The team at ALTIUS advises on cross-border mergers and transactions, assists with restructuring and TUPE matters, and handles individual and collective dismissals and employee disputes for a client base of large corporates that is particularly concentrated in the sports sector. The team also regularly advises on the implementation of new company-wide policies and remuneration schemes, working closely with partner firms to provide integrated employment and tax advice to its clients. Practice head Philippe De Wulf handles a wide portfolio of contentious and non-contentious employment issues, with a particular focus on transactional matters. Sven Demeulemeester and Grégory Ernes have represented Belgian football clubs and sports governing bodies in high-profile dismissals and contract disputes. Emma Van Caenegem is the key name at counsel level. Pauline Van Parys joined from Strelia in April 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team proactively advises on any labour law changes and provides practical advice in a timely and approachable manner. You can count on them to be your legal partner.’
‘It's always a pleasure to work with Astrid Caporali on labour law matters. She is ever-available and offers real-world practical advice that is most appreciated.’
‘I have worked with Philippe De Wulf, Sven Demeulemeester and Emma Van Caenegem. They have a good client base. They are dynamic, knowledgeable, responsive and practical. ’
‘The employment team consists of top notch lawyers. Each and every one of them is very reactive, solution-oriented and pleasant to deal with.’
‘In terms of employment law knowledge in the specific sector of football, Sven Demeulemeester's expertise is unrivalled. He's always available and hands-on. He knows the law in detail and is able like no other to translate the legal provisions into practical, actionable advice.’
‘Emma Van Caenegem is a rock. We can always count on her. She knows everything and helps us very well.’
‘Working together with Philippe De Wulf and Astrid Caporali has always been a very positive experience. Both individuals are very responsive and always ready to discuss.’
‘ALTIUS provide excellent support on Belgian employment issues. They are responsive, practical and commercial, always will to help and to explain the law in terms which can be easily understood.’
Key clients
- Mars
- C&A
- Oracle
- McCain Foods
- ABE Clearing
- Biogen
- StepStone
- Alight (NorthGateArinso)
- Crisp
- Marriott
- Media Markt
- Cigna
- TI Automotive
- Magnit
- MSD
- G-Star
- Royal Antwerp Football Club
- Racing Genk
- Club Brugge
- City Football Group
- Miles Mobility
- Siemens
- Dell Technologies
- Canon
- Hexagon
- GL Foods
- Hilding Anders
- RSC Anderlecht
- MSD
- AniCura Group
- dsm-firmenich
- 4PX
- Ascend Materials
- Vanguard Logistics
- Airplus International
- Itab
- KellyDeli
- Berry Superfos
- Will Pharma
- Alliance Optique
- Prem Group
- The Nickel Institute
- The Cobalt Institute
- Fenzi Group
- Winterhalter
- Precisely (former Vision Solutions)
Work highlights
- Advised a fashion retailer on managing a coordinated staff reduction at its European main office as part of a comprehensive business and internal restructuring effort triggered, in part, by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Assisted university hospital UZ BRUSSEL with the employment-related aspects of the implementation of an alternative variable remuneration scheme, including a bonus pension plan.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Philippe De Wulf