Next Generation Partners

Insolvency and restructuring in Belgium

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman continues to field a first-rate team that counts debtors, creditors, and bidding companies in its client base and regularly works cross-practice to provide integrated expertise on transactional matters, insolvency proceedings, and out-of-court restructuring. The team particularly stands out for its transactional expertise, regularly working for buyers and sellers on distressed M&A, and also draws on the expertise of experienced litigator Thales Mertens to offer clients standout advice in restructuring and insolvency disputes. Mertens co-leads the practice with Filip Tanghe, who maintains close relationships with a large number of major banks and acts primarily on debt restructurings and corporate reorganisations. Further key contacts in the team include Bart De Bock, who has represented lenders and investors in high-profile contentious matters, as well as banking and finance expert Matthias Purnal.

Praxisleiter:

Thales Mertens; Filip Tanghe


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bart De Bock; Matthias Purnal


Referenzen

‘Great team to work with that is very responsive and client-focused.’

‘They’re responsive, are pragmatic and are solution-focused.’

Kernmandanten

BNP Paribas Fortis


Borealis


ING


KBC


Lineas


Magotteaux


Mirage Retail Group


Monument Immo Management


Sewan


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the Mirage Retail Group in proceedings brought by the trustee of a bankrupt outlet chain, Megaworld.
  • Acted for two creditors on the bankruptcy of a leading Belgian cash-and-carry retail chain called Makro.
  • Advised Sewan on a potential bid for another telecoms company in Belgium currently going through restructuring proceedings.

DLA Piper

Members of the team at DLA Piper have ‘outstanding knowledge and experience‘ across a wide breadth of distressed matters and are regularly appointed to act as bankruptcy trustees and administrators in court-ordered bankruptcy and asset transfer proceedings. Experienced team lead Ilse Van de Mierop‘s broad insolvency practice furthermore encompasses representing lenders in complex insolvency and asset recovery litigation. Charlotte Sas is very well-versed in judicial reorganisation proceedings, while Charles Dumont De Chassart is noted for his experience acting as a liquidator in bankruptcy proceedings. Joris De Vos, who primarily advises distressed companies in contentious matters, is also recommended..

Praxisleiter:

Ilse Van de Mierop


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Charlotte Sas


Referenzen

‘Top team of Ilse Van de Mierop. Delivering high quality legal advice, not only limited to the strict legal analysis, but also assisting companies in the strategic vision and practical implementation of projects. Availability of this team is exceptional with swift replies and excellent communication skills on timing and content. An additional advantage is the international availability. A highly professional and dedicated team with passion for the profession. Highly recommended. ’

‘Ilse Van de Mierop offers availability, strategic vision, a pragmatic approach and the ability to communicate with corporate top management. Charlotte Sas has swift and concise replies and is dedicated and highly professional.’

‘The team combines excellent knowledge of insolvency law with a strong interest in our industry. They act as one team towards the client. ’

Kernmandanten

ArcelorMittal Belgium NV


Advanced Power Solutions NV


Alpha Thai Vlaanderen BV


Algemeen Aannemingsbedrijf De Coninck NV


BASF


Ebenezer Elektro BV


Experience! SA


Fimave – Siat


General Electric LLP


GLAS Trust Corporation Limited


KBC Asset Management


Kuwait Petroleum NV


Mondelez Belgium


Petrofac International (UAE) LLC


Punch Powertrain NV


Pfizer


RES Prepaid


Ricoh Belgium


Riverside Capital LLP


Sabena


Samsonite NV


The Centre for the Development of Enterprise


UGI International LLC


Your Estate Solution


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised ArcelorMittal with the distressed acquisition of the assets of one of its most critical Belgian suppliers.
  • Advising one of the leading suppliers of consumer batteries in the European market on the restructuring of their operations in Belgium.
  • Acted for GLAS Trust Corporation Limited in its capacity as security agent with the enforcement of a facility agreement against Belgium’s most important Aluminium rolling mill.

NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh is capable of handling the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency proceedings, with a large team of litigators and arbitrators that stands out for its ability to represent both debtors and creditors in contentious matters. The team regularly acts for clients in court proceedings to obtain consent for the transfer of distressed businesses, represents banks in asset recovery and insolvency litigation, and handles complex judicial reorganisations. Out-of-court restructurings are a further area of focus for the team and are chiefly handled by Sophie Jacmain, a commercial disputes expert who co-leads the practice with reputed insolvency specialist Stan Brijs. Corporate and insolvency litigator Karel De Smet is also recommended, as is Charlotte Van Themsche, who joined from Jones Day in February 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Sophie Jacmain; Stan Brijs


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Karel De Smet; Gisèle Uwera; Charlotte Van Themsche; Frederik De Leo


Referenzen

‘NautaDutilh has a strong insolvency and restructuring practice which has become a key player in the Belgian market. They are involved in almost all the major French and Dutch insolvency or restructuring cases, which demonstrates their reputation. They have become a force to be reckoned with on the Belgian market, with one of the biggest and best teams.’

‘Experts in their domain, broad knowledge of Belgium legal environment, very good and clear advice flexibility and easy to connect with at any time, easy access to other subject matter experts if required.’

‘I worked mainly with Sophie Jacmain & Frederik De Leo, who are experts in their domain, well-organized, and nice personalities to work with.’

Kernmandanten

ABN AMRO


Connectis


Liberty Liège-Dudelange


Western Union Retail Services Belgium


Fremaux-Delorme Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Liberty Liège-Dudelange, a part of the LIBERTY Steel Group, in connection with the annulment of the dissolution of LLD ordered by Court, the restart of LLD’s activities, and its restructuring through judicial reorganisation by transfer of business.
  • Assisted the Getronics Group with several legal proceedings initiated in the aftermath of the transfer of business of certain activities from Getronics Belgium (currently Scinorteg) within the framework of its judicial reorganisation proceedings.
  • Assisted the Fremaux-Delorme group with the possible acquisition of movable assets of seven Belgian entities active in the development and production of high-quality sleep systems, each of which was in a separate Belgian judicial reorganisation procedure by transfer under judicial authority.

Liedekerke

Liedekerke is well-regarded for its cross-border insolvency capabilities, which enable the firm to represent debtors and creditors in matters ranging from bankruptcy filings and associated liability litigation to insolvency proceedings surrounding asset and business activity transfers. The team has a particularly strong reputation for advising bidders on distressed M&A at the intersection of competition and insolvency law, and it is also capable of advising on complex issues such as conservatory garnishments. The 'exceptional and extremely intelligent' insolvency litigator Roel Fransis heads up the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Roel Fransis


Referenzen

‘Very practical and hands-on approach. To the point advice and very responsive. A real help for companies facing difficulties.’

‘Roel Fransis is exceptional and extremely intelligent. With his knowledge and experience, you feel very comfortable, and adverse parties and courts really listen to him. He has the quality to convince people easily based on real knowledge.’

Kernmandanten

Proximus


Sligro Food Group


Veldeman Group


VREG


Basra Oil Company


Brussels Airlines


Oncomfort


Dehaen Paul


Highlight-Mandate


  • Adivsed Sligro Food Group in connection with the acquisition of the Metro division of Makro Cash & Carry Belgium NV for a purchase price of €47m in the context of judicial reorganisation proceedings by transfer of business activities of Makro Cash & Carry Belgium NV.
  • Advised Proximus on the acquisition of EDPNet NV, a Belgian virtual network operator and former wholesale client of Proximus and its related company EDPNet BV, for a purchase price of €20.5m in the context of judicial reorganisation proceedings by transfer of business activities of those two companies.
  • Advised Veldeman Group on the restructuring of the group, which faced financial difficulties and entered into judicial reorganisation proceedings by amicable agreement and later changed to judicial reorganisation proceedings by transfer of business activities.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff provides its client base, which encompasses debtors in a wide range of industry sectors as well as lenders and bondholders, with 'very knowledgeable and creative' advice in connection with cross-border restructurings and insolvency proceedings. Cross-practice capabilities enable the team to advise on employee and asset transfers in the course of debt restructurings and judicial reorganisations, represent clients in litigation related to asset recoveries and liquidation orders, and handle a growing volume of distressed financing matters. Vanessa Marquette leads the team and stands out for her insolvency litigation expertise, while Marc Vermylen is a key contact for financing and restructuring work and Kris De Schutter primarily handles employment issues.

