Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Industry focus: Retail in Belgium

AKD

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.

Praxisleiter:

Steven Ongena


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Pol Cools


Referenzen

‘AKD operates internationally and is active in several areas of law. They are not only intellectually oriented but also pragmatically minded. Besides that, the attorneys are very approachable and flexible.’

‘They deliver very fast to a high level.’

 

Kernmandanten

Naos


Tommy Hilfiger


Calvin Klein


Claire’s Accessories


Dessange


Retif


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a pan-European multi-brand retailer in a long lease transaction for a multiple floor store, under development, located in Antwerp’s main shopping street
  • Assisting a worldwide NYSE-listed restaurant chain in the development of its Belgian franchise portfolio
  • Representing a globally active food manufacturer in court and expert proceedings regarding a distribution dispute with a former BeLux dealer.

ALTIUS

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.

Praxisleiter:

Carmen Verdonck; Lieven Peeters; Alexander Hansebout


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mathieu Maniet; Nina Methens


Kernmandanten

G-Star


Bolton Group


Maxeda DIY Group


Beiersdorf


The William


Foot Locker


Marc O’Polo


Hilti


FHP Vileda


Crisp


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assists online retailer Crisp with various legal issues relating to starting its activity in Belgium, including various labour law and various commercial law issues related to online sales and distribution activities on the Belgian market.
  • Assisting Maxeda DIY Group with the real estate-related work of its BRICO store portfolio, the review and update of the franchise agreements and other commercial contracts.
  • Assisting well-known Dutch clothing brand G-Star (denim) with several stores in Belgium’s Flemish and Walloon regions, including day-to-day employment and real estate issues in relation to the stores.

Baker McKenzie BV/SRL

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL‘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’.

Praxisleiter:

Geert Bovy; Kurt Haegeman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sebastian Tytgat


Referenzen

‘Baker McKenzie’s practice stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the firm is, in my opinion, one of the most pleasant to work with, with a team of professionals who possess the right mindset and personality. This makes interactions not only efficient but also enjoyable.’

‘One standout counsel is Sebastian Tytgat. His combination of in-house knowledge and bar experience equips him with a unique set of skills that allow him to truly place himself in the client’s shoes. This perspective enables him to provide advice that is both pragmatic and tailored to the client’s specific needs.’

‘What sets them apart from competitors is their ability to combine deep legal knowledge with a client-centric approach, ensuring that their advice is not only technically sound but also easily understandable and actionable.’

Highlight-Mandate


Liedekerke

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.

Praxisleiter:

Olivier Vanden Berghe; Etienne Kairis; Yves Delacroix; Paul Geerebaert


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sarah van den Brande


Referenzen

‘This practice is unique by gathering specialists in different areas of the retail business. This allows us to find – at all times – the right partner with the best experience to help us in every specific case we are facing. ’

‘Paul Geerebaert is my main contact person an he’s really a unique partner when it comes to give the right advice in terms of contracts with franchisers for example. This is the base for a secure business. Paul delegates some topics to his colleagues when these are more experienced in that particular field, which is also a great asset for us and gives us the best advice at any time.’

‘Strong team.’

Kernmandanten

Colruyt


Intermarché Belgium


Circle K


Intersport Belgium


Decathlon Belgium


Grand Opticiens Belgium


INNO


Kia Motors Belgium


LIDL


Louis Vuitton Services Europe


Pandora


Veepee


Wereldhave


TESLA


Mercedes-Benz Belgium Luxembourg


Coolblue


Honda Motors Europe Benelux Branch


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Intermarché Belgium in proceedings initiated before the Paris Commercial Court by the French Minister of Economy against the Intermarché Alimentaire International; Intermarché Entreprises and Intermarché Belgium because of alleged unfair commercial practices and unfair terms in their b2b contracts with suppliers
  • Advising Michael Kors on the preparation and implementation of new working schedules and work rules for its Belgian stores, overtime work regimes and several dismissal cases.
  • Assisting Lidl with all of its files in the 3 Belgian regions in which a real estate and/or environment question is involved and advising the retailer on all its expansion plans in Belgium, covering transactions, developments and litigation.

Osborne Clarke

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.

Praxisleiter:

Marie Canivet


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Louis Hoffreumon; Vinciane Rysselinck


Referenzen

‘Availability, knowledge, quick reaction, listening and valuable advice on all topics.’

‘Very good collaboration with Osborne Clarke partners high availability quality of advice empathy and extension of subjects to make them accessible to all.’

 

Kernmandanten

Godiva


Brico


Delitraiteur


Mamma Roma


Delinter


Bolt


Diageo


Starbucks


Pokemon


Sisley


Afflelou


Auto 5


Midas


Shurgard


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Godiva with its commercial lease issues and related litigations.
  • Advised Starbucks on the compliance of all of their packaging (dine-in and takeaway) under Belgian law as well as their ESG obligations in the framework of a multijurisdictional advice.
  • Advising a joint venture of two major players in Benelux food and non-food large retailing on a purchasing alliance to negotiate prices.

Strelia

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.

