Competition: EU
Europe Guide 2024 : Belgium
Band 4
Contact number
+32 2 535 5411About
Provided by Dechert LLP
Dechert has maintained a strong presence at the heart of Europe for nearly half a century. We opened an office in Brussels in 1968, becoming one of the first U.S. law firms to establish a base in the European Union’s administrative and regulatory hub.
Our Brussels lawyers are qualified to represent clients before the European Commission and before European and Belgian regulators, authorities and courts. We are also qualified to practice in numerous EU member states.
Clients call on Dechert for advice on all areas of competition law. Our lawyers have an outstanding track record of success in complex merger control cases, multi-jurisdictional cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, business agreements, EU state aid and privatization matters.
Long-term clients value our ability to provide a seamless service across all major jurisdictions around the world and to develop tailor-made, innovative and result-oriented defense strategies—even in the most challenging cases.
We work closely with clients to improve their compliance posture, preparing and presenting tailor-made compliance workshops across a broad range of industries and jurisdictions. The Brussels office further serves as a hub for EU internal market and regulatory work and helps companies meet EU-related regulations.
Chambers Review
Dechert is especially strong on the coordination of global merger filings. The team is also experienced in EC cartel investigations and in EGC appeals against adverse decisions. It additionally advises on the filing of complaints with the EC seeking the investigation of anti-competitive practices and assists with third-party interventions in merger investigations. Dechert has also actively contributed to the push to enable competitors to engage in sustainability initiatives without fear of reprisal from competition regulators.
Work Highlights
- Dechert assisted Chiesi Farmaceutici with the antitrust aspects of its USD1.48 billion acquisition of Amryt Pharma.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dechert was super available to us and was helping us to spot potential opportunities."
"The firm knows our business and always provides the best support possible. It is always very competent, pragmatic and available. It works very hard to make sure that our interests are well defended."
"Dechert stands out for the excellent client service it provides."
"The lawyers were highly creative but practical."
"The Dechert team was always available whenever needed. Its attentiveness was beyond expectation."
"Dechert was super available to us and was helping us to spot potential opportunities."
"The firm knows our business and always provides the best support possible. It is always very competent, pragmatic and available. It works very hard to make sure that our interests are well defended."
"Dechert stands out for the excellent client service it provides."
"The lawyers were highly creative but practical."
"The Dechert team was always available whenever needed. Its attentiveness was beyond expectation."
Notable Practitioners
Alec Burnside is admitted to practice in Brussels and in the UK, with experience dealing both with the EC and with the CMA. His comprehensive practice spans merger control matters and antitrust investigations, as well as advisory work relating to sustainability practices in competition law.
"Alec Burnside is our go-to partner and he has really demonstrated his value in and around Brussels."
"Alec Burnside is really straight to the point. He really lets you know what he thinks about how to go ahead."
"I cannot think of someone as knowledgeable in merger clearance proceedings in Europe. He has years of experience, is very good with clients and is a strong public speaker."
"Alec Burnside has a vast number of years of experience in this. He has a good reputation and good critical and creative thinking."
"In the face of tremendous pressure, he was always cool and kept his wits."