McDermott Will & Emery Belgium LLP‘s team in Brussels operates seamlessly as part of the firm’s European competition practice, and consequently has a stellar track record obtaining merger clearances across the region. Hendrik Viaene leads the group, working closely with seasoned experts Jacques Buhart and Stéphane Dionnet; between them, the trio of partners also provide expertise in cartel defence, state aid matters, and follow-on litigation. Axel Schulz joined the team in late 2023 from White & Case LLP.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Profound insights in EU competition matters.’
‘We have a specific appreciation for Hendrik Viaene.'
‘Very practical approach, excellent business understanding, profound knowledge in legal and economic aspects.’
'Swift response with comprehensive legal analysis and a global network within the firm to respond to clients' requests.'
‘Axel Schulz provides excellent, commercially sensible advice and is able to synthesise complex matters into digestible advice for commercial teams.’
Key clients
- Hanwha Q CELLS GmbH
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
- Metsä Group (formerly Metsaliitto Group)
- Ampersand Capital Partners
- NGK Insulators
- Mitsui & Co and KKDI
- Infobip
- Soudal
- Esko Graphics (part of Danaher Corporation)
- Akzo Nobel
- PMV N
- University Hospital Gent
- Chep (Brambles Group)
- FactSet
- Eurofiber
- Gigarant (Flemish Government and its investment vehicle) and Belgian State
- Finance&invest.Brussels
- Invest-NL
Work highlights
- Advised Hanwha Q CELLS on the acquisition of a 66% stake in LYNQTECH.
- Advised both Mitsui and KKDI on the merger between their subsidiaries Relia and KDDI Evolva, respectively, following the acquisition of sole control of Relia by Mitsui & Co.
- Advised Ampersand Capital Partners on the merger control aspects of its investment with KKR, in the business combination of Biosynth Carbosynth and vivitide.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Hendrik Viaene