EY Law > Brussels, Belgium > Firm Profile
EY Law Offices
Kouterveldstraat 7B
1831 Diegem
Belgium
EY Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Belgium > Not-for-profit Tier 2
EY Law is well positioned to provide advice to both existing non-profits, including concerning their compliance with legal requirements and tax matters, and is also able to assist with the foundation of new non-profit structures or redomiciliation of existing structures into Belgium. Heading the team is the ‘very knowledgeable’ Antoine Druetz, whose expertise spans the set-up and restructuring of non-profits, and the drafting of governance policies. Alix Degrez provides additional expertise in non-profit governance matters, and both her and Druetz are also well versed in the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations.Practice head(s):
Antoine Druetz
Other key lawyers:
Alix Degrez; Valérie Havaux
Testimonials
‘Antoine Druetz is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Goals, expectations and timing are set clear from the beginning and respected.’
‘The team puts the client first, and listens to their needs. Afterwards, they translate it in legal grammar and context, and advise you on what the best solution for your organisation is.’
‘Excellent knowledge, well established and staffed team, always available to provide insights in terms that are understandable to non-legally trained people.’
‘The knowledge and expertise of this team is excellent, and no matter what the issue, they can assist in a very timely fashion or find the correct person within EY. They are a very warm and welcoming team to work with and always deliver what they commit to.’
‘The EY Law colleagues we deal with, Alix Degrez and Antoine Druetz, stand out for their hands-on and day-to-day knowledge on how INPAs can be suitably governed while complying with the applicable legislation.’
‘EY Law’s not-for-profit practice is unique in Belgium in that it focuses exclusively on providing advice to the many not-for-profit organisations active in Brussels. Their understanding of the sector’s need and ability to provide tailor-made advice, based on an in-depth knowledge of the relevant regulations, is outstanding.’
‘Antoine Druetz and Alix Degrez, with whom we’ve worked a lot, are both excellent lawyers, their advice on often complex matters is always practical, easy to use and creative and they are available to their clients and understand their business constraints well.’
‘The EY Law team has always been very reliable, efficient, reactive and supportive throughout our collaboration. People in the team are always providing honest feedback and straight-forward guidance, making EY Law a unique partner.’
Key clients
Meliore
Plastics Europe
European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders
Europe Jacques Delors
Science Europe (SE)
European Society of Anaesthesiology
The European Brain Council
European Association of Research and Technology Organisations AISBL
European Federation of Psychologists Associations
International Association of Public Transport AISBL
Fondation KANAL (Centre Pompidou Brussels)
European Society for Gynaecological Oncology
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Work highlights
- Guided the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology through a cross-border transformation, ensuring legal, tax, and VAT compliance and governance in its transition to a Belgian international non-profit association.
- Revised KANAL’s articles of association, navigating political intricacies and promoting diversity to enhance governance and operational effectiveness in the arts and culture sector.
- Assisted with the incorporation of Brandweernetwerk Zeehaven-Schelde VZW, ensuring coordinated firefighting efforts and compliance with complex governance and public law requirements in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Belgium > Employment Tier 4
EY Law fields a growing team of specialists in its employment law practice, handling day-to-day labour law and HR challenges, individual dismissals, compensation and benefits matters and collective labour law. Practice head Barbara François advises clients both domestic and international on their reorganisation and restructuring projects, along with support during employment and social security audits.Practice head(s):
Barbara François
Other key lawyers:
Peter Suykens; Marie-Emilie Truyens
Key clients
Possehl & Co. mbH Group
Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised Heimerle + Meule GmbH Group on the acquisition of all shares in the international Royal United Mint Group, the second largest private industrial holding company in the production of coins used for currency, from the Belgian Heylen Group.
- Advised Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH on the acquisition of an international group headquartered in Belgium from the Belgian and Austrian shareholders and on the subsequent roll-over reinvestment by the latter.
