News
Read our latest news
New FDI notification form
๐ขย ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐
๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐
On 29 August 2024, theย Interfederal Screening Committee (โ๐๐๐โ)ย published its new template notification form:
- ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ก ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐https://lnkd.in/erMTy7PP
- ๐
๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐https://lnkd.in/e5iiKWiG
Non-EU investors must use this form when notifying transactions for Belgian FDI review.
The new form enters into force immediately. However, the previous template can still be used until 30 September 2024.
It is the ISCโs first revision of its notification form since the start of the Belgian FDI regime last year. This revision follows a consultation with all the major law firms that are active and experienced in notifying transactions to the ISC, including ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ.
๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ is happy to have shared its insights, experience and suggestions with the ISC.
We remain available for any questions in this regard.
#FDI #FDIscreening #FDIregime #contrastlaw #contrastupdate
Breaking news re merger control
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ง๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐/๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ: ๐ ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ!
The Court of Justice says that the European Commission ("EC") has no power to review transactions at request of Member States that cannot review the transaction themselves under their national merger control regime.
The General Court had incorrectly allowed national competition authorities to refer mergers to the EC, even if these did not have a European dimension or meet national thresholds for review, based on ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง.
The rationale behind the ECโs revised approach to Article 22, was to enable the EC to review acquisitions whereby at least one of the partiesโ turnover does not reflect its actual or future competitive potential and thus falls below the merger control thresholds. Illuminaโs planned acquisition of Grail was the first transaction referred to the EC under the revised policy.
After the Court of Justiceโs judgement, ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ก ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ง๐จ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐. Moreover, as regards Illumina and Grail specifically, this judgment is likely going to result in the annulment of their gun jumping fine. Ongoing similar reviews (e.g. Brasserie Nationale / Boissons Heinz) will moreover need to be stopped due to having no valid legal basis.
Despite todayโs judgment, the ECโs revised approach has had its impact in practice as it resulted in the abandonment of several transactions, such as Illumina/Grail, EEX/Nasdaq Power and Qualcomm/Autotalks. It remains to be seen whether the companies involved will try to seek redress from the EC for its regulatory overreach ...
๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ, ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ:
โ๏ธ ruled that the Merger Regulation does not provide a "corrective mechanism" for reviewing all mergers with significant effects on EU competition.
โ๏ธ emphasised that the thresholds for notifying and reviewing transactions are crucial for ensuring legal certainty and predictability for companies.
โ๏ธ stressed that companies must be able to determine easily whether their transactions require notification, which authority will review them, and what procedural requirements apply.
Companies should however be mindful that an increasing number of national authorities have obtained (or are likely to obtain in the near future) the authority to โcall inโ transactions that do not meet the national thresholds.
๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ?
๐น Read the judgement https://lnkd.in/e9XYpZkZ
๐น Read our ITP on the judgement of the General Court https://lnkd.in/er3rmebt
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ?
๐ Feel free to contact your usual contact person at contrast.
Welcome to our September summer interns!
๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐! ๐
We are thrilled to welcome Astrid and Gitte as our summer interns for September. Their fresh ideas and enthusiasm are sure to make a valuable contribution to our team! ๐
Are you ready for an internship filled with learning experiences and exciting challenges? Discover our internships and other career opportunities for 2025 ๐ผ
#internship #legalinternship #lawstudent #careergrowth #summerintern #learningopportunities
Tip #6 for (future) legal professionals
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ค๐ฌ! ๐ฏ
Week 6 of our โ10 Weeks of Tips & Tricksโ series is here. Today, two of our August summer interns, Antoineย and Estรฉe, share their valuable advice on time management with fellow legal enthusiasts:
๐. ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐ฌ
โข ๐๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ค๐ฌ: Distinguish between tasks that are urgent and important. Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise your tasks.
โข ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ-๐๐จ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ: Write a daily list of tasks you need to complete and rank them by priority. Update this list regularly to reflect your progress and any new tasks.
โข ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ: Large projects can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time.
โข ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ: Keep your colleagues updated on your progress, especially if you encounter challenges or delays. They might see your priorities differently, and can help you prioritise.
๐. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐๐
โข ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐๐. This can save you time when looking for documents and help you stay on top of your tasks. It also helps your colleagues if they want to consult your work.
๐. ๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ
Several tools can help you manage your time and tasks better. Try out different systems to discover a method that works for you. You can opt for digital tools, physical tools, or a combination of both. Some ideas?
