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AKD Belgium is a full-service law firm with repute in cross-border tax advice complemented by a worldwide Friends Network. The practice advises international M&As, litigation, energy transition, and data privacy. The department co-head is partner Werner Heyvaert. Employment tax specialist Frédéricq Jacquet is the decorated senior partner who specialises in cross-border tax and social security matters.
Recent activity involved a cross-border transaction for a leading logistics provider valued at EUR 400M. Interest limitation deduction assessment on thin capitalisation rules was completed for an automotive client. A withholding tax audit was successfully contested for a leading multinational.
Client feedback
‘’Overall problem solvers.’’
‘’They are very responsive and available."
Arteo Law is a Brussels-based independent boutique law firm founded in 2020. It focuses on delineated practice areas pertaining to tax litigation, wealth planning, and Supreme Court disputes. Transactional M&A is a recurrent mandate for cross-border cases. As a member of Taxand, the firm has coverage spanning multiple jurisdictions. Key contacts are partners Daniel Garabedian, Steven Peeters, and Stéphane Wilmet. The Private wealth specialist is partner An Weyn. Incentive plans and investment funds are assigned to partner Pierre-Olivier van Caubergh and partner Charlotte Bihain is the real estate specialist.
The firm assisted an electronics provider in structuring a joint venture for the Belgian infrastructural state department with VAT dimensions. A US subsidiary received representation in withholding tax on interest paid to a Dutch financing company before the Court of Appeals of Brussels. Several post-structure transactions were accomplished in tandem. Dividend distribution restructuring was accomplished on a cross-border deal.
Partner Emilie Maes returned to tax consultancy practice at EY on April 30th, 2024.
Client feedback
"Outstanding service. Also very nice to cooperate with them."
"rteo is generally recognised as Belgium's top independent tax law firm. It makes up for its compact size by the consistent quality of its lawyers and their flexibility."
The Belgian practice has a focus on multinational restructuring mandates. VAT, private equity, and corporate finance are complementary service lines. Customs is a growing function across the Benelux region and internationally. Head of the Brussels tax practice is partner Géry Bombeke. Controversy specialist Alain Huyghe works alongside Luc Meeus in the tax and corporate financing group.
Assorted highlights included advice to Amazon on structuring pertaining to earn-out provisions. It also advised Fortino Capital Partners on a B2B private equity transaction in the software industry.
Partner Lionel Van Reet joined the practice from PwC during the research period.
Client feedback
“Quick feedback, commitment, professional advice.”
“Knowhow; collaborative spirit; level of detail.”
“In-depth theoretical and practical experience available.”
“Very professional, quick and flexible.”
Clifford Chance Belgium is reputed in real estate transactions. Pension funds, insurance companies, and investment funds and have recourse to the practice for structuring and litigation services. Prestigious state aid and M&A capacity complement the firm’s multifaceted service suite. Partner Alexandre Ooms is the key senior practitioner with a pedigree in fund structuring taxation.
Clifford Chance advised AXA Belgium on the transfer of a closed book of life insurances. It also advised a French real estate developer on a majority acquisition stake in Maison Baijot.
Client feedback
“Responsiveness, international network.”
Deloitte Belgium CVBA is the Belgian affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP. The team has coveted expertise in all advisory facets for domestic and international clients. Multidisciplinary product lines focus on corporate tax, HNWIs, tax controversy, and indirect tax. Practitioner Danny Stas is the managing advisory partner. Partners Michael Van Gils and transfer pricing lead Patrick Cauwenbergh, are complemented by customs specialist Daan De Vlieger and Deloitte private managing partner Emmanuel Brehmen.
Recent activity involved VAT advice on importation models for e-vehicles to the European market, inclusive of customs and anti-dumping considerations. It also assisted a consumer client in obtaining bilateral APA agreements and benchmarking studies analysis.
Partner Sandrine Schaumont joined Deloitte from Vialto Partners in January 2025.
Client Feedback
"They deliver a tailor-made tax advice and are highly skilled professionals."
"Strong firm in structuring and corporate income tax work."
