Hendrik Viaene

Hendrik Viaene focuses on European and Belgian competition law and various aspects of EU law (licences, various regulated sectors, etc.) He represents clients in matters relating to, among others, free movement of goods and services, mergers, cartel agreements, abuse of dominant position and state aid. Hendrik also advises on Belgian competition law and regularly lectures and publishes articles on these subjects.

Hendrik Viaene recently worked on a significant number of important matters, some of which caught media attention. The most recent major matter was the acquisition of Tele Atlas by TomTom. Hendrik played an important part in obtaining the unconditional approval in 2008, in particular in coordinating this complex matter.

Olivier Clevenbergh, Managing Partner of Stibbe Brussels, is delighted with Hendrik's appointment: "It's the combination of Hendrik's passion and talent that has made him a partner and this emphasises again the strength of our European and competition law department, an asset which is very important for a firm based in the capital of Europe. Moreover, the nomination of Hendrik, who started at Stibbe as a trainee, proves that Stibbe wants to give young talent the opportunity to develop and advance".

Hendrik Viaene studied law at the University of Ghent and obtained the certificate of Master of Laws in European Law at King's College, University of London. In 1999, he started as a trainee in Stibbe's Brussels office where he closely collaborates with partners Peter Wytinck and Marc van der Woude.

Other appointments

Hendrik Viaene's appointment is not the only one made at Stibbe on 1 January 2009: energy specialist Wouter Geldhof was appointed counsel, just like Christoph Michiels in the corporate and finance department. Real estate and construction lawyer, Benoît Kohl was appointed of counsel, just like Tom Van Dyck in the corporate and finance practice group.