Praxisleiter:

Olivier Clevenbergh


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jean-Pierre Fierens; Camille Cornil


Kernmandanten

Accor Hotels


Burger Brands Belgium


Cinemas Pathé


Carrefour


Cono Kaasmakers


Disaronno


Explore-Share


Immoweb


Herta


Lunch Garden


Makro Metro


O’Tacos


PCS Innotec


Rexel


Sobeltop


Highlight-Mandate


CMS

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.

Praxisleiter:

Renaud Dupont; Tom Heremans


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sophie Berg; Pierre-Axel Chabot


Referenzen

‘We only work with Tom Heremans and his team. We are satisfied with Tom. He has thorough expertise, is easily accessible, works within short deadlines, gives clear and professional advice.’

 

Kernmandanten

Primark


Amazon


Mestdagh


eBay


AVEVE


Delvaux


Hermès


Calzedonia


Colruyt


Medi-Market


Horeca Totaal


All Nippon Airways (ANA)


Adidas


Ahrend


Associated British Foods


BMW


Brokking’s Beheer


Broekhuis


Canada Goose


Christian Dior


Coca Cola European Partners


Colgate Palmolive


Columbia Sportswear Company


Discord


Dockr


Douglas


Fossil


Grangers


Hero Group


HP


Igloo


La Bouteille d’Or


Louwman Dealer Group


Mars


Manutan


Mauri Technologies


Maxeda DIY


New Balance


Object Carpet


Partner In Petfood


Plus


RH Interior Design


Pon


SharkNinja


Shisheido (BPI)


Ultimaker


Universal Electronics


Urus Europe


USPA


Viscon Fresh Produce


Westmill


Xiaomi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented two US entities of Amazon in trademark infringement proceedings against Christian Louboutin before the Brussels Court. The firm secured victory before the Brussels Court of Appeal as it ruled in favour of the client.
  • Representing Delvaux in a litigation against Longchamp for copyright infringement and unfair market practices.
  • Advising Calzedonia, the Italian fashion group with over 5,000 shops worldwide, in relation to the activities of its 3 brands in Belgium

DLA Piper

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.

Praxisleiter:

Alexis Fierens; Charlotte Sas


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Heidi Waem; Pauline Hellemans


Referenzen

‘We enjoy working together because of the excellent expertise and background information, and because the cooperation is very efficient. The information we obtain is very clear, hands-on and immediately usable. They can think along with the business.’

‘Both very good expertise and background information, good accessibility, available to think practically, provide useful information.’

‘Team has a solid client database within retail + equal retail support. We appreciate the quick turn-around and guidance in a wide area of retail topics including Omnibus, pricing in outlets and marketing and communication. We work with Alexis Fierens + his associate Pauline Hellemans.’

Kernmandanten

AS Watson


Belkin


Cofra


Colruyt


Fine Dining & Living


Wolford Belgium


Advanced Power Solutions


BD myShopi


Burberry


Candy Hoover Group


Casa International NV


Clarks Shoes


Daniel Wellington


Dentsu


Dior


Dr Martens Airwair


Duracell


Easykit


Exterioo


EyeCare


Fred


IKKS


JD Sports Fashion


Juntoo


Karen Millen


Levi Strauss


New Balance


Nichols


Ontex


Pierre Degand SA


Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum (Belgium))


Realo (Belgium) NV


Rituals


Spotify


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a major supplier of consumer batteries in the European market on the restructuring of their operations in Belgium.
  • Assisting the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer by the number of stores with a dispute against consumer protection organisations.
  • Advising a French mass-market retail group on a portfolio of competition litigation.

KPMG Law in Belgium

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.

Praxisleiter:

Jim Bauwens; Gerald Van Walle


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thomas De Clerck


Referenzen

‘The KPMG team is like one big family. Very professional and accessible.’

‘The know what they are talking of. Highly skilled and hands-on practical approach, based on past business cases and relevant examples.’

‘Clear communication and good feedback on recent trends.’

Kernmandanten

Fast Retailing Group


Group Deichmann


Five Guys Belgium SRL


Vastned Belgium SA


Flanders Investment Company (FICO) SA


Iittala SRL


Former Shareholders of Daeninck Group


Immo-Lux SA and associated companies


ION SRL and associated companies


Standard Investment SRL


Urban Outfitters Belgium SRL


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Vastned Belgium on the reverse cross-border merger with its Dutch parent company, Vastned Retail. The combined assets at stake in this transaction amount to 1,373 billion EUR. The firm advised on the preparation and negotiation of the contractual documentation, discussions with the FSMA and further implementation of the merger, including the listing prospectus), cooperating with Argo Law and NautaDutilh, and Loyens in the Netherlands.
  • Assisted Standard Investment (acting through the SPV OPSIN OPTICS SRL) with the takeover of ten stores of the eyewear retailer Grand Optical after Grand Optical Belgium filed for bankruptcy. The goal of this transaction was to relaunch the eyewear stores under the brand OPSIN OPTICS. The acquisition consisted of the negotiation of several new commercial lease agreements and several employment/self-employed contracts, as well as the drafting and negotiation of an agency agreement both in Dutch and French.
  • Advised Fast Retailing Group (Uniqlo, Comptoir des Cotonniers, etc.) on their day-to-day questions regarding retail, real estate, corporate and commercial law related issues/matters. The firm provides corporate services for the Belgian subsidiaries of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd, Uniqlo, Comptoir des Cotonniers Belgique SA, etc.