Praxisleiter:

Vanessa Marquette


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marc Vermylen; Kris De Schutter; Jens De Winne


Referenzen

‘Very knowledgeable and creative in their legal arguments.’

‘Vanessa Marquette and Jens De Winne are very thorough and at the same time efficient.’

Kernmandanten

Cidron E-Com


Nordic Capital


Aluminium Duffel BV


Aluminium Belgium BV


Prologis


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised private equity fund Nordic Capital in connection with insolvency of different companies of the FNG Group, including the restructuring of the remaining FNG Group companies and the enforcement of its pledge on the Ellos shares.
  • Advised Aluminium Duffel on the refinancing of the business by its main creditor, the private equity fund American Industrial Partners and its speciality finance affiliate ICP, and on related insolvency issues.
  • Assisted Prologis in connection with the bankruptcy procedure of one of its building contractors in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Quinz

Boutique firm Quinz combines corporate and financial expertise with capacities in dispute resolution and competition to provide its clients with multidisciplinary advice on a wide range of insolvency, reorganisation, and asset recovery matters. While primarily representing creditors in contentious insolvency proceedings and liability claims, the firm also guides distressed companies through out-of-court restructurings. Experienced litigator and arbitrator Benoît Allemeersch is furthermore capable of acting as a court-appointed liquidator in the context of large-scale bankruptcies. Allemeersch heads up the practice, which is bolstered by the expertise of insolvency and corporate finance expert Stijn De Dier.

Praxisleiter:

Benoît Allemeersch


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stijn De Dier; Gillis Lindemans; Thijs Vancoppernolle; Wim De Meester; Bart Lintermans


Referenzen

‘Quinz is an atypical law firm. They deliver excellent quality. At the same time, they work very transparently, and are open to all forms of communication. There is very much mutual respect, which always benefits the outcome. ’

‘Quinz is very hands on and has a large knowledge of all procedural aspects related to a restructuring procedure. They combine the knowledge of corporate law together with insolvency law, which is quite unique.’

‘Benoit Allemeersch is the lead partner with great tactical insight which is very important in restructuring procedures. Gillis Lindemans is up and coming in this field and has good knowledge of the matter too. He is strong in court pleadings.’

Kernmandanten

BNP Paribas Fortis


Belfius Bank


Famatown Finance


Gemeentelijke Holding


Holding Communal


ING Belgium


KBC Bank


Nyrstar


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Nyrstar in all Belgian procedures relating to its global restructuring.
  • Represented Belfius Bank restitution and liability claims brought against it by shareholders of the Arco Group.
  • Acted together with KPMG as liquidator of the Gemeentelijke Holding/Holding Communal, Dexia’s reference shareholder.

Racine

Racine‘s ‘excellent insolvency and restructuring practice‘ is composed of insolvency practitioners who regularly act for clients in domestic and cross-border litigations and stand out for their routine appointments as trustees and liquidators in bankruptcy proceedings. The team is very active on asset recovery and enforcement and also represents debtors and creditors in liability claims. Insolvency and liability expert Joan Dubaere leads the team together with Stijn Vanschoubroek, who is noted for his experience acting as a trustee and liquidator. Rubben Lindemans left for DNA Law in March 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Joan Dubaere; Stijn Vanschoubroek


Referenzen

‘They have a strong track record as trustees in bankruptcy appointments.’

‘Stijn Vanschoubroek has a good market reputation in restructurings.’

‘The team is well known and respected on the Belgian market for insolvency and restructuring.’