Belgium > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
EY Law leverages its ‘vast knowledge-base, both technically and geographically’, to offer a corporate and M&A practice which works closely with EY Tax colleagues internationally. Peter Suykens heads the corporate team, while David Du Pont and Virginie Ciers co-head the M&A and transaction department. Pieter-Jan Aerts leads the commercial law team, with notable experience in technology law.Practice head(s):
Peter Suykens; David Du Pont; Angela Nowosad; Virginie Ciers; Herman de Wilde; Lindsey Clare; Pieter-Jan Aerts
Testimonials
‘Solid M&A practice, versatile, hands-on partner involvement, depth of the practice. The team get things done and are very pleasant to work with.’
‘David Du Pont is an outstanding lawyer. He has a hands-on approach and stays calm at all times.’
‘They are a team that can tap into a vast knowledge-base, both technically and geographically, which is really useful to us as we are an international company with entities in different regions and industries.’
‘Legal and tax have extensive experience in international transactions. e.g. legal and tax migration within EU is a rare procedure and only EY team had the necessary experience for it. Based on our experience, EY has business-oriented operating model.’
‘Virginie Ciers was super. She helped us out on complex matters so that we could understand. She was very patient with us.’
‘The team here is knowledgable and efficient. They are a real asset for companies in looking to stay apprised of new EU laws and have excellent connections to governmental bodies.’
‘Pieter-Jan Aerts at EY Law is true professional. His demeanour and work ethic are admirable, and I always feel confident that we are getting the best advice possible, even under time crunches or when dealing with complex EU regulations.’
‘Pieter-Jan Aerts gives very accurate and detailed advice.’
Key clients
Magnus Kwaliteitswijnen NV
Possehl & Co. mbH Group
Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Beaulieu International Group NV
Meliore Fondation d’Utilité Public
Victaulic
Tilman SA
SBS Group
B-Hold Group
Xerius Contact VZW
XXXLutz KG
Tempus Thuisverpleging
Work highlights
- Assisted the shareholders of Magnus Kwaliteitswijnen NV with the sale of 100% of the shares to Cinoco NV.
- Advised Heimerle + Meule GmbH Group on the acquisition of all shares in the international Royal United Mint Group from the Belgian Heylen Group.
- Advised Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH on the acquisition of an international group headquartered in Belgium from its Belgian and Austrian shareholders and the subsequent roll-over reinvestment by the latter.
EY Law > Firm Profile
The firm
EY Law is one of the top law firms in Belgium, established in 2009. It is an independent law firm acting for domestic and foreign companies. Its enterprising, innovative, and solution-based approach has earned it a reputation as an effective force that is highly respected in the market. EY Law is a rapidly growing and ambitious law firm with a no-nonsense mentality. EY Law offers a multidisciplinary approach. Its 50+ lawyers are active in all major disciplines that affect businesses. Its privileged co-operation with EY enables it to offer integrated and comprehensive services that address not only the legal but also the tax-related, financial, or other aspects of clients’ issues. Furthermore, its industry focus ensures that it has access to up-to-date information and insights spanning a wide range of market sectors.
Areas of practice
The following practice groups provide legal services in, among others, the following industries:
- Charities
- Competition law
- Corporate and Commercial law
- Data privacy
- Digital law
- Employment law
- EU Law
- Financial law
- Intellectual property and IT
- Litigation
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Not-for-profit
- Real estate
- Tax
Industries:
- Automotive sector
- Banking
- Consumer products
- Government and public sector
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Industrial products
- Private equity
- Real estate
- Technology and telecommunications
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not-for-profit, Charities & Trade Associations, Corporate, M&A, National and cross-border corporate (re)structurings and contract drafting | Antoine Druetz | [email protected] | |
| Corporate/ Digital Law, National and cross-border restructurings and reorganizations, M&A, Commercial Law, Contract Drafting, Data Protection and Privacy Law | Angela Nowosad | [email protected] | |
| Employment, Social Security, Social Criminal | Barbara François | [email protected] | |
| Private Wealth & Tax Controversy | Bruno Cardoen | [email protected] | |
| Controversy, Corporate, Commercial and Distribution, Domestic & cross-border corporate simplification | Herman De Wilde | [email protected] | |
| Corporate, Commercial, M&A, Cross border restructuring, Corporate Secretarial Services | Lindsey Clare | [email protected] | |
