Loyens & Loeff > Brussels, Belgium > Firm Profile
Loyens & Loeff Offices
TERVURENLAAN 2
1040 BRUSSELS
Belgium
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Loyens & Loeff > The Legal 500 Rankings
Belgium > Dispute resolution Tier 1
The practice at Loyens & Loeff is ‘available and collaborative’, and known for its complex cross-border litigation and international arbitration expertise. A wide range of mandates are expertly covered by the practice, including healthcare and life sciences work, insolvency and restructuring issues, data protection and privacy claims, and corporate investigations. Hakim Boularbah leads the ‘excellent and very reputed‘ team alongside Olivier van der Haegen, who ‘does an outstanding job‘ for his clients; the pair have expertise in collective redress and international arbitration respectively. Senior associate Maria-Clara Van den Bossche is ‘very knowledgeable, proactive, and quickly unravels the sensitivities in the case‘, and has a practice focusing on class actions, asset recovery work, and the enforcement of arbitral awards.Practice head(s):
Hakim Boularbah; Olivier van der Haegen
Other key lawyers:
Clémence Van Muylde; Maria-Clara Van den Bossche
Testimonials
‘The team is young and diverse. They are available and collaborative.’
‘We had very good contact with Olivier van der Haegen and Clémence Van Muylder who have always been available, collaborative, serious and engaged in our files.’
‘The international arbitration department is excellent and very reputed.’
‘Olivier van der Haeghen does an outstanding job for us in international litigation.’
‘The firm has an excellent understanding of our business needs.’
‘The firm adapts themselves to our goals in the trial.’
‘When Loyens & Loeff Belgium’s dispute resolution team was handling our case, I had the feeling that no case would be too complex for them. They quickly get to the bottom of the dispute and clearly explain the procedural aspects and risks. They are super dedicated and easy to approach.’
‘A special call out for Maria-Clara Van den Bossche, who is very knowledgeable, proactive and quickly unravels the sensitivities in our case.’
Key clients
Blink Holding
Pfizer
Banque Degroof
Vidrala
Dishman Carbogen Amcis
AstraZeneca
BNP Paribas
John Cockerill – Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI)
Interpol
Porsche AG
Eurelec
Atenor
Meta Platforms
Yukos Oil
Sonaca
Klépierre
Chevron Corporation Inc. and Chevron USA Inc.
Dargaud-Lombard
Ryanair
Amazon
Amundi
Credendo
Yara Belgium
Belgium > Real estate and construction Tier 1
Loyens & Loeff has ‘the leading role in the market by expertise, track record, availability and quality of service‘. The firm fully integrates its tax and legal real estate capability, providing a one-stop shop for major real estate developments involving permits, construction, VAT, leases and more. The firm also handles a growing number of lenders’ mandates for the financing of real estate transactions. ‘Outstanding‘ practice head Christophe Laurent, experienced partner Ariane Brohez, newly appointed partner Julien Lecler and counsel Lien Bellinck are the key contacts in the ‘pragmatic, commercial and results-driven‘ team.Practice head(s):
Christophe Laurent
Other key lawyers:
Ariane Brohez; Julien Lecler; Lien Bellinck; Antoine Béchaimont
Testimonials
‘The leading role in the market by expertise, track record, availability and quality of service. The team focuses on the ‘deal’ with an eye for execution but without loosing sight on the quality of the work.’
‘Dedication & expertise – knowledge’
‘Very competent team, available, pragmatic, commercial and results-driven.’
‘Even though we have good experiences with several parnters and associates, Christophe Laurent remains an outstanding partner from our point of view. He is very sharp as well on legal as on tax matters (which is very rare), is very present (and front line) during transactions, is a real deal maker (in the interest of the global deal), is very commercial and good at negotiations, knows a lot of people and other lawyers with whom he has a great contact, which facilitates transactions.’
‘A single partner responsible for the client, who oversees all the advice and/or memos given to the client, regardless of the area concerned (tax, corporate, finance), which guarantees the consistency of the advice and/or recommendations given. In my opinion, the level of expertise is unrivalled on the Belgian market.’
‘Ariane Brohez understands the client’s business very well and can explain complex legal matters to non-legal people in well-structured and comprehensive language.’
‘In my opinion, the level of competence and professional consciousness are very high. Individuals take the initiative in informing customers of new legislation that may affect them.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and provides solid advice on various difficult legal topics in the real estate business that most other offices cannot offer the same way.’
Key clients
AEW
AG Real Estate
Atenor
Axa Real Estate Investment Management
Blue Colibri Capital Partners
CBRE Investment Management
Covivio Hotels
Ethias
Kadans Science Partner
KanAm
La Française Real Estate Managers
Lone Star Funds
MEAG
Prologis
Real I.S.
Swiss Life Asset Management
Tristan Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised MEAG, acting on behalf of a special real estate fund designed for institutional investors, with the largest office-related transaction of 2023 so far to acquire all the shares of the company AGRE Office Invest II holding the prestigious City Center building.