Kernmandanten

BNP Paribas Fortis Factor


BNP Paribas Fortis Lease


Johnson Controls


Flamant


Getronics Belgium


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the directors of Getronics Belgium in several post-bankruptcy litigations initiated by the trustees.
  • Advised the organizer of major jazz festivals on financial distress issues following the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Assisted the owner of the Brussels Leopold Hotel in the recovery of its claim against the operator of the hotel, following the latter’s bankruptcy.

Stibbe

Stibbe is home to experienced insolvency litigators who are regularly appointed to act as administrators and liquidators in the context of voluntary post-bankruptcy dissolutions, though the team is also capable of representing creditors as well as debtors in asset recovery proceedings and criminal liability claims. Distressed bond and asset transactions are a further area of of focus for the team, which is led by cross-border insolvency litigation specialist Oliver Stevens. Further key contacts include Paul Van der Putten and Pieter Wouters, who are both experienced liquidators and act across a wide range of insolvency proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Oliver Stevens


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Pieter Wouters; Paul Van der Putten


Referenzen

‘The insolvency team is part of Stibbe’s overall full-service approach, which gives clients the possibility to also get back to them with questions on other areas, such as IP. This has been important in a complex transaction-based matter.’

‘I have worked with Pieter Wouters. He showed very good commercial understanding for the needs of the client and delivered practical solutions. Hard-working and reliable even in stressful situations.

Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted KBC Bank in reorganisation and bankruptcy proceedings pertaining to its borrower, the Antwerp diamond trader Exelco.
  • Represented the National Bank of Belgium in several lawsuits pursuant to the bankruptcy of Optima Bank.
  • Assisted Highbridge Capital Management and Whitebox Advisors with the distressed “uptiering” restructuring of convertible bonds issued by Belgian biotech company Biocartis.

Strelia

Under the leadership of experienced insolvency litigator and practitioner Bart De Moor, a 'seasoned professional with a pragmatic approach', Strelia's team is uniquely qualified to act in domestic and cross-border insolvency proceedings and shareholder disputes. The team also advises and acts as administrator for distressed companies on their out-of-court and court-appointed restructurings. Marine Callebaut's portfolio includes representing shareholders and insurers in post-bankruptcy liability claims as well as handling alternative dispute resolution.

Praxisleiter:

Bart De Moor


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marine Callebaut


Referenzen

‘The difference of Strelia is the consideration of all aspects of the problem. I really appreciated the advice but above all the human support in a complicated period for the company.’

‘I worked with Bart de Moor and Marine Callebaut. They were very involved in finding a solution and it was thanks to them that we found a buyer for the company.’

‘I worked a lot with Bart de Moor on insolvency and restructuring matters. He is a partner of the firm who is extremely well prepared and an extremely nice person, too!

Kernmandanten

Enterprise Court of Brussels


One Square Advisors GmbH


Makro Cash and Carry NV


Highlight-Mandate


White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is prolific in advising on distressed M&A and asset transfers, having advised creditors such as Deutsche Bank on post-bankruptcy acquisitions as well as acting for individual and corporate creditors in post-insolvency asset recovery proceedings. The team, which is active across Belgium and Luxembourg and frequently collaborates with the firm’s global network to advise on cross-border matters, also represents its debtor clients in high-profile restructurings and disputes arising out of financial distress. Practice head Thierry Bosly is a key contact for distressed asset purchases, while Alexandre Hublet is highly recommended for her commercial litigation experience.

Praxisleiter:

Thierry Bosly


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexandre Hublet; Elien Claeys


Kernmandanten

Deutsche Bank


Orpea


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Deutsche Bank on the post-bankruptcy acquisition on the secondary market of claims on the estate of former Belgian airline company, Sabena, which is now in bankruptcy.
  • Advised the ORPEA Group on all issues in the context of its financial restructuring.

Agio Legal

Agio Legal is instructed by a wide range of companies facing financial difficulties to advise on preventative restructurings, judicial reorganisations, and distressed financings, and also increasingly acts for clients in post-bankruptcy disputes. Notably, the team is home to a number of practitioners who are routinely appointed to act as bankruptcy trustees, including Inge De Haes, Philippe Termote, and Tom Toremans, who co-lead the practice together with the 'very impressive' Philippe Van den Broecke.