| Corporate, Commercial and Distribution, Contract drafting, Legal entity reorganization | Peter Suykens | [email protected] | |
| Public Sector, Real Estate, Banking, Finance, Capital Market, Dispute Resolution, Public procurement, Environmental | Philip Peerens | [email protected] | |
| Corporate/M&A | Virginie Ciers | [email protected] | |
| Corporate M&A/Real Estate | David Du Pont | [email protected] | |
| Corporate | Valérie Havaux | [email protected] | |
| Corporate/M&A/Real Estate | Clément Dekemexhe | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Barbara François | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Bruno Cardoen | Partner | View Profile |
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Virginie Ciers | Associate Partner | View Profile |
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Lindsey Clare | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Herman De Wilde | Senior counsel | View Profile |
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Alix Degrez | Senior Associate | View Profile |
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Antoine Druetz | Associate Partner | View Profile |
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Angela Nowosad | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
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Philip Peerens | Associate Partner | View Profile |
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Peter Suykens | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 3,500 at this office : 50+Languages
Dutch English FrenchOther
Other offices : Antwerp Other offices : Ghent Other offices : Liège Other offices : London Other offices : New York Other offices : corresponding offices in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the AmericasClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Gerrit Verlodt
COMPANY/FIRM: KAZI NV
TESTIMONIAL: Having dealt with many law firms, both domestically and internationally, I was really impressed with the responsiveness and professionalism of the people at EY Law in Belgium (team led by Lieven Bultinck and Lindsey Clare). We utilize the firm primarily for corporate and company law. They provide excellent advice both in short ‘over the phone’ as in written consultations and deliver outstanding drafting services, and this always within the agreed upon timing.
CLIENT: Filip Thierie
COMPANY/FIRM: Neste NV
TESTIMONIAL: As a Belgian legal entity acting in an international business model, Neste NV has been very pleased with EY Law’s services (team led by Peter Suykens and Angela Nowosad). With EY Law’s assistance in subsidiary administration and all related compliance matters, we are able to have a solid corporate governance structure in place. We especially appreciate the pro-active and hands-on advice we receive.
CLIENT: Kenneth Verheyden
COMPANY/FIRM: Artexis NV
TESTIMONIAL: As a fast growing international company, we are very pleased to have the support from EY Law in Belgium (team led by Joost De Zutter and Ann-Sophie Haghedooren) in our continuous integration process of mergers and acquisitions and related compliance matters. With the support of EY Law, we are able to efficiently execute these projects within the timelines set.
CLIENT: Filip Vanhastel
COMPANY/FIRM: TVH Group NV
TESTIMONIAL: As a Belgian legal entity acting in an international business model, TVH GROUP NV has been very pleased with EY Law’s services (team led by Joost De Zutter and Ann-Sophie Haghedooren). We utilize the firm primarily for corporate and company law. EY Law is very diligent and responsive. They understand the working relationship with corporations and have strong understanding of corporate matters and good practice. We especially appreciate the short response time and their solution oriented approach.The team at EY Law are friendly and approachable. I would recommend them to any organisation looking for legal support.
CLIENT: Didier Gistelinck
COMPANY/FIRM: Eurofins Scientific Group
TESTIMONIAL: The Brussels EY Law M&A team recently supported Eurofins on a M&A buy-side transaction providing excellent support and input (team led by Tom Swinnen and Giovanni Verkooren). Very knowledgeable and with a pro-active approach, the EY Law team assisted us with both legal support and overall project co-ordination with the other advisors and helped us to make the deal happen, both pre-closing as well as post-closing!
CLIENT: Taejoon Kim
COMPANY/FIRM: NXMH BVBA
TESTIMONIAL: As a foreign subsidiary, EY Law (team led by Joost De Zutter, Ann-Sophie Haghedooren and Chloë Boeykens) has been excellent to provide complicated domestic matters. There have been quite difficulties to coordinate international group matters and timing of issues, but always well managed with EY Law. For years of experience with them, we have been very satisfied for their service. Especially, EY Law can co-work with EY TAX CONSULTANTS, so this is quite a strength for coordination with business matters linked to legal, and finance.