- Advised a Lone Star investment fund with the acquisition in share deal of the iconic Metropole Hotel in the heart of Brussels, together with adjacent shops in high-retail area of Rue Neuve.
- Further to the acquisition of the Regent portfolio, consisting of 5 building offices in Brussels, assisted Tristan Capital Partners with the sale of an office building located rue Ducal 69-71. Advised on the best way to organise the transaction, recommending to sell the building through the granting of a perpetual right to building on the building, such ownership structure being possible since the entry into force of the Book 3 of the Civil Code in September 2021.
Belgium > Tax Tier 1
Supplementing a strong corporate tax offering, Loyens & Loeff directs its large team into dedicated specialisations covering transactional tax, transfer pricing, private clients, exmployment tax, and tax litigation. Nicolas Lippens takes the helm, with a recognised track record in corporate, European and international tax law, while Natalie Reypens is the face of the transfer pricing team, and Nicolas Bertrand and Saskia Lust take charge of the private client offering. Bert Gevers leads the indirect tax team, and Marc Dhaene assists with litigation matters. Transfer pricing specialist Aldo Engels was promoted to counsel in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Nicolas Lippens
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic and solution-oriented (particularly so for tax lawyers). Reactive. Good team composition.’
‘Nicolas Bertrand is client-oriented.’
Key clients
Candriam
Fluvius
STEF
Skoda
Euroclear
Galapagos
Mc Cain
Vesalius
Work highlights
- Represented Fluvius before the European Court of Justice with regard to a VAT proceeding.
- Assisted STEF on the carve-out of its Belgian real estate portfolio.
- Advised Skoda Transportation on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Signalling Company.
Belgium > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
The ‘highly capable and solutions-oriented‘ team at Loyens & Loeff stands out for the breadth of its debt finance and capital markets expertise, which covers domestic and cross-border transactions in a wide array of sectors and is particularly pronounced in project finance, debt and securities issuances, leveraged lending, and real estate financing work. The practice is especially noted for its ability to handle a significant number of financings in connection with renewable energy and infrastructure PPPs. Clients include Belgian-based and multinational institutional lenders as well as private credit funds, corporate borrowers, and state actors. Practice head Marc Vermylen is noted for his project finance expertise, while Vanessa Marquette and Eveline Hellebuyck primarily handle financial regulatory matters. Koen Panis is a key contact for PPP work. Asset-based lending and green bond issuance expert Sarah Libregts is a further name to note.Practice head(s):
Marc Vermylen
Other key lawyers:
Eveline Hellebuyck; Vanessa Marquette; Koen Panis; Sarah Libregts; Mathias Diricx
Testimonials
‘Apart from high level legal competence, the team also offers very good market knowledge. Tailor made legal advice and solutions.’
‘Short response times. Well-structured legal advice that is understandable even for non-lawyers. Pragmatic solutions and solutions in line with market and business needs.’
‘Excellent level of deliverables in terms of quality and time. The team was involved in an innovative project that required quite a lot of re-thinking of existing models. They were able to combine innovative thinking with solid legal bases and very good knowledge of market practice. Always available and able to meet on short notice when asked.’
‘Vanessa Marquette has excellent knowledge of debt capital markets and in particular of the Belgian legal environment. Always available when asked and eager to find flexible solutions.’
‘Reactiveness, sound knowledge, and experience in the Belgian project finance sector and beyond. ’
‘The Loyens & Loeff team is highly capable and solutions-oriented. We worked with Loyens & Loeff on a complex, cross-border debt and equity financing. The team was able to come up with answers to a number of complexities that arose and explain everything to us in a simple manner based on their local expertise and knowledge. We felt confident we were in good hands throughout the process.’
‘Great team for seamless and full-service advice across jurisdictions Belgium and Netherlands as a one-stop-shop.’
‘Marc Vermylen is extremely commercial, practical and straightforward in providing advice. Sarah Libregts is also extremely commercial and has extremely high technical ability in providing documentation and workable ‘real world’ solutions for clients.’
Key clients
Parkwind
Virya
Norther
European Investment Bank
EURATOM
Société Générale
PBB Deutsche Plandbrieffbank
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Deutsche Bank
ING Bank
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Goldman Sachs
Barclays Bank PLC
Tristan Capital Partners
WhiteHorse Capital Management
Volvo Financial Services
Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen NV
International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Bundesverband Deutscher banken
Aluminium Duffel
Sedimmo SA
Godiva Chocolatier, Inc.
GBA Group
Wingspire Capital LLC
Infopro Digital Group
Work highlights
- Advised Aluminium Duffel on the refinancing of its existing indebtedness in connection with its acquisition by AIP.
- Advised Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG on the refinancing of the office property Arcadia.