Deloitte Legal is overseen by partner Annick Visschers and dispute resolution specialist Filip Smet. It is a separate entity focused on tax litigation and controversy exclusively. Tax dispute resolution is a vibrant service line for differentiated SME and MNE clients. Greenille Private Client Services is a complementary service line overseen by partner Mathieu Ex. Directors Samuel Vanthienen and Alexander Baert are practitioners to watch.
Deloitte legal represented a MedTech client in tax controversy, pertaining to export control laws in the humanitarian sector. It also advised a medical technology firm in a first instance court victory that resulted in the annulment of tax assessments on appeal. The case involved an international group facing disputed taxes exceeding US$1.4 billion in Belgium.
Client feedback
‘’Incisive litigation guidance delivered at a competitive price which met our strategic requirements.’’
DLA Piper Belgium is a diversified tax practice renowned for its versatility in transfer pricing, holding structures, double taxation advice and litigation. Employment and corporate mandates are aligned with shipping, logistics, real estate, and the life sciences. Key practitioners are partner Philippe Hinnekens, M&A specialist Nicolas Engelmann and lawyer Alexander Bostoen.
Recent highlights included advice to Cardinia Europe in connection with real estate lease restructuring. It also guided ALD in relation to the acquisition of LeasePlan Group, inclusive of post-purchase reorganisation.
Partner Nicolas Engelmann arrived from Deloitte during the research period.
Client feedback
“Knowledgeable and approachable.”
“Accurate knowledge of insurance business. Quick reactivity and pragmatic approach.”
Eubelius is renowned for its blended advisory suite, which combines M&A and real estate with enforcement controversy. Although clients are traditionally derived from Belgian midmarket companies, custom demand comes from international real estate developers. Key contacts are partners Wouter Claes, Svjatoslav Gnedasj and Korneel Decroix.
The firm represented three major real estate project developers in multiple VAT litigation cases pertaining to share deals. It also assisted Bpost in litigation with the local authorities in relation to advertising distribution.
Client feedback
“Excellent professional knowledge and client-centric.”
“Precise, responsive and providing comfort they understand the process.”
“Excellent preparation, professionalism, good feedback.”
“Eubelius is very hands-on, down to earth and pragmatic and furthermore offer top-notch advice in their field.”
“Very high level of dossier knowledge, combined with encyclopaedic knowledge of case law and doctrine.”
“An extremely detailed and comprehensive knowledge both of the tax technical framework and the tax disputes and case law, combined with extensive experience in creating the right framework to come to a settlement with the tax authorities. Very high partner involvement. Full knowledge of all aspects of the file.”
“Are experts in settlement of disputes with tax authorities, focus strongly in trying to reach an agreement with the tax authorities before starting court procedures, try to find alternative approaches to dispute settlement to the clients benefit (cost saving), strong communicators, share info and knowledge.”
EY Belgium offers a full complement of tax and transfer pricing provisions. Services encompass compliance, controversy, transactions, transfer pricing and digital analytics. The practice has strong industry segment focus in private equity, real estate, and telecommunications industries. Partners Jan Bode and transfer pricing specialist Kurt Van der Voorde are reputed practitioners.
The firm developed an innovative transfer pricing policy for intercompany transactions in the telecommunications sector. It also provided benchmarking for a cryptocurrency client.
Client feedback
“Global network, highly skilled and experienced team, TP planning.”
“Coming up with business-oriented practical solutions / responsiveness / technical expertise / availability.”
Fieldfisher Belgium covers both direct and indirect taxation, relating to corporate income taxation, transfer pricing, VAT, registration duties and litigation. Beneficial ownership and value-chain optimisation for IP transactions are practice strengths. Partner Geoffroy Galéa is a renowned structuring specialist, alongside indirect counsel Lionel Wellekens.
The firm advised Hartwood on the Belgian dimension of the sale of AFD.Tech to Accenture France. It also provided a social care provider with due diligence on a large real estate transaction.
Counsel Olivier Van Herstraeten arrived during the research period.
