Belgium’s geographic situation and extensive transport network place it at the crossroads of the main distribution networks. Major tax incentives have led a large number of foreign and multi-national entities to choose Belgium as a location for distribution or operations centres for the Benelux countries and even for the whole of Europe.
Distribution law has changed radically over the last two decades, due to a number of influences: the development of ever more-complex networks and modes of distribution adapted to the specific needs of different businesses; the expansion of the operational reach of distribution firms; increasing and more complex European and national regulations affecting business; sectoral or general Community exemption rules; European directives on distance selling and Internet distribution; laws on distribution, commercial agency and franchise agreements; and so on.
Our team is made up of over 20 lawyers with solid experience and in-depth understanding of Belgian and international distribution and competition law. This expertise, along with our thorough familiarity with the business of our clients, coupled with our pragmatic approach, enables us to offer sound, objective, and practical guidance. We assist clients in determining the most appropriate method of distribution (distribution licence, commercial representation, branches, franchises, agency, commission agency, etc.). We also negotiate and draft their contracts, and assist in preventing or settling disputes.
We also have significant experience in the detailed drafting of complex production and transformation contracts in key industrial sectors, such as chemicals, agro-business, the food industry, logistics and mining.