- Assisted the Walloon Region with the renewal of the issuance of €1bn of 2.875% fixed-rate sovereign notes, admitted to trading on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Belgium > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
The ‘excellent professionals‘ at Loyens & Loeff stand out for their multidisciplinary M&A offering, combining corporate expertise with extensive tax knowledge to cover a broad range of transactional matters. In addition to its focus on cross-border corporate acquisitions, the team is recognised for its ability to structure and advise on the financial and tax due diligence aspects of large-volume private equity deals. Robrecht Coppens is a key contact for private equity work and also regularly assists with governance and restructuring matters. Coppens co-leads the team with Thomas Lenné, who offers expertise in the energy, life sciences and technology sectors. Wim Vande Velde departed the team in November 2022, while former practice head Grégoire Jakhian retired in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Robrecht Coppens; Thomas Lenné
Other key lawyers:
Mathias Hendrickx; Mélanie Schollaert
Testimonials
‘The L&L team is very easy to work with and I have enjoyed the collaboration with them.’
‘L&L thinks about the long run and invests time into getting to know their clients and listening to their concerns. L&L is also willing to inform its clients that sticking to a certain position might not be in their best interest. ’
‘Fantastic communication skills.’
‘Exquisite problem-solving approach.’
‘Great team for M&A in Belgium. Composed of excellent professionals, in particular Thomas Lenné. The team covers all the needs of large industries in the context of legal, environmental, HR and tax-related issues.’
‘Loyens has assisted us with corporate & finance law matters in Benelux for many years. We are very happy with the long-term relationship.’
‘We have always received efficient, quality and timely professional support from every individual in the firm, particularly Mélanie Schollaert.’
Key clients
Platinum Equity
Intermediate Capital Group
Pioneer Point Partners
EQT
Bencis Capital Partners
Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen
Bregal Investment
Hasco Invest
Smartfin Ventures
SATS Investments
Santander Group
Stellantis
Connect Group
Nijkerk Holding
Koramic
Alludo
Cementir Group
Sound Bioventures Management
Demant A/S
Work highlights
- Assisted the private equity firm ICG with the €1bn sale of its stake in Infra Group to the private equity firm PAI Partners, followed by a partial reinvestment.
- Advised Solenis on the €4.6bn acquisition through a merger of all the securities in Diversey Holdings.
- Advised SATS Investments in connection with the €2.25bn acquisition of 100% of the Worldwide Flight Services group.
Belgium > Employment Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff combines tax and HR expertise to provide a comprehensive employment offering to clients located primarily in the retail, financial services, tech, and industrials sectors. Areas of focus for the team include advising on the employment aspects of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and reorganisations, as well as senior-level dismissals, immigration matters and new company-wide remuneration policies. Since the arrival of Joris Beernaert from Claeys & Engels in November 2022, the team also serves as the central point of contact for an increasing number of clients seeking advice on pensions and benefit-related matters. Beernaert now co-leads the practice with vastly experienced restructuring specialist Kris De Schutter and Filip Saelens, who is adept at handling the employment aspects of cross-border transactions.Practice head(s):
Filip Saelens; Kris De Schutter; Joris Beernaert
Other key lawyers:
Lucia Bellobuono; Etienne Pennetreau
Testimonials
‘Very high level of technical expertise in many domains of HR. Very much a team working for us, coached and guided by a senior mentor in Kris De Schutter.’
‘Kris De Schutter is an excellent lawyer. Fast feedback and intake into the problem.’
‘Flexible, pragmatic and to-the-point collaboration.’
‘Out-of-the-box & result-driven advice. Mr Kris De Schutter in particular brings added value.’
‘Our file is closely monitored. Our questions are answered professionally and clearly. The strategy is good and well explained. This means that the collaboration runs very well and the confidence in the lawyer is high.’
‘High level of experience and knowledge in diverse areas and domains. Very good and pragmatic advice and support from Kris De Schutter.’
‘Kris De Schutter is both very reactive & proactive and really thinks about what is the best solution for the company.’
‘Filip Saelens was the lead counsel of the team we worked with. We felt he was more like an in-house attorney rather than outside counsel. His advice was practical and implementable. Rather than merely citing case law and theoretical situations, he and his team were able to provide solutions we could immediately use and were best practices in the technology industry. They were always accessible and we always felt he and the team had our company’s best interests at heart.’
Key clients
P&V Insurance
DHL Employee Benefit Fund
Ghent University
Pensioenfonds PRO
Chevron
Remy Cointreau
Ferrero Ardennes
Yara International
BMW
ACEA
Fertilizers Europe
H&M
Inditex
Manuchar
Brunel
BNP Paribas Fortis
AG Insurance
Platinum Equity
Goodyear
SD Worx
Lunch Garden
Novartis
GXO
Celanese
Candriam
Brussels Airlines
Work highlights
- Advised GXO on the closure and restructuring of one of its plants, leading to a collective dismissal procedure.
- Advised P&V insurance on the development of its new branch 23 occupational pension schemes.
- Advised Demant on the employment and pension aspects of the acquisition of the audiology business of Goed Hulpmiddelen.
