Van Bael & Bellis celebrates top rankings in Chambers Europe 2022
- 24/03/2022
- News
Van Bael & Bellis is celebrating once again top rankings awarded to four major practice areas: International Trade / WTO, Competition: European Union, Competition: Domestic and Life Sciences, while its Corporate M&A team continues to be ranked among the top independent firms in Brussels by Chambers Europe 2022, whose results were recently published online.
Sixteen partners are named in the 2022 edition for their expertise in their chosen practice area(s).
Competition team: Chambers Europe 2022 recognises the firm’s strong offering of both EU Competition and domestic Belgian competition law noting as strengths: behavioural antitrust matters (cartels and abuse of dominance) and merger control, experience of significant appeals against European Commission decisions, follow-on damages claims, and assisting an impressive list of companies on issues surrounding the pricing of goods or the negotiation of distribution agreements for the sale of products across Europe.
Clients say:
One client states: “Honestly I wish that all my outside counsel was like Van Bael & Bellis.”
Another notes, “The lawyers provide practical advice on what is important and what is not”, adding: “They know the most important thing to focus on.”
International Trade / WTO team: “Outstanding practice with a tremendous reputation for work opposing the imposition of trade remedies by the European Commission, acting for an impressive range of clients”, the team supports “European companies in investigations carried out by the European Commission and other trade authorities across the world”. Key partners are also well known for their presence in WTO proceedings. The team handles diverse customs matters, including disputes with national customs authorities and CJEU referral cases concerning the application of customs law in complex cases.
Clients say:
A client enthuses: “Van Bael & Bellis is able to handle complex and sophisticated matters with clarity and a practice-oriented approach.”
Life Sciences: Prominent domestic life sciences practice advising an impressive roster of international biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies on interactions with the Belgian regulator and Belgian interpretation of EU legislation. Assists clients including public sector clients with a range of regulatory work relating to clinical trials, product distribution and market entry. Further represents clients in contentious matters before the Belgian courts relating to market authorisations and reimbursement concerns, as well as product liability. Collaborates with the firm’s Competition team in issues such as information sharing between pharmaceutical companies.
Clients say:
Clients praise the firm for its “excellent expertise and familiarity with what is happening”, as well as its “well-balanced approach to risks and opportunities”.
Corporate M&A: Added to its reputation as a leading competition and international trade law boutique, Van Bael & Bellis’ “solid” Corporate M&A team is consistently recognised by Chambers & Partners. The Corporate M&A team, which advises a host of Belgian and international companies and private equity houses on a broad range of corporate mandates, was enhanced this year with the arrival of Johan Mouraux (see below).
Clients say:
Clients describe an “incredibly hard-working and efficient team that is responsive and works well under pressure”.
Another notes: “The lawyers’ knowledge, and the quality of work and rapidity with which they deliver it, is very impressive.”
Banking & Finance (Belgium): Specialist Johan Mouraux joined Van Bael & Bellis as a partner in January 2022. He is recognised for his strong practice advising clients on a range of transactional mandates, including real estate, acquisition, and project financing.