Praxisleiter:

Philippe Van den Broecke; Tom Toremans; Philippe Termote; Inge De Haes


Referenzen

‘There is a very good team spirit and a devotion to offering the best service. The fact that the firm is growing and has more specific knowledge in multiple legal and fiscal areas is a plus.’

‘Leadership by Philippe Van den Broecke is very impressive. He is extremely creative in finding new solutions and always coming up with great ideas. Philippe is well connected with many people in various businesses. He is a great person in many ways.’

‘I would rate the collaboration with specifically Philippe Van den Broecke as exceeding expectations: He is very quick to grasp complex issues and provides intelligent way forwards and strategies to cope.’

Kernmandanten

Galaxy Studios Group


AIM


Schulte & Partners


Gimv


CIM Capital


The Fruit Farm Group


Welkin & Meraki Operations


Neckermann


Werkhuizen Lapauw


Fashion Club


Transport Jos Schreurs


Modint


PP 2.0


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised The Fruit Farm Group on its restructuring.
  • Advised Auro Technologies and the Galaxy Studios group on their restructuring.
  • Assisted Welkin & Meraki Operations with their restructuring.

ALTIUS

ALTIUS' team is well-versed in the contentious and non-contentious aspects of restructuring and insolvency practice, from advising debtors on out-of-court restructurings and applications for judicial protection to representing creditors in asset recovery and liability claims. Practice head Bart Heynickx, who specialises in commercial litigation, furthermore displays extensive experience in advising on asset takeovers and insolvency proceedings. Insurance expert Alexander Hansebout is also recommended.

Praxisleiter:

Bart Heynickx


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexander Hansebout


Referenzen

‘I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Bart Heynickx for several years on various cases. I highly recommend him for any advanced role in the field of insolvency law. His unparalleled expertise, client-focused approach, rapid and flexible service delivery, and leadership in Belgian insolvency law makes him unique.’

‘They were ready to support and take care of very complex matters, dealing with many different players both from Italy and Germany. Their judicial expertise allows them to provide excellent assistance to my company, always suggesting the best alternative to mitigate risks and relevant costs.’

‘They were so accurate in reporting, always keeping track of relevant progresses. Always on time and reliable. They had an immediate comprehension of business’ peculiarities and were able to promptly assist the company.’

Kernmandanten

Container Centralen


Kontron


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Container Centralen with retrieving payments from outstanding claims, former competitors and trademark infringers.

Andersen

Experienced multidisciplinary partner and firm co-founder Leo Peeters heads up the practice at Andersen, which represents creditors, investors, and debtors in judicial reorganisations as well as in disputes arising out of liquidation and insolvency proceedings. The team also acts for distressed companies seeking to avoid insolvency and advises on preventative restructurings and sales. Toon Rummens, who maintains close relations with clients in the real estate sector, is a key name in the team.

Praxisleiter:

Leo Peeters


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Toom Rummens; Leila Mstoian; Koen De Puydt;Aurélie Glinne


Referenzen

‘Seeds of Law services all our legal needs in Belgium with good results.’

‘I have worked with Leo Peeters on various issues related to our European entity. Leo does a very good job explaining things in a way that is easy to understand and is very knowledgeable. ’

‘This practice is very responsive and client minded; the communication with other professions is very easy too. They are used to working with non Belgian clients and clarify regulations in a efficient manner.’

Kernmandanten

Belleheide Center NV


Get Air Belgium


Arnulf Betzold


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Get Air Belgium in its dispute with its landlord following the pandemic and in a judicial reorganisation ending in a bankruptcy.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance's team stands out for its expertise in bankruptcy-related litigation and dispute resolution, acting for multinational corporate clients as well as private and institutional creditors in a wide variety of reorganisation and insolvency proceedings. Asset recovery and enforcement matters represent a key area of focus, with creditors instructing the team to defend claims in court as well as to handle cross-border asset freezes and search operations. Experienced litigator Dorothée Vermeiren leads the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Dorothée Vermeiren


Referenzen

‘Knowledge on broad fields.’

