contrast is regularly instructed by a range of multinational companies and cooperative and not-for-profit organisations on corporate transactions, advice and disputes. Bart Bellen and Herlinde Burez jointly head the practice, which benefits from the return of senior associate Milena Varga, who rejoined the firm from an in-house counsel role.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast's top-tier credentials are illustrated by the fact that it features in most of the cartel cases currently pending before the Belgium Competition Authority. Clients also turn to the firm for advice on distribution law issues, headline Belgian mergers and complex interim measures cases. Praised for its 'down to earth approach', the group is 'very pragmatic, in what is a very theoretical area'. Wijckmans and Tuytschaever co-head the team, which also includes Herlinde Burez and counsel Maaike Visser. Senior associate Emmelie Wijckmans joined from Crowell & Moring.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast's 'solution-oriented' lawyers are strong performers in the EU and global competition arena, which is borne out by the positive feedback they garner from clients; 'they are quick thinkers and efficient in whatever they do' and 'our work with them has been a fantastic experience'. The group, which is co-led by Filip Tuytschaever and 'outstanding figure' Frank Wijckmans ('his deep insight into any case and pragmatic and honest approach is remarkable'), acts for private companies and public authorities in a wide range of settings, including before the European courts, the EC, national courts and national competition authorities. The scope of its work is wide ranging; senior associate Sébastien Engelen specialises in state aid matters, while counsel Maaike Visser has a strong track record in cartel investigations and is also highly active in private enforcement. Herlinde Burez is experienced in handling the antitrust aspects of multijurisdictional mergers. Elsewhere, the team, which also includes senior associate Emmelie Wijckmans (a recent hire from Crowell & Moring) and counsel Sofie De Keer, advises clients on distribution law issues and competition law compliance.

Legal 500 EMEA

Frank Wijckmans, Filip Tuytschaever and senior counsel Luc Demeyere jointly lead contrast’s 'pragmatic' team, which has solid expertise in contractual disputes and competition litigation. 

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast's practice, led by senior associate Anouk Focquet, has particular strength in advising clients drawn from the automotive industry on e-privacy matters, for example on the use of cookies on clients' websites. GDPR compliance and implementation work is another prominent area of instruction for the team.

Legal 500 EMEA

Established team offering clients expertise on contentious mandates including state aid breaches, distribution chain disagreements and competition litigation. Additionally assists with arbitration related to European law and shared purchase agreements. Represents clients from an array of sectors including media, brewing and construction.

Chambers Europe

Clients praise the firm for being "great to work with, always to the point and able to illustrate complicated issues in plain language." Others describe the team as "very pragmatic, always present and feel like they are part of your team."

Chambers Europe

Competition law boutique with an especially strong reputation for domestic-level mandates, as well as handling EU law matters. Particularly sought after by Belgian and international clients from the automotive and sports sectors. Represents client in abuse of dominance and cartel claims, acting for both claimants and defendants. Frequently offers advice on merger clearance, at both domestic and EU level. Collaborates closely with a number of overseas law firms to co-ordinate cross-border mandates.

Chambers Europe

Interviewees report that "the quality of their work is always outstanding," and value that the lawyers "have a good academic background."

Chambers Europe

Clients underline the applicability of the team's advice, saying that the lawyers are "very good at giving useful advice that is practical and not just theoretical, and know our business very well."

Chambers Europe

Filip Tuytschaever has assisted a number of sporting clients with competition law advice. He frequently acts for domestic clients on merger clearance mandates. Tuytschaever climbs in the rankings following positive client feedback, and one interviewee notes: "He is very positive, very hands-on, always available and has good knowledge."

Chambers Europe

Boutique transactional firm advising domestic and multinational clients on M&A transactions and corporate matters. Particular strength in advising on corporate reorganisations and joint ventures. Well regarded for its knowledge of the Belgian M&A landscape and its highly respected expertise on competition law.