Client feedback
“Very responsive and sympathetic. High quality of work.”
“Massive expertise and willingness to help.”
Grant Thornton Belgium provides indirect and direct tax through to transfer pricing and international mobility tax. Clients are also provided with M&A assistance pertaining to accounting advice. Office locations are situated in Brussels, Antwerp and Jumet. Partner Frederik De Graeve is assisted by fellow partners Nadia Clinckspoor, Rolf Declerck, VAT specialist Lode Agache, and head of transfer pricing Leslie Van den Branden.
Recent highlights included VAT deductibility advice to a Belgian waste disposal provider and a HNWI family relocation.
Senior manager Joke Persoons joined the practice from Deloitte during the research period.
The tax department at Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick offers the full spectrum of tax services across transactional tax, together with dispute resolution and litigation. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach combines expertise before the Supreme Court with regular mandates from international multinationals and HNWIs. Corporate restructuring and executive incentive plans are notable strengths. Key individuals are partners Lievin De Wulf and Pierre Desenfans.
Assorted highlights included litigation with the French tax authorities on a bilateral treaty. It also advised a multinational on a remediation agreement.
Loyens & Loeff is a full-service law firm encompassing the full spectrum of service lines. Transactional focus involves M&A, financing, and real estate across the Benelux region with cross-border dimensions. Partner Nicolas Lippens works alongside wealth structuring practitioner Nicolas Bertrand and indirect head Bert Gevers. Counsel Linda Brosens is a member of the international tax services group. Partner Saskia Lust is the private clients specialist at the firm.
Assorted highlights include a reorganisation for a stock-listed maritime shipping company pertaining to Pillar II shipping exemption advice in a USD 53 Million transaction. It also acted for Galapagos NV in a partial demerger of a stock-listed company and sought tax-neutral clarification from the Belgian tax authority.
Client Feedback
‘’Their strong expertise and knowledge in M&A transactions elevates them as market leaders.’’
‘’Loyens uses the best experts to provide tailored tax advice for companies like ours.’’
Stibbe is an integrated taxation practice with a full-service suite across the Benelux region. Practice focus is couched in transactional tax, real estate tax, financial services tax, and litigation. Head of department Wim Panis is a leading VAT specialist, supported by renowned litigator Henk Verstraete and private equity counsel Giovanni Smet.
The team advised a manufacturing multinational on a complex reorganisation involving dividend received deductions, withholding tax exemptions, interest deductibility rules and ATAD Pillar II evaluation. It also diversified a shareholder structure to expand an investment portfolio and mitigate risk exposure. It acted as legal advisor in the acquisition of Forum Estates Holding BV by Cibus Nordic Real Estate AB, valued at EUR 219.9 million.
Client Feedback
‘’High expertise & holistic approach.’’
‘’The firm promising and very strong when it comes to customs issues’’
Deloitte Belgium BV, the Belgian affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP and a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, delivers an extensive and ever-growing range of tax and legal services to both Belgian and international companies. Their unique approach blends insights and innovation from various disciplines with deep business and industry knowledge, helping companies achieve excellence.
The team excels in all areas of tax and legal matters, offering a full suite of services that includes advisory, compliance, and technology. They cover everything from corporate tax and personal tax to indirect tax and beyond.
With extensive experience in developing cutting-edge technology tools, the team is dedicated to enhancing client service. They also benefit from a strong global network of member firms, ensuring top-tier expertise and support.
In today’s fast-evolving world, organizations must respond swiftly to challenges and opportunities to remain resilient and sustainable. Deloitte Legal — Lawyers operates at the intersection of legal and business to help clients navigate this complexity. By working closely with our clients, we deliver services tailored to their needs, enabling them to make an impact that matters. We address legal issues with a business perspective, positioning ourselves as trusted advisors in both legal and industry-specific contexts.
Our practice is agile and supported by Deloitte Legal’s extensive global network (2500 professionals in 75+ countries), which enables us to combine strategic insights with advanced technology to manage complex data, enhance decision-making, and provide end-to-end solutions. We bring together multidisciplinary teams, integrating legal knowledge with tax, consulting, and financial advisory professionals, ensuring a seamless approach to client projects. Our services also include support functions that improve efficiency and decrease the cost of routine legal activities.
