The Belgium Competition section ranks the leading lawyers who advise on European Union antitrust regulations and those who act on Belgian Competition legislation. The Competition: EU rankings highlight law firms handling the most high-profile and complex multi-jurisdictional merger clearance notifications and antitrust behavioural investigations before the European Commission, including litigation concerning Article 101 and 102 infringements. Additionally, the leading firms have notable experience in antitrust follow-on damages claims. Top firms in the area include Cleary Gottlieb Stein Hamilton and Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer, both boasting large teams of competition law specialists in Brussels.
The rankings for the EU section in the Global Guide also highlight Foreign Experts, market-leading lawyers who are based in Brussels but have experience acting before national Competition authorities. Following Brexit, these foreign experts may become increasingly important for clients requiring antitrust advice before both the UK and EU Competition authorities.
The Competition: Domestic rankings focus on the best lawyers and law firms handling merger control proceedings, abuse of dominance and cartel matters before the Belgian Competition Authority, as well as advising Belgian companies on distribution agreements and general compliance. Leading firms in this area include Allen & Overy and contrast.
The State Aid rankings focus on prestigious lawyers specialised in State Aid work before the European Commission, such as Jacques Derenne, Massimo Merola, Andreas von Bonin, Ulrich Soltész and José Luis Buendía Sierra. Following the recent government support to companies during the pandemic, state aid law may become an increasingly important area for advisory work and contentious mandates.