Chambers Europe

Clients laud the lawyers for being "to the point, able to illustrate complicated issues in simple language and able to make proper recommendations." Others describe the team as "enthusiastic, knowledgeable and always available."

Chambers Europe

According to sources, Frank Wijckmans has 'a good knowledge of antitrust and vertical agreements, good speaking skills and is good at convincing people in debates.' Recently he has been particularly active for clients from the automotive sector on cartel law cases and merger notifications at both a domestic and EU level. Wijckmans also advises claimants and defendants on abuse of dominance cases.

Chambers Global & Europe

Bart Bellen acts for domestic and multinational companies on a range of corporate transactions and related financing arrangements. He is additionally active on private equity mandates. Clients commend his 'strong technical knowledge and great commercial awareness,' and value his 'high effectiveness and excellent client service.'

Chambers Global & Europe

Sources praise Luc Demeyere of contrast's depth of expertise and knowledge. He has experience in post-M&A and construction disputes and acts as both litigator and arbitrator for domestic and international clients.

Chambers Global & Europe

Founding partner of contrast Frank Wijckmans is highly active in arbitration. He acts as arbitrator on domestic and cross-border disputes and is lauded for his objectivity, with one source noting: 'He really impresses me as an arbitrator.' He also represents clients as counsel on arbitration cases, and an interviewee notes: 'The way he argues is absolutely convincing and excellent.'

Chambers Global & Europe

contrast's 'outstanding' team 'makes every client feel like its only client'. Individuals singled out in the 'fast, practical and approachable' competition & EU law team include 'classy litigator' Frank Wijckmans and Filip Tuytschaever, who provides 'pragmatic and business-savvy' advice. Highlights included advising Cebeo on the merger review aspects of its acquisition of Cheyns. The firm also excels in behavioural and state aid matters. Associate Anouk Focquet 'instils trust'.

Legal 500 EMEA

Lawyers at contrast are 'always focused on the subject at hand' and deliver 'swift and accurate work'. The 'pragmatic' Filip Tuytschaever and associate Karolien Francken successfully defended Panini in an IP-related abuse of dominance complaint. Contentious work is a sweet spot and litigator Frank Wijckmans is highly regarded.

Legal 500 EMEA

Under the leadership of Bart Bellen and Herlinde Burez, the 'strong and dedicated corporate & business law team' at contrast works to 'very high standards'. It had another busy year in 2017, advising buyers and sellers – including private equity firms – on M&A transactions.

Legal 500 EMEA

'Fast and approachable', contrast's conflict management team is co-led by Frank Wijckmans, senior counsel Luc Demeyere and the 'practical and knowledgeable' Filip Tuytschaever. Highlights included representing the EC in a case brought by Icelandic association Education and Training Service Center concerning the termination of a subsidy agreement. The team also has a strong reputation for competition litigation.

Legal 500 EMEA

A number of clients highlight the firm's value for money, with one describing them as 'very cost-efficient,' while another says that the firm offers 'great legal advice and support at a very competitive price.'

Chambers Europe

Filip Tuytschaever is very pragmatic, friendly, straightforward and works towards a solution.

Chambers Europe

Their key strengths are pragmatism and the fact they know the specifications of the Belgian market and have the right contacts with the authorities. They are easy to reach and go the extra mile to get the deal done.

Chambers Europe

They are a very strong team, capable of acting quickly and with high standards. They are really adding material value to a complex process by being flexible and pragmatic, as well as high quality.

Chambers Europe

Transactional boutique advising domestic and multinational clients on M&A transactions and corporate matters. Well regarded in the Belgian market for its extensive knowledge of the M&A landscape as well as its highly respected expertise on competition law elements of transactions such as merger control.

Chambers Europe

Competition law boutique with an especially strong reputation for domestic-level mandates, as well as handling EU law matters. Particularly sought after by Belgian and international clients from numerous sectors for advice on vertical agreements. Represents a number of private companies and public authorities in competition litigation, particularly abuse of dominance and cartel claims. Also offers strong state aid and merger control practices. Collaborates closely with a number of overseas law firms to co-ordinate cross-border mandates.

