Competition: Domestic
Europe Guide 2024 : Belgium
Band 2
Contact number
+32 2 549 52 30Chambers Review
Covington & Burling has an established reputation for its work on high-profile state aid cases for public entities, and it has been notably active in the notification or defence of state aid measures introduced to support the aviation sector. The team also has proven experience in defending clients in BCA investigations and advises on domestic civil litigation that seeks to rely on competition law principles. The law firm acts both for merging parties and for third-party interveners on transactions that are notified either to the EC or to the Belgian Competition Authority. Together with its London colleagues, the Brussels team regularly advises on large-scale global merger control mandates. It has additional experience in handling EC cartel probes.
Work Highlights
- Covington & Burling advised Discovery on the global merger filings for its acquisition of AT&T's WarnerMedia, valued at around USD50 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Covington & Burling provides top quality on complex transactions."
"The team has excellent depth and breadth compared to other firms."
"The responsiveness was very good and helped speed up the process."
"I would like to recommend Covington & Burling and report on its extraordinary services and always very helpful, clear and to-the-point advice."
"Covington & Burling provides top quality on complex transactions."
"The team has excellent depth and breadth compared to other firms."
"The responsiveness was very good and helped speed up the process."
"I would like to recommend Covington & Burling and report on its extraordinary services and always very helpful, clear and to-the-point advice."
Notable Practitioners
Johan Ysewyn has a notably broad practice across state aid, as well as merger filings and cartel investigations that fall within the remit of either the BCA or the EC. His state aid practice is characterised by strong aviation sector expertise, while his top-tier domestic ranking is based on his capacity to handle sophisticated contentious and non-contentious BCA matters.
"Johan Ysewyn is a passionate, very seasoned expert who, at the same time, is a lot of fun and a pleasure to work with."
"He is an excellent expert and a very nice, warm-hearted man."
"Johan Ysewyn is a top lawyer who can find practical solutions for complex issues and communicate them in a very convincing manner."
"Johan Ysewyn has the x-factor. He can bring out dull matters in a vivid way."
Christian Ahlborn has substantial experience representing clients in merger filings on both a UK and European basis, as well as assisting clients with abuse of dominance investigations.
"Christian Ahlborn has really expert technical knowledge in the space and is technically very strong."
"He loves competition law and the work he does."
Entering the numerical rankings this year is Melissa Van Schoorisse, who often assists clients with merger clearance matters before the BCA.
"She is really good and knows the ins and outs of the BCA. She sees the big picture and the detail."
"She is very knowledgeable and experienced."
Sibel Yilmaz has experience in the notification of mergers and is able to assist clients with compliance-related questions. She demonstrates particular understanding of the life sciences sector.
"She comes with a nice international view and is very smart."
"We had a great experience working with her."
Ranked Lawyers at
Covington & Burling LLP
Belgium