Belgium > EU regulatory: Financial services Tier 2
The ‘diverse and solution driven’ team at Loyens & Loeff handles the gamut of regulatory issues for major banks, investment firms, financial intermediaries, insurance companies, investment funds, payment institutions, and cryptocurrency service providers. The group is well placed to advise on issues ranging from authorisation and cross-border distribution to ESG disclosures. Banking and finance practice head Marc Vermylen and Vanessa Marquette - who ‘stands out for her top expertise’ - are the key senior contacts.Practice head(s):
Vanessa Marquette; Marc Vermylen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Vanessa Marquette stands out for her top expertise.’
‘Open and collaborative team. Diverse and solution driven.’
‘Vanessa Marquette is sharp and to the point. She knows our regulatory environment and the regulators and can propose plug and play solutions.’
‘The regulatory team is efficient, listening to the client’s constraints and keen to find clever solutions.’
‘Excellent level of deliverables in terms of quality and time. The team was involved in an innovative project that required quite a lot of re-thinking of existing models. They were able to combine innovative thinking with solid legal bases and very good knowledge of market practice.’
‘Vanessa Marquette: excellent knowledge of the Belgian legal environment. Always available when asked and eager to find flexible solutions.’
‘I believe that what makes this firm unique is the high-level expertise in each of the jurisdictions that it operates.’
‘Marc Vermylen is just great. He is reliable and enthusiastic.’
Key clients
Société Générale
European Union – Euratom
International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Bundesverband Deutscher banken
Stellantis N.V.
Banque Stellantis France
Stellantis Financial Services Belux
Caixabank
Nationale Nederlanden Group
Santander Consumer Finance S.A.
AXA
Blackstone Europe Fund Management
Indosuez Belgium Fund
Fortress Investment Group LLC
Apollo Global Management Inc.
hHG Pooled Management Limited
Interchange Belgium
LHV UK Limited
Banque de Luxembourg
Work highlights
- Assisted Madison Dearborn Partners and its affiliates with the application for a declaration of non-objection by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) in relation to a proposed purchase and subscription of shares in MoneyGram International.
- Advised Apollo Global Management on the marketing of funds in Belgium.
- Advised Stellantis on a reorganisation operation, including a transfer of banking employees from Opel Finance to Stellantis Financial Services Belux.
Belgium > Industry focus: Energy Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff‘s energy and infrastructure group is ‘reliable and highly experienced‘ and provides integrated advice on real estate and renewable energy matters across the Benelux region. Practice head Koen Panis is ‘extremely knowledgeable in the renewable energy sector in Europe in its entirety‘ and is a key contact for advice on solar energy projects PPPs, turbine supply agreements, and the tendering of corporate PPAs, as is Bram Devlies. Finance partner Marc Vermylen handles high-profile M&A in the energy sector and recently advised Virya Energy on the €1.55bn sale of its interest in offshore wind farm holding company Parkwind. Thomas Chellingsworth and Christine Delagaye left the firm in late 2023.Practice head(s):
Koen Panis
Other key lawyers:
Bram Devlies; Maarten van Kalmthout; Marc Vermylen
Testimonials
‘In-depth knowledge on complicated and difficult matters. In a fast-moving energy environment, the team is well-informed and up-to-date on the most recent legislation. Feedback is clear, to the point and hands-on.’
‘Professional staff with good knowledge of industry-related matters. ’
‘The Energy team from Loyens & Loeff consists of a highly competent members who all have a thorough and broad knowledge of the energy sector and have a very good understanding of the particularities of our company.’
‘The team is very experienced on different contract forms (e.g. Fidic), has a broad set of skills, is flexible, and responds very accurately.’
‘Strong local teams leveraging leading real estate knowledge with renewable energy assets from all legal perspectives, truly a one-stop-shop in the Netherlands and Belgium. Recognized partner Koen Panis offers a practical and strategic approach next to legal expertise. ’
‘Koen Panis is extremely knowledgeable in the renewable energy sector in Europe in its entirety due to his long standing focus and is always available to share this with clients. Maarten van Kalmthout is sharp and the kind of advisor you want on your side. ’
‘Reliable and highly experienced.’
‘Quick reaction times, highly insightful people who are well connected within the energy sector.’
Key clients
Fluvius System Operator
Virya Energy
Parkwind
WDP
Elicio
Alliander
Plug Power Inc.
Norther
Cameco
Pure Energie
Veolia
KBC Bank NV
Nippon Koei Energy
Yuso
KBC Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Virya Energy on the sale of 100% of the shares in offshore wind developer Parkwind NV to the leading Japanese power producer JERA Co., Inc.
- Advised ten renewable energy developers on legislation introducing a windfall tax on certain electricity generators and represented one developer, Eoly Energy, in a legal challenge before the Constitutional Court against parts of this legislation.
- Assisted WDP on its roll-out of roof-mounted solar projects, including on the drafting of WDP’s power purchase agreements and on regulatory matters surrounding licenses, subsidies, grid connection, and a new type of “renewable energy” obligation.
