AKD‘s real estate practice is ‘not only intellectually oriented but also pragmatically minded’, and works for major international retailers. The practice is particularly adept at handling real estate work, while also advising on distribution law, tax law, data protection, and disputes before Belgian courts. Work undertaken by the team is often cross-border and highly complex. Steven Ongena leads the practice, with a focus on representing retailers in real estate transactions and agency agreements. Pol Cools is a key figure within the 'very approachable and flexible’ team.

ALTIUS‘ team is renowned for its expertise in advising clients across the food, FMCG, clothing, and luxury goods sectors. The team excels in handling complex commercial agreements, real estate structures, and competition and regulatory matters. At leadership level, Carmen Verdonck assists with competition law issues, advising domestic and multinational clients on distribution networks. Also leading the team, Alexander Hansebout has vast experience in international dispute resolution, and Lieven Peeters offers real estate expertise, often acting for retailers and landlords. Mathieu Maniet is key to the practice, with a focus on IT and competition related matters. Nina Methens‘ practice focuses on Belgian and EU competition law, with extensive experience related to franchising and retail distribution.

Baker McKenzie BV/SRL‘s retail practice is recognised for its ‘unique blend of expertise, approachability, and practical mindset’, advising clients in Belgium and across the EU on dealings with national enforcement authorities, negotiations with customers, and retail alliances. Geert Bovy leads the team, bringing complementary experience in food law to the practice, and is ‘well-wired in the retail industry’. Kurt Haegeman also acts as the head of the team, leveraging expertise in competition law. Sebastian Tytgat is ‘knowledgeable and practical’ and is noted for providing ‘advice that is both pragmatic and tailored to the client’s specific needs’.

Liedekerke‘s practice consists of ‘specialists in different areas of the retail business’, advising clients on a wide range of retail related matters involving competition, employment, real estate, and IP elements. Olivier Vanden Berghe leads the firm’s commercial contracts and litigation practice, assisting retail clients with distribution networks and cooperation agreements. Etienne Kairis also leads the team, with extensive experience in IP rights work, and particular knowledge of the automotive companies. Rounding up the leadership team are Yves Delacroix and Paul Geerebaert, with real estate and employment expertise respectively. Sarah Van Den Brande is noted.

Osborne Clarke‘s retail group yields expertise across distribution and franchising, dispute resolution, and real estate work within the retail space. Marie Canivet leads the team, with extensive experience across distribution networks and franchising. Louis Hoffreumon is key to the team, specialising in regulatory and compliance mandates within the foods, cosmetics, and FMCG sectors. Vinciane Rysselinck‘s practice centres on employment law issues.

Strelia‘s retail practice advises leading retailers on all aspects of their distribution networks in Belgium and internationally, including supply agreements, joint purchasing structures, lease agreements, and logistics organisation. Advising on the transactional aspects of franchising, and related litigation, is another key strength of the team. Olivier Clevenbergh specialises in distribution, and regularly assists franchisors on their expansion plans. Jean-Pierre Fierens‘ practice focuses on arbitration and complex litigation, with expertise in agency and distribution agreements. Camille Cornil is a key member of the team. Gaetano Jannone left the firm in March 2024.

The retail practice at CMS advises across commercial leases, distribution networks, IP, and data protection work related to retail. High-end international companies are amongst those relying on the expertise of the team. Renaud Dupont leads the team, specialising in distribution agreements, franchising, and licence agreements. Trademarks and copyright matters are also mainstays of Dupont’s practice. Also leading the team is Tom Heremans, who has vast IP and TMT knowledge, with a focus on copyright, trademark, and patent law. Pierre-Axel Chabot regularly advises domestic and foreign investors and occupiers. Sophie Berg plays a key role in the team, with employment and pensions expertise.

Noted for its ‘excellent expertise’, the team at DLA Piper assists major retailers, landlords, and investors on high-profile matters. The practice consists of individuals across a range of practice areas at the firm, working closely with the employment, restructuring, and IP teams. Members of the team are adept at representing clients before the Belgian courts and European Competition Authority (ECA). Alexis Fierens and Charlotte Sas lead the team, with extensive IP and restructuring expertise respectively. Pauline Hellemans joined the practice from Lydian in February 2024.

KPMG Law in Belgium‘s retail practice has vast experience advising both national and international retailers, as well as project developers and investors. The team works closely with the firm’s real estate, employment, IP, and tax departments to assist clients. The ‘very professional and accessible’ practice is led by Jim Bauwens, frequently providing cross-border advice to retail clients. Gerald Van Walle acts as head of the retail and real estate practices, with experience across real estate development and investment projects. Thomas De Clerck is key to the team.