Chambers

In its 2009 edition, Chambers and Partners describe ALTIUS different practices as follows:

On our Banking & Finance Practice

The future seems bright for this 'really solid and experienced' firm. Its ongoing partnership with leading tax boutique Tiberghien encourages a diverse flow of tax-related instructions, as well as an excellent spread of contacts. The vast majority of the group’s instructions come from major financial institutions, rather than borrowers – a caseload that earns the firm a high profile and a strong reputation for complex and significant banking matters. The team capitalised on its growing international reputation when it assisted RBS’ Paris team with the refinancing of Bouwfonds European Real Estate Parking Fund’s acquisition of a car parking facility. It also acted for Barclays Capital on the acquisition of several Hilton properties by the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund. In addition to this, the team advised Eni on the EUR 6.8 billion majority share purchase of Distrigas. Heading the department, Johan De Bruycker focuses chiefly on capital markets. His ability to establish strong links with international firms, as well as his informed and accommodating attitude, ensures his popularity among clients.

 

On our Corporate and M&A practice

This 'compact and solid team is filled with talented individuals' and is predominantly active in the mid-market advising on joint ventures, private equity, corporate restructuring and reorganisations, and company investments. Alex Goeminne has a reputation for being 'charming and pleasant to work with,' with clients praising his 'vast experience and resolute approach.'

 

On our Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice

This full-service firm has a strong commercial litigation practice that focuses on contractual matters. The 11 full-time litigators that make up the team are particularly active in the media, entertainment and distribution fields and can handle all kinds of disputes, including arbitration. They are valued by clients for their 'hands-on attitude' and ability to deal with queries at short notice. The team overlaps with other departments, often working hand in hand with the firm's IT and corporate departments. The lawyers recently acted for FIFA and UEFA in a dispute against local football club Sporting de Charleroi. Christophe Ronse, a certified mediator in civil and commercial matters, co-ordinated the team acting for FIFA. Prized for his 'clear and practical advice,' he is a distinguished patent litigator, often representing patentees against generics manufacturers and counterfeiters.

 

On our Employment practice

The employment wing of this mid-sized Belgian firm is renowned for its global capabilities, assisting local clients as well as international companies operating within the region. It handles both individual and collective work, with activity in the latter having grown rapidly over the past year. The team often works closely with the corporate department, further encouraging its prowess in M&A-related employment issues. Clients appreciate the team’s constructive and serviceable attitude: Advice is easy to understand and indicates all the pros and cons, so you get a clear idea of all the risks. That’s a rare skill that you don’t find in many law firms. Sources declare Sylvie Dubois extremely good at what she does. You can talk to her about anything, and she’ll always put things into a commercial perspective. Her approachability and high level of knowledge in relation to employment law mark her out as the leading practitioner at Altius.

 

On our Intellectual Property practice

This small and dynamic firm delivers superb results, making it 'a first choice for IP matters in Belgium.' The group is well regarded for its mix of dynamic younger lawyers and established stars such as Paul Maeyaert. Maeyaert is a market leader for trade mark law and a strong litigator. Clients commend him for the clarity of his communication, describing him as 'practical and client-friendly.' He avoids getting bogged down in unnecessary detail, always keeping one eye on the commercial goal. He's very prompt and focused on achieving that goal. Often working alongside Maeyaert, Nicolas Clarembeaux is "a very promising partner" specialising in trade mark work. Christophe Ronse is respected for his work on patent law litigation. A fierce opponent, he regularly uncovers arguments that others might miss. Renowned for marrying 'clear and helpful responses' with speed, the team is a major force in trade mark, pharmaceuticals and counterfeiting matters. The extremely knowledgeable Olivier Vrins specialises in the latter.

 

On our TMT practice

The market praises this group's excellent business relationships with its clients and, as one interviewee explained, "the lawyers have a very pragmatic attitude during cases and quickly answer your questions in a concise and practical manner." The team has notable skills in the media sector and provides respected advice in data protection, e-commerce, telecoms and trade practices. It also works very closely with the firm's IP department, offering a wide range of solutions to companies in the TMT sector. Gerrit Vandendriessche is the main contact for clients.