Belgium > Insolvency and restructuring Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff provides its client base, which encompasses debtors in a wide range of industry sectors as well as lenders and bondholders, with 'very knowledgeable and creative' advice in connection with cross-border restructurings and insolvency proceedings. Cross-practice capabilities enable the team to advise on employee and asset transfers in the course of debt restructurings and judicial reorganisations, represent clients in litigation related to asset recoveries and liquidation orders, and handle a growing volume of distressed financing matters. Vanessa Marquette leads the team and stands out for her insolvency litigation expertise, while Marc Vermylen is a key contact for financing and restructuring work and Kris De Schutter primarily handles employment issues.Practice head(s):
Vanessa Marquette
Other key lawyers:
Marc Vermylen; Kris De Schutter; Jens De Winne
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable and creative in their legal arguments.’
‘Vanessa Marquette and Jens De Winne are very thorough and at the same time efficient.’
Key clients
Cidron E-Com
Nordic Capital
Aluminium Duffel BV
Aluminium Belgium BV
Prologis
Work highlights
- Advised private equity fund Nordic Capital in connection with insolvency of different companies of the FNG Group, including the restructuring of the remaining FNG Group companies and the enforcement of its pledge on the Ellos shares.
- Advised Aluminium Duffel on the refinancing of the business by its main creditor, the private equity fund American Industrial Partners and its speciality finance affiliate ICP, and on related insolvency issues.
- Assisted Prologis in connection with the bankruptcy procedure of one of its building contractors in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Belgium > Private equity Tier 2
Loyens & Loeff’s private equity offering encompasses transactional advice in connection with venture capital investments, take-private acquisitions, and buy-and-build-strategies, as well as structuring and financing advice in relation to fund formation. The team regularly handles the domestic aspects of high-value cross-border acquisitions for upper-market funds and their portfolio companies, working with the firm’s international offices as well as global partner firms to handle Belgian regulatory and tax due diligence as well as transaction negotiations. The practice is co-led by Robrecht Coppens, who advises on restructuring matters in addition to handling a wide array of transactions, and Thomas Lenné, who is noted for advising on private equity deals in the energy, life sciences, and tech sectors. Capital markets expert Mathias Hendrickx is a further name to note.Practice head(s):
Robrecht Coppens; Thomas Lenné
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Robrecht Coppens led our latest M&A deal. He was client-centric and executed the transaction flawlessly.’
‘Team has relevant local Belgian legal and regulatory expertise. Legal due diligence work output was of very high quality.’
Key clients
Platinum Equity
KKR
Intermediate Capital Group
Pioneer Point Partners
EQT
Lone Star Funds
Silver Lake
HIG European Capital Partners
Bencis Capital Partners
Rivean Capital
Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen
Bregal Investment
Hasco Invest
Smartfin Ventures
CATISA
Work highlights
- Assisted ICG in connection with the €1bn sale of its stake in Infra Group to the private equity firm PAI Partners, followed by a partial reinvestment.
- Advised Bencis Private Equity on the €123m set-up of Bencis IV Continuation Fund for several portfolio companies, with additional commitments for expansion and growth.
- Assisted EQT with the $1.7bn acquisition of all shares in BTRS Holding Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Belgium > EU regulatory: Privacy and data protection Tier 3
At Loyens & Loeff, the ‘sharp‘ Belgian data protection and privacy group sits within the firm’s wider litigation and risk management practice, and typically works in close co-operation with the Dutch, Luxembourgish and Swiss offices. The workload spans the full gamut of relevant issues, ranging from privacy policy drafting to assistance with data transfers. The team also leverages the support of a well-regarded disputes department to handle contentious mandates. Stéphanie De Smedt is the key senior contact.Practice head(s):
Stéphanie De Smedt
Testimonials
‘Great team with great expertise.’
‘Stéphanie De Smedt is highly available and responsive with practical and intelligible advice in complex matters. She understands the legal needs of technology-driven companies.’
‘For every request received from our business, Stéphanie De Smedt makes her best effort to concretely understand the business need in the current case and our expectations from the firm in this respect. This helps to ensure that we, as a client, receive high-quality legal advice on privacy/data protection matters, adjusted to our expectations at that particular moment.’
‘Clearly, Stéphanie De Smedt leads the practice very well. She has very good pragmatic feedback that enables clients to have a realistic risk-exposure approach. She is highly responsive and fully reliable to meet deadlines.’
‘Loyens & Loeff Belgium’s data protection team offers an amazing combination of specific data protection knowledge and industry knowledge, and quickly mastered the complex details of the case. They take a step extra to make their advice clear and practical and are always quick to respond to additional questions.’
‘It’s a true pleasure working with the superbly knowledgeable Stéphanie De Smedt, who quickly spots the sensitive topics in the case and offers practical solutions.’
‘Deep knowledge and comprehension of the client’s needs.’
‘Sharp and always looking for cutting edge advice. I would emphasize the work of Stéphanie De Smedt.’
Key clients
Joos Consulting
Legrand Nederland B.V.
Stanley and Stella SA
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
Demant A/S
Work highlights
- Represented Meta Platforms Ireland in proceedings regarding restrictions imposed on – and content removed from – a Facebook page and ad account.
