Merger control forms the core of the practice at ALTIUS; the firm is skilled in clearances from the Belgian Competition Authority, as well as co-ordinating filings. Recently, the team has also seen a dramatic increase in antitrust damages litigations cases, which are fast becoming an area of specialism. Carmen Verdonck oversees the department, working closely with recently promoted counsel Beatrijs Gielen, for whom IP-related competition law issues are a particular strength.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Carmen Verdonck is very knowledgeable and is involved in top cases.'
- 'Beatrijs Gielen is very approachable and works quickly. She clearly knows her stuff.’
- 'Carmen Verdonck and her team and very knowledgeable, extremely responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Their advice is concise and business-oriented.'
- 'What makes Carmen Verdonck stand out is that she is extremely well connected and often has valuable insights into current developments at the Belgian Competition Authority. In addition to her expertise, her understanding of the client's needs and her business-oriented approach are particularly valuable.'
Key clients
- Campine
- Siemens
- Flemish Government (Agentschap Natuur & Bos)
- Indufin
- Beiersdorf
- PACE
- Citymesh (Cegeka group)
- Fost Plus
- Bolton
- Henco
- Bricon
Work highlights
- Representing Campine in proceedings before the General Court and the Court of Justice regarding a fine imposed by the Commission and the Commission’s refusal to pay interest on the amount of the fine which was provisionally paid by Campine and thereafter partially annulled by the General Court.
- Representing private investment fund Indufin Investment Fund in merger clearance proceedings relating to its acquisition of joint control - together with BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity Belgium, Jan Penne and Frans Penne - in the PENNE GROUP.
- Advising Citymesh on all competition law issues relating to its entry onto the Belgian telecoms market and the roll-out of its 5G network, as well as representing it in the appeal against Proximus’ acquisition of EDPNET and its intervention in the case launched by the Belgian competition prosecutor against Proximus regarding this acquisition.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Beatrijs Gielen
ALTIUSPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Carmen Verdonck