporate restructurings, corporate goverance, compliance, and litigation & arbitration.

• contrast 's commercial team advises on the full range of commercial matters. The team supports multinational and domestic clients across all sectors in their strategic and high value business projects as well as in their day-to-day commercial law questions. They assist suppliers as well as customers in a B2B-context. The team advises on commercial contracts across all sectors and covering the full business spectrum, including sale, supply, subcontracting, agency, distribution, commission, e-commerce, franchising, outsourcing, strategic and development cooperation, licensing, rent, loans, construction and the acquisition or leasing of commercial real estate. contrast is well-known for its experience in all aspects of distribution law. They also have a particular expertise as regards franchising and the rules on market practices. The team advises on privacy and data portection matters on a daily basis. They also assist their clients on compliance matters as well as litigation & arbitration.

• The aim of contrast is always to help our clients attain an amicable resolution to disputes. When this is not possible, contrast’s experienced dispute resolution team effectively assists clients in a variety of litigation and arbitration matters. They act for clients in competition law litigation, M&A-related and/or commercial disputes. The firm also offers experience in ICC and CEPANI arbitral proceedings, with team members often acting as arbitrators.

contrast is committed to staying up to date with the latest legal developments and sharing their knowledge with clients, associates and peers. For example, the firm regularly organises inhouse training sessions and workshops for clients and associates. It also organises legal seminars with contrast seminars. Their lawyers regularly publish legal books and articles with renowed publishers (www.contrast.law/knowledge). Each month they treat their clients and peers to a newsletter 'In the Picture' which covers the latest legal news and insights with a fun cartoon. contrast is also the driving force behind the Distribution Law Center (www.distributionlawcenter.com), the go-to platform for EU and national distribution law with many free and unique tools.

contrast is committed to making a difference and supporting good causes, including 'Kom op tegen Kanker,' 'Moeders voor Moeders,' and 'Huis van het Kind.'

The firm also works closely with universities, colleges and student organisations, offering free workshops, guest lectures, case studies, ... to students.

contrast's baseline is clear: to provide quality legal services that are tailored to clients' needs. The firm's passion for excellence, combined with their knowledge and expertise, sets them apart. Testimonials from clients speak to contrast's outstanding work.

For more information about the firm, their team, and their services, please visit their website (www.contrast.law) or LinkedIn page (contrast - European & Business Law).