Chambers Europe

The team is described as 'very pragmatic, down-to-earth and accessible' by one client who enthuses that 'the quality is always there, even though they are swift and concise when you want them to be.'

Chambers Europe

Commentators emphasise that the team is 'the foremost authority as far as distribution agreements and distribution systems are concerned.'

Chambers Europe

Frank Wijckmans is very business-minded and extremely practical. The way he applies his knowledge is extraordinary.

Chambers Global & Europe

Bart Bellen is determined and considerate. He is good at combining different aspects of a transaction and is able to make a connection between bureaucracy of corporations and the pragmatism of the individual entrepreneur.

Chambers Global & Europe

Bart Bellen is a very likeable guy who is quick on his feet, intelligent, service-oriented and not afraid to take a position and stand by it.

Chambers Global & Europe

Luc Demeyere is a very experienced litigator and arbitrator who is good at getting into the details.

Chambers Global & Europe

Bart embodies the relationship we have with the firm. He is very smart, quick on his feet, supportive, with good insights, and has an eye for detail.

IFLR 1000

At contrast, the ‘solution-minded’ Frank Wijckmans and Filip Tuytschaever, who has ‘impeccable business and industry knowledge’, have a strong track record in high-profile mandates. The firm successfully assisted Global Champions Tour/Global Champions League with obtaining interim measures against the International Equestrian Federation. Volvo Trucks Belgium, Samsung Benelux and Hoppecke are other clients. Senior associate Sébastien Engelen joined from CMS, while Herlinde Burez made partner.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast’s Frank Wijckmans is acting for AB Volvo in an EC investigation into a cartel in the trucks industry. Filip Tuytschaever and recently promoted partner Herlinde Burez are other key names along with notable hire Sébastien Engelen, who joined from CMS.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast is ‘a good local firm with excellent team spirit’. The client base includes leading names in the retail, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors. Key figure Bart Bellen is ‘a good dealmaker’, and Herlinde Burez was promoted to partner.

Legal 500 EMEA

At contrast, Filip Tuytschaever is representing the European Commission in litigation concerning the allegedly unlawful termination of a subsidy agreement. Tuytschaever is highly regarded, as are Luc Demeyere and the ‘profoundly knowledgeable’ Frank Wijckmans.

Legal 500 EMEA

Frank Wijckmans has a principally contentious competition practice, being experienced in investigations and litigation. He represented Electrolux and Whirlpool Europe in their appeal against the EC's approval of restructuring aid to FagorBrandt. A source remarks: "Frank is a superb lawyer - a wonderful litigator," while a client describes him as "extremely knowledgeable but with a practical angle to everything he does." 

Chambers Global & Europe

Filip Tuytschaever is a really a great guy and did an extraordinarily good job in our case. He really knows what clients need: no extensive memos – he just tells you what to do.

Chambers Europe

Bart Bellen has a "very pragmatic and extremely commercial approach which goes beyond the legal advice. He's a good negotiator and is very accessible and responsive," say clients. He advises multinational companies on a range of acquisitions and corporate finance matters, including many US-based clients, using his experience as a member of the New York Bar.

Chambers Global & Europe

Luc Demeyere of contrast offers a breadth of experience, including in post-acquisition, professional liability, construction and insurance disputes. Clients say: "He's very practical, shows a good deal of common sense and he always keeps his calm."

Chambers Global & Europe

They are always quickly available when we have questions, give clear advice and try to think together with us. They are very business-oriented lawyers.

Chambers Europe

They are very strong in competition, especially competition litigation.

Chambers Europe

Great legal advice and support at a very competitive price.

Chambers Europe

Their passion for the job is remarkable; each team member you meet has the same passion and this, combined with their knowledge of how to do their job, makes it easy and enjoyable to work with them.

