Our Brussels-based lawyers have extensive merger control experience at all levels of scale and complexity, both as advisors and as regulators. This includes successfully guiding deals to clearance through first and second phase reviews at both EU and national levels, negotiating commitments and managing referrals to and from the European Commission.
In addition to large-scale acquisitions and joint ventures, we regularly undertake multi-jurisdictional filing analyses in cases that do not trigger EU thresholds and manage any subsequent notifications.
Assessment of Notification Requirements
The type of transaction that qualifies as a notifiable ‘merger’ can differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Moreover, each jurisdiction will apply different notification thresholds and timetables for review. Our team works in close cooperation with colleagues in the U.S., as well as with our extensive network of reliable contacts in other countries, to develop and execute an appropriate notification strategy in a timely manner.
Substantive Assessment
Prior to notification, we will assess the likely complexity of merger control proceedings. In complex cases, this may involve working in close cooperation with external economists. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, we will provide practical guidance on adapting the transaction to avoid merger control or minimize delays.
Notification of the Transaction
We manage the entire notification process on behalf of our clients. Our lawyers appreciate the importance of a strong and effective relationship with the commercial teams in effectively navigating the merger control process. In some circumstances, cooperation with external IT providers is required in order to process large amounts of data in a very limited period of time. We have developed best-friend relationships with external providers to guarantee time and cost-efficient solutions in such cases.
We have managed and coordinated notifications and merger procedures in more than 40 jurisdictions worldwide, from Brazil to China and from Australia to the United States. Industries involved include air transport, agriculture, automotive, chemicals, energy, fast moving consumer goods, food, life sciences, media, medical devices, mining, paper, telecoms, tobacco, dredging, and steel.
Our considerable experience includes acting for interveners and third parties to whom information requests have been addressed. In this context, we understand the importance of identifying our clients’ interests and objective, and we have a great record of success in achieving desired outcomes.
Our Team
Our team of lawyers combines their thorough knowledge of competition law with skills acquired through their work for a broad range of industries. They are highly recommended in respected legal journals such as the Legal 500 EMEA and Chambers Europe.
Thomas De Meese “is praised by clients for being ‘straight to the point and giving very practical answers,’ as well as being ‘very responsive and business-oriented’.” Chambers Europe, 2021
“According to clients, Thomas De Meese combines ‘both legal and business knowledge with an excellent feeling for the sensitivities of our specific business’. He has a varied competition practice, advising on merger clearance, vertical integration, abuse of dominance and cartel investigations.” Chambers Europe, 2019
“Thomas De Meese […]advised Liberty Global on its acquisition of De Vijver Media. Sources note his ‘responsiveness and hands-on, customer-friendly approach’.” Chambers Europe, 2016
“Jules Stuyck is a well-respected figure among market commentators, who note his long-standing presence in the Belgian competition sphere and his broad experience across aspects of competition and trade law.” Chambers Europe, 2020
“Respected academic Jules Stuyck is described by clients as ‘very thorough, easy to work with and adapts very well to changes in a litigation. His first-class strategic legal thinking is also an extremely precious asset’.” Chambers Europe, 2017
Representative Matters
- Advised a global cable TV and telecommunications operator in relation to a Phase II EU clearance of its acquisition of a TV content provider involving complex behavioral remedies.
- Advised a U.S. supplier of light-weight and specialty metals in relation to a $1.5 billion acquisition requiring EU clearance of a producer of specialist components for aerospace and other hi-performance applications.
- Advised the same U.S. corporation in relation to an unrelated transaction, also in the light-weight metal components sector, requiring notification and clearance in various national jurisdictions.
- Advised a leading U.S. telecommunications firm in relation to a $5 billion outsourcing transaction in the IT sector.
- Obtained unconditional merger clearance from a national competition authority for a merger giving rise to a 90% market share.
- Obtained structural remedies from the European Commission for an intervener in relation to a multi-billion dollar aerospace joint venture.
- Obtained the amendment of remedies imposed by the Belgian Competition Authority following changed market circumstances.