- Advised a global manufacturer on setting up a complete GDPR compliance framework.
- Assisted Demant with the acquisition of the audiology branch of Goed Hulpmiddelen.
Belgium > Fraud and white-collar crime Tier 3
Praised for being ‘extremely reliable’ and ‘solutions-driven’, Loyens & Loeff‘s corporate criminal defence team handles compliance issues, corporate investigations, and criminal proceedings for clients from a variety of sectors, including finance and transport. Litigator Olivier van der Haegen leads the team together with senior associate Clémence Van Muylder.Practice head(s):
Olivier van der Haegen; Clémence Van Muylder
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable, open minded, available, collaborative and solutions-driven.’
‘Clémence Van Muylder knows what she is doing and how to do it. She provided useful and readily applicable advice and has supported us when needed.’
‘The people are compassionate and thorough in their work.’
‘Clémence Van Muylder and Olivier Van der Haegen have been excellent and thorough in their analysis and advice.’
‘I regard Loyens & Loeff as one of the leading European firms. They are an absolute go-to for advice in the Netherlands and Belgium, and are extremely reliable.’
‘When we have worked with the firm, they have been very responsive and delivered detailed bespoke advice on challenging issues.’
Key clients
Yara Belgium
Comuto Pro SAS
Média Participations
Province de Liège
Work highlights
- Assisting and representing Comuto Pro in relation to the criminal investigation initiated in the aftermath of the BlaBlaCar bus accident in Belgium in April 2022.
- Representing the Province of Liège (region of Wallonia) who recently obtained the status of “injured party” in the criminal investigation brought against previous executives of one of its sub-subsidiaries.
- Representing a subsidiary in criminal proceedings concerning a fraud.
Belgium > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3
Loyens & Loeff houses an experienced team which is known for acting in a wide variety of mandates, including tax structuring issues, actions against the European Commission (EC), and public procurement tenders for healthcare providers. Notable clients include AstraZeneca, Galapagos, and Demant. Stéphanie De Smedt leads the team with her deep knowledge of both GDPR and the Clinical Trials Regulation, often advising on the negotiation and drafting of collaboration agreements. Valentijn De Boe has a great deal of experience in public procurement contracts, and regularly assists hospitals and healthcare institutions.Practice head(s):
Stéphanie De Smedt
Other key lawyers:
Valentijn De Boe; Filip Saelens
Key clients
AstraZeneca
Demant A/S
Galapagos
B. Braun Medical
Gamma Biosciences Holdco Limited
Criteria Bio Ventures SICC S.A.
GBA Group
Work highlights
- Advised Galapagos on Belgian and Dutch tax in relation to the post-acquisition restructuring of Cellpoint BV.
- Acted for AstraZeneca in high-profile litigation before the Belgian courts regarding the execution of its vaccine delivery contract with the European Commission and EU Member States.
- Assisted Demant with the acquisition of the audiology branch of Goed Hulpmiddelen.
Belgium > Industry focus: IT and telecoms Tier 3
The far-reaching offering at Loyens & Loeff handles work encompassing dispute resolution for IT and telecoms clients, regulatory advice on issues such as e-commerce legislation, and M&A work in the IT space. Contract law, employment matters and public procurement issues are additional areas of competence. Practice co-head Stéphanie De Smedt advises a wide range of clients form the IT sector on regulatory issues such as liability risks. Contentious expert Hakim Boularbah completes the leadership duo. Maria-Clara Van den Bossche‘s proficiency in Belgian court litigation and pre-litigation matters makes her a key contact for multinational tech companies.Practice head(s):
Stéphanie De Smedt; Hakim Boularbah
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
QNTM Group AB
JooS Consulting
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
Amphenol
Infopro Digital Group
Omnivision Technologies
Tencent
Genesys Telecom
Tata Consultancy Services
Work highlights
- Assisted QNTM Group with the acquisition of Actito SA, a Wallonia-based leading European software platform for Customer Activation.
- Represented Meta Platforms Ireland in court litigation.
- Assisted Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH and its portfolio company STP Informationstechnologie GmbH (STP) with a buy and build acquisition whereby acquiring all shares in the Belgian legal tech company Knowliah.
Loyens & Loeff > Firm Profile
One firm: Law and Tax
We are proud of the unique service we offer multinational enterprises, financial institutions, investors and high-net-worth Individuals from our home markets of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. With offices in key financial centres and a global partner network, we reach out and support you wherever you need.
As a leading law and tax firm in continental Europe, we have a particular focus on private equity and funds, real estate, life sciences and healthcare and energy and infrastructure. We integrate tax, civil law and notarial expertise to support you with smart and efficient solutions through advice, transactions and litigation.
As a trusted partner, the best advice is not just about expertise, but also about cultivating an in-depth understanding of your business and finding the best solution for you. This commitment is fundamental to our success.