Chambers Europe

They are very practical, sharp, they know our business and are fast and to the point. They have a lot of experience. We are very pleased with their input and advice.

Chambers Europe

The team at contrast is most widely recognised for its work in the corporate and M&A space, where it continues to perform well as a specifically focused practice.

“We found they were able to offer great knowledge and were very accessible,” says one senior executive from the marketing industry. “They were fast if needed and always willing to go the extra mile when needed. On top of that they were open to suggestions, interested in our work and always offered a good follow up.”

Another client from the manufacturing sector adds: “I have been working with them for more than 20 years now and I do not feel the need to look for any other law firm.”

IFLR1000

The lawyers' expertise is top-notch and their approach is very pragmatic and business-driven. I consider them a true business partner.

Chambers Europe

The team is quite outstanding as it has an almost unique business sense in combination with competitive fees.

Chambers Europe

Founding partner Frank Wijckmans is experienced in all types of commercial and antitrust dispute resolution, and is experienced in acting before both domestic and European authorities. Clients are delighted that he "combines an encyclopaedic knowledge with a pragmatic business mindset."

Chambers Europe

"Brilliant antitrust lawyer" Filip Tuytschaever specialises in EU, competition and distribution law. Sources enthuse: "He is always there when you need a question answered and his work product is great".

Chambers Europe

contrast is a very client-oriented firm offering a very personalised service. The team is very responsive to individual client needs.

Chambers Europe

We really appreciate the fact that the team understands the spirit of our company. It is in line with what we want, which is important to us.

Chambers Europe

Sources describe "knowledgeable and thorough" department co-head Bart Bellen as a "deal maker who can translate negotiation issues into a win-win for both parties." He has notable experience of advising on transactions involving the retail and chemical sectors. 

Chambers Europe

Boutique corporate practice advising domestic and multinational clients on M&A transactions. A visible and well-regarded player in the Belgian market. 

Chambers Europe

Renowned national boutique, advising clients at both the EU and domestic level. Particularly highly regarded in the field of vertical agreements with notable expertise in the automotive, retail, pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors. Acts for market-leading companies as well as government and EU bodies. Works with an informal network of overseas law firms to co-ordinate pan-European mandates.

Chambers Europe

contrast’s Frank Wijckmans and Filip Tuytschaever have ‘deep knowledge of all areas of competition law’ and ‘an excellent ability to provide hands-on advice in complex situations’. In addition to acting for private parties, their team assists public authorities, such as the EC and European Banking Authority, with various competition law issues.

Legal 500 EMEA

Corporate and business law, along with competition and EU law, are the focus areas at contrast. Key clients include leading names in vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy and retail. Key partner Bart Bellen is recommended.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast handles all aspects of mediation, litigation and arbitration, in both domestic and cross-border matters pertaining to EU and competition, commercial and corporate law. Luc Demeyere, who has a 35-year track record in dispute resolution, works alongside Filip Tuytschaever and Frank Wijckmans.

Legal 500 EMEA

‘Excellent in all possible aspects’, contrast’s first-rate practice has marked an uptick in cases before the Belgian Competition Authority, including abuse of dominance matters and cartel work. The group also has expertise in distribution law. Filip Tuytschaever and Frank Wijckmans lead the team.

Legal 500 EMEA

Founding partner Frank Wijckmans is experienced in all types of commercial and antitrust dispute resolution, and is experienced in acting before both domestic and European authorities. Clients are delighted that he "combines an encyclopaedic knowledge with a pragmatic business mindset."

Chambers Global

Sources describe "knowledgeable and thorough" department co-head Bart Bellen as a "deal maker who can translate negotiation issues into a win-win for both parties." He has notable experience of advising on transactions involving the retail and chemical sectors.

Chambers Global

Department head Luc Demeyere of contrast acts on both litigation and arbitration proceedings. Clients note that he is an "experienced litigator who does an excellent job."