‘Serious work in a complex case.’

Kernmandanten

LIBERTY Steel Group


FPIM/SFPI


Monsotel


ABN AMRO


KBC Bank


BNP Paribas Fortis


NIBC


Rabobank


Teneo


ING


Citi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the LIBERTY Steel Group in connection with various insolvency proceedings launched by and against the Belgian subsidiary of the group, Liberty Liège-Dudelange.
  • Advised the lenders of Hamon & Cie (International) SA on the insolvency proceedings opened in relation to Hamon & Cie and certain subsidiaries in various jurisdictions.
  • Advised a global e-commerce company in connection with severe financial and logistical problems experienced by one of its suppliers of delivery services in several European countries.

CMS

CMS‘ insolvency and restructuring practice comprises a large team of specialists who primarily advise creditors and investors on distressed M&A and post-insolvency takeover bids, recovery claims in insolvency proceedings, and criminal complaints, though the team is also capable of assisting distressed debtors with judicial and out-of-court restructurings. Liability and insolvency litigation expert Jean-François Goffin leads the practice together with distressed M&A specialist Virginie Frémat and Grégory de Sauvage, who is a key contact for cross-border contentious matters.

Praxisleiter:

Jean-François Goffin; Virginie Frémat; Grégory de Sauvage


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jean-Luc Hagon; Pieter Dieltjens


Kernmandanten

AG Real Estate


Allianz Benelux


Ascott Limited


Circular Interiors


Credis


Easylog Solutions


Electrolux Professional


GE Healthcare


Medex


Horeca Totaal


Metro


Medtronic


NLMK


Schelcher Investment funds


Société Générale


Stanley Black & Decker


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Horeca Totaal with bids on several Metro stores within the framework of the auction process of the judicial reorganisation by transfer under judicial control of Makro.
  • Advised a joint venture between NLMK and Marcegaglia on formulating and defending a bid to take over part of the activities of Liberty Steel’s Flémalle and Tilleur plants in Belgium, which belonged to Liberty Liège Dudelange.
  • Advised Medtronic on a bid to take over the assets of Steerable Instruments post-bankruptcy.

Deloitte Legal

Dispute resolution and contract law expert Jürgen Egger leads the team at Deloitte Legal, which represents clients in proceedings at the intersection of insolvency and criminal law. The team has extensive experience negotiating restructuring plans as well as bankruptcy filings and is also very active in advising on asset recovery. Glenn Hansen, who advises both debtors and creditors on preventative restructurings and insolvency proceedings, is a further key contact in the team.

Praxisleiter:

Jürgen Egger; Glenn Hansen


Kernmandanten

Lehman Brothers


O’cool


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the administrators of Lehman Brothers on the recovery of assets in insolvency proceedings of the Belgian portfolio.
  • Acted for O’cool in a restructuring procedure where a restructuring plan was voted upon by the creditors.

Janson

The team at Janson advises across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, with a particular focus on handling distressed M&A, advising debtors on pre-insolvency reorganisation and liability management initiatives, and acting in asset recovery claims as well as contentious insolvency proceedings. Cedric Alter leads the team and is well-regarded for his ability to advise distressed companies on preventative restructuring measures. Banking and finance expert Dominique Blommaert is also recommended.

Praxisleiter:

Cedric Alter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dominique Blommaert


Kernmandanten

Llama Group


Hamon


Bioscenic


Highlight-Mandate


Lydian

Lydian‘s insolvency and restructuring practice is instructed primarily by debtors and distressed companies to advise on corporate reorganisations and handle insolvency proceedings, though the team also advises a growing number of creditors on asset recovery, liability proceedings, and distressed M&A. The practice is led by experienced commercial litigation specialist Yves Lenders. Kim van Zummeren, who primarily handles liability and insurance issues, is a further key name in the team.

Praxisleiter:

Yves Lenders


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kim Van Zummeren


Kernmandanten

CASA International


Mathieu Gijbels NV


Berlitz School of Languages


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Berlitz School of Languages with the insolvency proceedings of its Belgian entity.