Tax Knowledge
DL boasts one of Belgium’s largest and most experienced tax law teams, comprising approximately 60 tax lawyers specializing in all subfields of tax law. Our services include:
- Advisory Services: Led by Danny Stas, covering VAT and International Tax, the team offers comprehensive advice, often in collaboration with Deloitte Belgium’s tax department.
- Tax Dispute Resolution: Led by Annick Visschers, the team specializes in resolving tax disputes in all areas (direct and indirect tax and criminal tax litigation) and for all types of clients ranging from Ultra High-Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) over Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Medium-sized and Large Enterprises (MMEs).
- Greenille Private Client Services: Led by Mathieu Ex, the team provides holistic advice to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) and families, covering income, wealth, gift, and estate taxes.
Our tax team is also frequently consulted by the Belgian Minister’s cabinet and has professors at nearly all Belgian universities, reflecting our prominence in the field. We combine our tax expertise with an entrepreneurial and pragmatic approach, helping businesses enhance taxes and cash flow, and focus on growth.
Deploying Technology-Driven Legal Solutions
Deloitte Legal is at the forefront of legal technology, leveraging cutting-edge tools to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance efficiency. By partnering with leading platforms and key legal tech providers, we deliver advanced solutions in areas like contract management and legal automation. These tailored tools not only boost operational efficiency but also empower our clients to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment. Our different alliances enable us to drive the digital transformation of legal departments, empowering clients to adapt to change efficiently.
Differentiators: Why Deloitte Legal — Lawyers?
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our strength lies in our ability to integrate legal services with other disciplines. By collaborating with Deloitte’s tax, consulting, and financial advisory teams, we provide holistic solutions that address the broader implications of legal issues, from strategy to execution.
Industry-Specific Insights
We understand that each industry has unique challenges. Our legal professionals combine sector-specific knowledge with legal specialism to offer advice that is both practical and innovative. This dual perspective enables us to tailor solutions to our clients’ specific needs.
Global Network, Local Expertise
As part of Deloitte Legal’s global network, we offer clients access to a wealth of international resources and knowledge. At the same time, our local teams provide deep knowledge of Belgian and European legal frameworks, making sure clients receive relevant and actionable advice.
Loyens & Loeff is an internationally based independent full-service law firm having a 100-year track record of international (corporate) tax advisory services with top (international) tax specialists and corporate lawyers, regulatory lawyers and civil-law notaries.
Our tax experts have extensive experience in international taxation in a broad sense, which is more extensive than just the taxation in our four home markets (including EU and OECD tax rules). They translate the developments into their impact on clients' business and are focused on identifying tailor-made solutions.
In addition to the TP advisory practice on transfer pricing policies of internationally operating clients, the TP team provides integrated solutions on all relevant transfer pricing issues. Their major services include advice on strategy, audits, dispute resolution, documentation and financial transactions.
Our international relations with other acknowledged, independent tax advisers and law firms provide for fast and efficient access to high-quality tax or legal advice in countries where we have no office.
Arteo is a Brussels-based independent boutique law firm founded by the members of the tax department of a Belgian full-service law firm in 2020. Arteo focuses on three areas of expertise: (i) tax advice and litigation, offering the full spectrum of tax services, (ii) advice on wealth and estate planning, and (iii) Supreme Court procedures. Arteo is the Belgian member of the Taxand network.
With over 475 lawyers, tax advisers, civil-law notaries and business support staff in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, AKD is a leading Benelux law firm.
Our Belgian Tax team advises and supports clients in a wide variety of industry sectors, including banking and finance (incl. insurance), building and construction, pharmaceutical, technology, energy, professional services, utilities, and private equity.
AKD’s Tax team in Belgium is headed by partner Werner Heyvaert. He has over 30 years of experience in Belgian and international tax law and specialises in corporate tax work (institutional and transactional as well as contentious).