Chambers Global

Department head Bart Bellen is praised by sources for being "very patient and good with the details." He has experience of corporate, acquisition and financing projects at both a local and international level.

Chambers Europe

contrast provides 'practical advice' and 'thinks with a broader perspective'. The team focuses on corporate and commercial law, M&A, as well as competition and EU law. Practice head Bart Bellen is recommended.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast's Luc Demeyere advised Severn Trent Holding regarding a post-acquisition claim following the sale of its Belgian subsidiaries to a French multinational. Filip Tuytschaever recently represented Omega Pharma in an action arising from the termination of a distribution agreement.

Legal 500 EMEA

Luc Demeyere heads contrast's disputes department and handles litigation, arbitration and mediation on both a domestic and international level. Clients appreciate his strategic skills as well as his in-depth knowledge of finance and pragmatic approach.

Chambers Europe

The lawyers provide very sound and hands-on legal advice; you always know what to do once you have spoken with them.

Chambers Europe

The contrast team delivered very high-level advice which was always targeted and well prepared.

Chambers Europe

Frank Wijckmans attracts widespread praise for his knowledge of EU competition law. Key clients call him "an authority in this field," adding: "He combines an encyclopaedic knowledge of competition law with a very practical touch." Wijckmans is also appreciated for his business understanding: "I can put him together with any businessperson and there will be no misunderstandings between them, which is quite rare."

Chambers Europe

Belgian competition specialist Filip Tuytschaever remains a firm favourite with clients, who praise his pragmatic, actionable advice: "He is very well versed theoretically but with a practical touch. With one phone call you get an understanding of what you need to do and can act upon the advice given on the phone."

Chambers Europe

The lawyers have a good balance of dedication and technical skills and are able to find the necessary solutions.

Chambers Europe

contrast provides 'a very high level of service'. Recent highlights include representing Volvo in an EC investigation into the truck sector. It advised on European and Chinese merger notifications for the same client following its acquisition of the off-highway dump truck business of Terex Corporation. The firm is also active handling proceedings before the Belgian Competition Authority. Filip Tuytschaever has 'extraordinary knowledge' and Frank Wijckmans is 'pragmatic'.

Legal 500 EMEA

Frank Wijckmans and Filip Tuytschaever lead Belgian competition boutique contrast. The firm entered the legal market in 2006 when the two partners set up their own group after leaving VWEW. Although some questioned the viability of launching a competition boutique focused on the small Belgian market, the firm has attracted a number of clients and has a solid track record. Wijckmans – described as one of the top three antitrust lawyers in Belgium by a rival practitioner – and Tuytschaever are assisted by counsel Sofie De Keer and seven associates.

While the boutique has largely expanded into EU competition litigation and is constantly present in a number of cases before the European courts, it still retains a distinctive Belgian focus. Wijckmans advises three BSE testing laboratories in the Belgian authority’s cartel investigation, while Tuytschaever is counsel to a travel agent in the price-fixing case. Both partners represent a media company in a claim for damages against Telenet, Belgium’s largest broadband cable services provider. The firm is also advising a large retailer in the alleged hub-and-spoke chocolate cartel case, and continues to advise in the food retail and the personal care products cartel investigations.

GCR 100

contrast’s ‘excellent’, ‘top-quality’ competition practice is advising AB Volvo in the ongoing EC investigation into its truck operations. It also represented freight company Gosselin before the General Court in a cartel case wherein the firm successfully obtained a reduction in a fine levied against the group. Frank Wijckmans is ‘a top-notch player’ and Filip Tuytschaever ‘stands out for his competence in EU law’.

Legal 500 EMEA

Corporate and M&A is a core focus at contrast, which has a ‘down-to-earth’ team that is ‘very responsive’ and has ‘excellent business acumen’. Practice head Bart Bellen is ‘client-focused’ and Frank Wijckmans is also recommended.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast had a good year in 2013, acting on matters related to the diamond trade, state aid, distribution agreements and contract termination. Senior counsel Luc Demeyere heads the department, in which Filip Tuytschaever focuses on commercial and competition law matters.

