Competition: EU - Belgium
What the team is known for
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.
Strengths
"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."
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.
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."