โข ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ: Use (digital) calendars to keep track of your deadlines and meetings. With a digital calendar, your team can also see when you are available for the next meeting.
โข ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฌ: Utilise task management apps to organise and track your tasks efficiently. Some apps also allow you to collaborate with colleagues on specific cases or projects. Be sure to check which tools are used at your internship.
โข ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ-๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐: Even a simple post-it note can help you stay focused. Use a daily post-it note to highlight your top 3 tasks for the day. This keeps your most important tasks front and centre.
Remember, effective time management is the key to staying on top of your workload and achieving your goals! ๐
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for more valuable tips over the next four weeks.
If you havenโt already, ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ to receive exclusive content and additional insights ๐ https://lnkd.in/dpYwVMTt
#lawstudents #paralegals #internship #legalinternship #careergrowth #careerwisdom #10weeksoftips #fitforpurpose #contrasttalent
Summer vibes
๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ! ๐
Our Vibes team treated us to a delightful breakย with delicious desserts and homemade lemonades. It was the perfect way to enjoy a sunny afternoon and recharge our batteries. ๐๐ฐ
In true office fashion, our relaxing break took an unexpected turn with a fire drill! Evacuating the building with a glass of lemonade in hand โ just another day at the law firm. ๐
Hereโs to more sunny days, sweet treats, and memorable moments with our fantastic team! ๐
#SummerVibes #LawFirmLife #TeamBuilding #OfficeFun #contrastVibes
Tip #5 for (future) legal professionals
๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ: ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ Jules Guns, ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐
Week 5 of our โ10 Weeks of Tips & Tricksโ series is here!
When conducting legal research, itโs crucial to follow these steps to ensure accuracy and effectiveness:
๐. ๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ
โ๏ธ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฌ: Always start with reputable legal databases such as Strada lex, Jura, Concurrences, PaRR,.. and the knowledge database at your law firm. Official databases such as EUR-Lex, KBO or Juridat are also great as primary sources of information in Belgium. These sources provide verified and up-to-date information.
๐. ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก & ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
โ๏ธ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง: Outline your research objectives and the questions you need to answer. This will help you stay focused and efficient. โ๏ธ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ-๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Verify the accuracy of your findings by cross-referencing multiple sources. This helps to ensure that your information is reliable and comprehensive. โ๏ธ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ: Pay attention to the publication dates of your sources to ensure you are using the most current information available. โ๏ธ ๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฌ: Keep thorough notes of your findings, including citations and summaries of key points. This will make it easier to reference and compile your research later. โ๏ธ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Structure your research in an online research folder or physical binder. This way, other colleagues can also consult the information.
๐. ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ
โ๏ธ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: Extract the most important arguments and findings from your research. Focus on what is most relevant to your task. โ๏ธ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ: Look at different viewpoints and analyses to get a well-rounded understanding of the topic. โ๏ธ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Present your findings in a clear and concise manner. Keep it simple by starting with a short overview and using bullet points.
And always remember, thorough research is the foundation of strong legal arguments! ๐
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for more valuable tips over the next five weeks.
If you havenโt already, ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ to receive exclusive content and additional insights ๐ https://lnkd.in/eCUYTeij
#lawstudents #paralegals #internship #legalinternship #careergrowth #careerwisdom #10weeksoftips #fitforpurpose #contrasttalent
Case highlight
๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ก ๐ฏ๐ฌ. ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐-๐๐๐/๐๐ ๐)
EU Commissionโs jurisdiction over ๐๐จ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ upheld by General Courtโs President.
On 12 August 2024, the President of the General Court rejected a request for interim relief from security inspection company Nuctech. In the context of the first inspection under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the Commission had ordered Nuctech to produce documents stored on servers located in China. Nuctech had asked the President of the General Court to suspend the Commissionโs decision.
In his Order, the President ruled that Nuctech did not have a ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข ๐ง๐ข๐ค๐ช๐ฆ case against the Commissionโs decision:
โ๏ธ The Commissionโs jurisdiction extends to all companies with activities in the EU, irrespective of their place of incorporation.
โ๏ธ The Commission can request to see/copy documents in possession of those companies, irrespective of where these documents are located.
โ๏ธ Companies need to explain why they have no access to information stored on servers located outside the EU.
