Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+32 2 275 0075About
Provided by contrast
contrast is the first independent boutique law firm in Brussels for specialised competition, corporate and commercial law advice, and for related dispute resolution.
Our team is the largest and most experienced independent competition & EU law team in Brussels.
Our 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. Our 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 (www.contrast.law/practice/competition).
contrast is the driving force behind the Distribution Law Center (www.distributionlawcenter.com), the go-to platform for EU and national distribution law.
Our publications include the standard work 'Vertical Agreements in EU Competition Law' at Oxford University Press (3rd ed) (www.contrast.law/knowledge).
Chambers Review
contrast has a superb reputation for its handling of top-end domestic Belgian competition law matters. It acts for complainants, defendants and third-party interveners on BCA behavioural investigations and assists with appeals against BCA decisions. The team frequently advises clients on merger clearance proceedings before the BCA and the EC. The firm also handles mandates that raise complex issues regarding vertical agreements between manufacturers and distributors and defends civil claims filed in Belgium that raise competition law arguments in relation to the termination of distribution agreements. The law firm also offers experience in behavioural investigations before the EC.
Work Highlights
- contrast acted for the Belgian Competition Authority on appeal proceedings brought by four tobacco producers before the Brussels Court of Appeal in relation to the exchange of pricing information.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm knows how to quickly grasp and understand complex projects."
"All members of the team are equally qualified to support our business with competition law matters."
"We always receive a quick, structured and clear answer to all types of questions we address to this firm."
"contrast is always there for us if we have issues."
"We involve contrast when things get more difficult or complex or when you have to look at all details of the case in particular. When we need the specialists' input, we contact contrast."
"The firm knows how to quickly grasp and understand complex projects."
"All members of the team are equally qualified to support our business with competition law matters."
"We always receive a quick, structured and clear answer to all types of questions we address to this firm."
"contrast is always there for us if we have issues."
"We involve contrast when things get more difficult or complex or when you have to look at all details of the case in particular. When we need the specialists' input, we contact contrast."
Notable Practitioners
Filip Tuytschaever regularly represents high-profile clients before the BCA, including in merger clearance proceedings and antitrust investigations. He also advises on competition compliance, distribution networks, vertical agreements and appeals against fines for the exchange of information. Filip Tuytschaever has additional expertise in EU competition law, including particular know-how in automotive sector cases.
"Filip Tuytschaever is a solid external adviser who knows the ins and outs of competition law. He is a pleasure to work with."
"He knows the details very well so can represent us perfectly."
"He is very concise, clear and convincing."
"Filip Tuytschaever has very strong, in-depth knowledge of EU and Belgian competition law. With his strong capability to analyse complex and technical elements in a file, he delivers highly useful and bright solutions."
"He is pragmatic, solution-oriented and attentive to the needs of clients."
Herlinde Burez advises on merger filings with the BCA in relation to corporate acquisitions or joint venture agreements. She also handles compliance advisory topics, including in relation to circumstances that could give rise to issues regarding information exchange. She has additional experience in disputes connected to vertical agreements and matters related to the automotive sector.
"I found her very knowledgeable. She was a clear communicator and friendly."
"Her advice brings together detailed knowledge of the law and practical suggestions adapted to the client's needs."
"She will always be available and give proactive feedback."
"Herlinde Burez has deep knowledge in competition law and is very experienced in complex competition law matters. She has a deep understanding of our business and impressive business acumen."
Ranked Lawyers at
contrast
Belgium
Members
Provided by contrast
Head of Department
Head of Department
Sébastien Engelen
Head of Department
Industries
Provided by contrast
Automobiles & Parts
Chemicals
Commercial & Professional Services
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Food & Drink Producers
Government
Health Care
Industrial Engineering
Media
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Private Clients / Individuals
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Telecommunications
Travel & Leisure