Join us in going Further. Better. Together.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Managing Partner, Banking and finance, Capital Markets, Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Regulatory | Marc Vermylen | marc.vermylen@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 15 |
Family-owned business and private wealth | Nicolas Bertrand | nicolas.bertrand@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 23 46 |
Litigation and risk management, Corporate Litigation, International Arbitration, Asset Recovery | Hakim Boularbah | Hakim.Boularbah@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 50 |
Real estate, Investment Management | Ariane Brohez | ariane.brohez@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 21 |
Corporate Law, National and International M&A transactions, post-transaction dispute resolution | Peter Callens | peter.callens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 95 |
Competition, Energy | Thomas Chellingsworth | thomas.chellingsworth@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 43 |
International Tawe Services, Tax Controversy and Litigation | Christian Cheruy | christian.cheruy@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 03 |
Private equity | Robrecht Coppens | robrecht.coppens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 12 |
Public and Administrative Law, Procurement | Valentijn De Boe | Valentijn.De.Boe@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 33 |
Employment, taxes and benefits, Alternative remuneration, Restructuring, Change Processes | Kris De Schutter | kris.de.schutter@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 13 |
Data protection and privacy, Intellectual property, Life Sciences | Stéphanie De Smedt | Stephanie.De.Smedt@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 77 |
Coporate Income Tax, Transaction Tax | Marc Dhaene | marc.dhaene@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 22 |
Indirect Tax, International Trade | Bert Gevers | bert.gevers@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 18 |
Corporate Law, Cross-border M&A, Corporate Finance, Dispute Resolution, Aviation. | Grégoire Jakhian | gregoire.jakhian@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 54 |
Investment Management, Real Estate | Christophe Laurent | christophe.laurent@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 05 |
Family-owned business and private wealth, International Asset Structuring. | Saskia Lust | saskia.lust@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 27 |
Food Law | Kris De Schutter | kris.de.schutter@loyensloeff.com | ++32 2 700 10 13 |
Banking & Finance, Energy, Real Estate | Koen Panis | koen.panis@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 90 |
International Tax Services, Transfer Pricing, Tax Compliance | Natalie Reypens | natalie.reypens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 37 |
Employment and Benefits | Filip Saelens | filip.saelens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 29 |
Corporate Law, National and International M&A, Corporate Restructuring | Wim Vande Velde | wim.vande.velde@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 743 43 96 |
Banking and Finance, Private International Law | Vanessa Marquette | vanessa.marquette@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 25 |
Litigation and risk management, Corporate Litigation, International Arbitration, Asset Recovery, Insolvency and Restructuring | Olivier van der Haegen | olivier.van.der.haegen@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 52 |
Corporate Law, National and International M&A transactions, Corporate resstructuring, Private Equity | Thomas Lenné | thomas.lenne@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 700 10 22 |
Tax, Corporate tax, European tax law, Corporate restructuring, Tax litigation | Nicolas Lippens | nicolas.lippens@loyensloeff.com | +32 2 773 23 21 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Mr Joris Beernaert | For more information, please click the following link: Joris Beernaert | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Lien Bellinck | For more information, please click the following link: Lien Bellinck | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolas Bertrand | For more information, please click the following link: Nicolas Bertrand | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Hakim Boularbah | For more information, please click the following link: Hakim Boularbah | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Ariane Brohez | For more information, please click the following link: Ariane Brohez | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Peter Callens | For more information, please click the following link: Peter Callens | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Christian Chéruy | For more information, please click the following link: Christian Chéruy | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Robrecht Coppens | For more information, please click the following link: Robrecht Coppens | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Valentijn De Boe | For more information, please click the following link: Valentijn De Boe |… | View Profile | |
Mr Kris De Schutter | For more information, please click the following link: Kris De Schutter |… | View Profile | |
Mrs Stéphanie De Smedt | For more information, please click the following link: Stéphanie De Smedt |… | View Profile | |
Mr Jens De Winne | For more information, please click the following link: Jens De Winne |… | View Profile | |
Davina Devleeschouwer | For more information, please click the following link: Davina Devleeschouwer | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Bram Devlies | For more information, please click the following link: Bram Devlies | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Marc Dhaene | For more information, please click the following link: Marc Dhaene | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Mathias Diricx | For more information, please click the following link: Mathias Diricx | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Caroline Docclo | For more information, please click the following link: Caroline Docclo | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Aldo Engels | For more information, please click the following click: Aldo Engels | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Bert Gevers | For more information, please click the following link: Bert Gevers | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Mathias Hendrickx | For more information, please click the following link: Mathias Hendrickx | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Christophe Laurent | For more information, please click the following link: Christophe Laurent | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Julien Lecler | For more information, please click the following link: Julien Lecler | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Thomas Lenné | For more information, please click the following link: Thomas Lenné | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Miss Sarah Libregts | For more information, please click the following link: Sarah Libregts | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolas Lippens | For more information, please click the following link: Nicolas Lippens | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Saskia Lust | For more information, please click the following link: Saskia Lust | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Vanessa Marquette | For more information, please click the following link: Vanessa Marquette | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Koen Panis | For more information, please click the following link: Koen Panis | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Natalie Reypens | For more information, please click the following link: Natalie Reypens | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Filip Saelens | For more information, please click the following link: Filip Saelens | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Miss Mélanie Schollaert | For more information, please click the following link: Mélanie Schollaert | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mrs Maria-Clara Van den Bossche | For more information, please click the following link: Maria-Clara Van den Bossche… | View Profile | |