โ๏ธ Companies need to explain why producing the requested documents would breach non-EU law and why such breach would constitute a breach of international public law. The Commission is bound only by EU law and international public law.
๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ?
๐น Read theย full text of the judgment
๐น Read our In The Picture on the Foreign Subsidies Regulation
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ, ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ง ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ง ๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐ฌ?
๐ Feel free to contact your usual contact person at contrast.
#competitionlaw #europeancommission #EUGeneralCourt #dawnraid #FSR #contrastupdate
Tip #4 for (future) legal professionals
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฌ: ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐! ๐
Week 4 of our โ10 Weeks of Tips & Tricksโ series is here!
Starting your legal career can be both exciting and daunting. One key piece of advice that can set you apart is to ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐. But what does this really mean in a legal setting?
๐. ๐๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐๐ซ: Offer to help with certain projects and tasks, even if they seem challenging. This shows your eagerness to learn and your willingness to contribute.
๐. ๐๐๐๐ค ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ค: Regularly ask for feedback on your work. This not only helps you improve but also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth.
๐. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐: Anticipate the needs of your team and clients. If you see a potential issue or an opportunity to streamline a process, speak up. Your initiative can make a significant impact.
๐. ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : The legal field is ever-evolving. Take the initiative to stay updated on the latest legal developments and trends. Attend seminars, read relevant publications, and engage in continuous education.
๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ: Proactively network within your firm and the broader legal community. Building strong professional relationships can provide support, mentorship, and future opportunities.
Being proactive is about taking charge of your career and showing that you are a valuable asset to your team. Itโs a mindset that will serve you well throughout your legal journey.
Stay tuned for more valuable tips over the next six weeks. If you havenโt already, sign up for our Student Corner to receive exclusive content and additional insights ๐ https://lnkd.in/e7TqHpsX
Letโs make this summer unforgettable! ๐
#lawstudents #paralegals #internship #legalinternship #careergrowth #careerwisdom #10weeksoftips #fitforpurpose #legalcareer
Tip #3 for (future) legal professionals
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐จ๐ญ๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ก๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐ซ๐
Week 3 of our โ10 Weeks of Tips & Tricksโ series is here!
When completing a task from a senior or a client, always strive for precision in the following areas:
๐๐๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ
โ๏ธ Always meticulously review your work for grammar mistakes, typos, and unnecessary spaces or line breaks. Utilize spelling and grammar checks or the โShow/Hideโ button in Microsoft Word ( ).
โ๏ธ If available, start from a template to ensure your work aligns with the house style of your firm.
โ๏ธ Before sending your prepared work to the senior or client, print it out. Mistakes are often overlooked on a computer screen, but a printed version immediately reveals whether your work is sufficiently structured and clear.
๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ
โ๏ธ Begin by collecting ample legal sources to substantiate your work thoroughly. Donโt forget to include well-structured references and key analyses extracted from them in your accompanying email to the senior.
โ๏ธ Highlight areas where youโre uncertain (e.g., via comments or highlighting) so the senior knows which content needs double-checking or additional research.
โ๏ธ If there are multiple reasonable options, explore and present all of them.
๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐
โ๏ธ Ensure that your work is completed within the given timeframe. If you anticipate missing the imposed deadline, promptly inform your senior or client.
โ๏ธ Remember that internal deadlines are equally important. They consider (i) the client-agreed timing, (ii) senior review, and (iii) time needed for adjustments and additional research.
And always remember, quality trumps quantity! ๐
This is just the beginning!
Stay tuned for more valuable tips over the next seven weeks.
If you havenโt already, sign up for our Student Corner to receive exclusive content and additional insights ๐ https://lnkd.in/emdBS8G4
#lawstudents #paralegals #internship #legalinternship #careergrowth #careerwisdom #10weeksoftips #fitforpurpose #contrasttalent
In the Picture - summer reading
In July and August, our In the Picture newsletter takes its traditional summer break.
Before our next edition in September (on the fresh of the presses draft guidelines on abuse exclusionary conduct) a throwback to our In the Pictures of 2024, with ever fun cartoons and updates on the topics of sport and competition law, new product safety legislation, the new market definition notice, the deforestation regulation, CSDDD, and foreign direct investment.
Check them out hereย for some sunny reading. โ๏ธ
Subscribe now to the In the Picture!ย
#thecontrastisclear #legal #competitionlaw #corporatelaw #commerciallaw #compliance #disputeresolution #inthepicture
