EU Competition & Regulatory – Your Legal Partner in Brussels and beyond
7 rue Joseph Stevens
1000 Brussels
Belgium
- EU competition law
- Belgium
- Mergers
- Distribution deals
- Antitrust
- Abuse of power
- State aid
- Cartel defense
- Surprise inspections
- EU rules
- Trade law
- Lawsuits
Why EU Competition & Regulatory Law Matters
If your company operates in Belgium or the EU, following competition and regulatory laws is a must. Violations can lead to huge fines (up to 10% of your global sales!). Mergers can get blocked, and illegal deals can mess up your plans. Plus, regulators, rivals, and others are watching closely to make sure you play by the rules in trade, distribution, and partnerships.
But competition law isn’t just about avoiding fines. It can help you grow. If you set up deals the right way, anticipate problems, and work well with authorities, you can get stronger in the market. You can also get approval for big deals and lower risks when working with others.
Based in Brussels – home to the European Commission, Parliament, and the EU’s competition authority – Liberius is in ideally located to help you out. Our legal team has deep local knowledge and experience from top firms in the UK, US, and Europe. Hence, we can help you with both local and international issues.
Mergers control:
We handle EU and national merger filings, advising on jurisdictional competence, designing remedies, and securing approval.
Antitrust compliance:
We create compliance programs, conduct risk audits, train employees, and advise on pricing policies, sharing information, and joint R&D.
Distribution and commercial agreements:
We draft and improve distribution systems, franchising, and supply deals under EU vertical rules.
Abuse of Dominance:
We advise dominant companies on what they can and can't do. We also defend those challenging unfair actions like predatory pricing or refusal to supply.
Cartels and investigation defense:
We guide you through surprise inspections and requests for leniency. We protect your rights while competition authority inquiries and minimising disruption.
State Aid and subsidy control:
We advise companies getting government support, challenge illegal aid, and defend companies against complaints.
Litigation:
We represent clients in Belgian and EU courts in cases about cartels, dominance, mergers remedies, or contract issues.
Here's what makes Liberius different:
Experienced Lawyers:
You'll work with seasoned lawyers who know competition law inside and out, not just junior staff.
Business-Focused:
We handle cases like business owners, considering risks, market impact, and how strategies fit your goals.
Clear and Quick:
We explain complicated rules in a simple way so you can make fast, confident decisions.
Forward-Thinking:
We watch regulations as they're being written, so you can act before others even notice changes.
- Large companies growing or changing in Europe.
- Belgian businesses making distribution networks or facing regulatory checks.
- Private equity firms needing merger approvals for acquisitions.
- Start-ups and small businesses entering new markets or creating compliance programs.
- Industry association coordinating projects.
Merger Approval:
A US company wanted to buy a Belgian energy manufacturer. We handled filings in Belgium and other EU countries, found a solution to ease competition worries, and got approval quickly, so the deal closed on time.
Distribution:
We helped a fast-growing consumer goods company change its distribution system to fit the new EU rules. The updated contracts protected the brand and avoided problems with regulators.
Surprise Inspection:
When a tech company in Brussels got a surprise visit from the Belgian Competition Authority, our team was there within hours. We protected the company's rights, coordinated with IT and compliance teams, and managed communications with regulators, minimizing disruption to business operations.
State Aid:
A multinational energy company got government help for a renewable project. We checked the aid package against EU rules, advised on the Green Deal rules, and made sure the project could proceed without risk of clawback.
FAQs - Common Questions
Do we need merger approval in Belgium or the EU?
It depends on your turnover thresholds. We can quickly assess jurisdiction and design the filing strategy, and making sure nothing is missed.
How do we avoid antitrust problems in distribution deals?
We can check your contracts under EU and Belgian rules to remove illegal restrictions and ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.
What should we do if we get a surprise inspection?
Call us right away. We’ll guide you, protect your rights, and manage interactions with regulators without escalating risks.
Can industry environmental projects follow competition law?
Yes, but there are strict rules. We can help you create partnerships that meet goals while staying compliant.
Why Choose Liberius
In competition law, speed, foresight, and clarity are key. At Liberius, you’ll work directly with experienced lawyers who have global knowledge and a business mindset. We don’t just react – we anticipate, helping position your business to succeed in a world with increasingly complex rules.