Mr Marc Vermylen | For more information, please click the following link: Marc Vermylen | Loyens… | View Profile | |
Mr Olivier van der Haegen | For more information, please click the following link: Olivier van der Haegen… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers, tax advisers and civil law notaries : 952 at this office : 129Languages
French Dutch English GermanMemberships
IBA Internacional Bar Association IFA (International Fiscal Association) American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (Cepani) Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) AIJA - International Association of Young Lawyers International Project Finance Association (IPFA) - APEBI Moroccan Federation of Information Technology, Telecom and Offshoring (member of the board) International Arbitration Institute IBA (International Bar Association) EELA (European Employment Lawyer Association) ABA (American Bar Association) Brussels Bar LES (Licensing Executives Society) IAPP American Employment Law CouncilOther
Contact : Managing partner: Marc Vermylen Other offices : Amsterdam Other offices : London Other offices : Luxembourg Other offices : New York Other offices : Paris Other offices : Rotterdam Other offices : Tokyo Other offices : ZurichPress Releases
Loyens & Loeff appoints four new partners
3rd January 2024 Leading Law & Tax Firm Loyens & Loeff has appointed four new partners effective 1 January 2024. Menno Baks, Noémi Gémesi, Tjebbe Gerverdinck en Pleuni Visser were appointed as new equity partners at the shareholder meeting on 15 December 2023.Loyens & Loeff Belgium is delighted to announce the promotion of Julien Lecler as a Partner as of 1 July 2023
7th July 2023 As a member of the Real Estate practice group active both in our Brussels and Luxembourg office, Julien Lecler has developed extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of real estate law,Legal Briefings
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Luxembourg SIFs: the investment vehicle of choice to structure third-party funding activities
Basic principles of third-party funding Over the past 30 years, third-party dispute funding has experienced an exponential growth in civil and common law jurisdictions. As the common law doctrines of maintenance and champerty were softened or even abolished (most often in the context of international arbitration proceedings), third-party funding became a viable option for companies … -
Post-Brexit recognition of English insolvency judgments in Luxembourg and its effects on European restructurings
European distressed debtors and creditors face uncertainty regarding English law-governed debt and, more generally, their overall restructuring strategy. This uncertainty arises against the backdrop of the UK’s imminent departure from the EU, the Covid-19 pandemic and turbulent markets. Many major out-of-court or in-court European debt restructurings use English law governed loan debt and Luxembourg-based debtors, … -
New tax treaty between Luxembourg and UK likely to take effect from 2024 onwards
Luxembourg and the United Kingdom signed a new tax treaty in June 2022 which revises the terms under which both contracting states may exercise their taxing rights. The new treaty differs from its predecessor, which has been in place since 1968, in that it expands its scope of application to Luxembourg collective investment vehicles, it …
Comparative Guides
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The Netherlands: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2023
Authors: Vilmar FeenstraRoderik BoogaardRobert VeenhovenSebastiaan Verkerk
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.
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The Netherlands: Corporate Governance
Published: March 2024
Authors: Bastiaan CornelisseBastiaan KempEline Viersen Philippe Hezer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Corporate Governance laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.
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Belgium: Data Protection & Cybersecurity
Published: April 2024
Authors: Stéphanie de Smedt Bram Goetry Virginie de France The authors would like to thank Hugo Nieuwenhuyse and Louise Verschueren for their valuable contributions to this chapter.
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Data Protection & Cybersecurity laws and regulations applicable in Belgium.
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Luxembourg: Employment and Labour Law
Published: March 2024
Authors: Sabrina MartinAnis Bendimred
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employment and Labour laws and regulations applicable in Luxembourg.
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Belgium: Private Client
Published: January 2024
Authors: Saskia Lust Malou Florquin
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Client laws and regulations applicable in Belgium.
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Belgium: Private Equity
Published: January 2024
Authors: Robrecht CoppensMathias HendrickxCéline De Vuyst
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in Belgium.
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Luxembourg: Private Equity
Published: January 2024
Authors: Siobhan McCarthyKheira MebrekAna Nicoleta Andreiana
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in Luxembourg.
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The Netherlands: Private Equity
Published: January 2024
Authors: Roel FluitGianluca Kreuze
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.
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The Netherlands: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2024
Authors: Jan Bart SchoberChaima Chaoui Martijn SchoonewilleMaureen te PoelNina Orlic
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employee Incentives laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.
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The Netherlands: Lending & Secured Finance
Published: March 2024
Authors: Michelle BroereKim Koops
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Lending & Secured Finance laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.