Legal 500 EMEA

Frank Wijckmans is highlighted for his blend of domestic and international activity. "He is probably the best external adviser we have for any area of law," one client enthuses. Wijckmans is particularly appreciated for his hands-on guidance, tactical advice and technical expertise.

Filip Tuytschaever receives praise for his broad expertise: "He keeps himself updated, has a solid knowledge base and takes the time to go the extra mile for the client."

Chambers Europe

Bart Bellen receives excellent feedback for his commercial, hands-on approach. "He is smart, direct and forward-looking, foreseeing potential issues that could affect the client. He is experienced and able to draw lessons from previous cases."

Chambers Europe

Luc Demeyere of Contrast European & Business Law is noted by clients for his experience and ability to co-ordinate and lead major litigation.

Chambers Europe

Dispute resolution is a core practice at niche firm contrast, which handles disputes relating to unfair trade practises, IP, distribution law, and contracts. Senior Counsel Luc Demeyere has ‘outstanding knowledge’ and is ‘a strategic player’.

Legal 500 EMEA

This firm specializes in EU and competition law and enjoys a particularly strong reputation in the local market. Its recent European activity includes representing the Commission in private enforcement litigation related to the elevators and escalators cartel investigation.

Sources say: “Very quick and effective. The lawyers have sound technical skills and business sense, and offer highly competitive rates.”

Frank Wijckmans is a leading Belgian competition lawyer and an expert on distribution agreements. “He’s commercial, down-to-earth and explains everything in language we can understand,” say clients. He recently represented Gosselin in an appeal before the General Court.

Chambers Europe

Frank Wijckmans of contrast European & Business Law is a leading Belgian competition lawyer and an expert on distribution agreements. “He’s commercial, down-to-earth and explains everything in language we can understand,” say clients. He recently represented Gosselin in an appeal before the General Court.

Chambers Global

Clients say that Bart Bellen of contrast European & Business Law has “a very keen commercial approach and interprets things from a pragmatic point of view.” He assists customers such as TUI and Azelis with various corporate projects.

Chambers Europe & Global

Formerly of Allen & Overy, Luc Demeyere of contrast European & Business Law is a well-respected litigator and arbitrator. Clients describe him as a “go-getter. He’s very tough, not afraid of anything and he’ll tell you if you’re wrong yourself.”

Chambers Europe & Global

contrast has seen an increase in distribution cases in the pharmaceuticals, automotive and retail sectors. Frank Wijckmans, who has ‘a fantastic reputation’ for cartel work, represented Electrolux and Whirlpool Europe in a state aid appeal at the General Court. Filip Tuytschaever acted for the EC in appeals brought by ThyssenKrupp concerning the elevators cartel.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast’s ‘diligent and hardworking team’ is ‘highly responsive’ and gives ‘simple and direct advice’. Practice head Bart Bellen is ‘very knowledgeable in Belgian corporate governance’ and ‘a skilful counselor with an easy communication style’.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast has quickly made a name for itself in domestic Belgian competition work. Clients appreciate the team’s commercial acumen and integrated approach, both in transactional and contentious matters. It also handles EU law and attracts a growing number of international clients.

Chambers Europe

contrast has an ‘outstanding level of competition law expertise and the ability to handle the most diverse issues, and is recommended for its high level of partner involvement. Frank Wijckmans has a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach’.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast’s Frank Wijckmans (‘impressive and deep skills’) and Filip Tuytschaever (‘very useful institutional network’) are praised for ‘excellent, clear and structured drafting’ and ‘very good advocacy’, being a ‘no-nonsense office delivering good value for money’ for Belgian, Asian and EU-wide clients.

Legal 500 EMEA

contrast’s corporate and M&A team is a ‘diligent and hardworking team, which is excellent on all levels. Practice head Bart Bellen always keeps the client’s needs in mind’.

Legal 500 EMEA