Laga ranked in Chambers Europe 2009 guide

Below are excerpts of Laga’s rankings and recommendations :

Banking, finance and capital markets – Band 3

Werner Van Lembergen – Band 2
Isabelle Blomme – One to watch

Despite being a relatively new presence in the market, in the three years since it was established the banking and finance team at Laga has already made a significant impact on a range of areas, and attracted an impressive roster of clients including Barclays, Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank. The lawyers earn particular praise for their approachable and accommodating manner, with clients insisting that the team is “easily reachable - the lawyers are proactive and they always keep us informed.” Sources add: “It’s a really flexible service, and there when you need it.” In addition to this, many sources happily agree that the firm’s highly competitive rates translate as excellent value for money. Although it has a broad skill base, the team primarily handles structured finance and acquisition finance work. It recently assisted Lehman Brothers with the acquisition of an EUR80 million non-performing corporate credit loan portfolio from a prominent Belgian bank. Additionally, the team was instructed by Dexia to assist with the production of real estate loans relating to its warehousing and securitisation, conducted as part of Dexia’s CMBS programme. Heading the team, the “incredibly intelligent and assured” Werner Van Lembergen is applauded for the diversity of his skills, and for his banking and finance expertise. Clients appreciate the fact that he “is always punctual and accurate in his work.” Isabelle Blomme is fast making a name for herself at Laga, earning credit for her work in M&A, asset finance, secured/syndicated lending and real estate financing. Clients appreciate her "commercial attitude and quick responses."

Corporate and M&A – Band 4

Hilde Laga – Band 4
David Roelens – Up and coming

This group is “moving forward and impresses with its focused, high-quality and cost-effective approach.” With four offices across Belgium, the group has a strong reputation for representing management boards in buyouts, and has notable expertise in the real estate and private equity sectors. Recent highlights include representing Immo Moury as issuer’s counsel on its IPO on Euronext. Splitting her time between the Kortrijk and Diegem offices, Hilde Laga is the global head of the corporate department and is “well respected for her knowledge and great work on any corporate matters.” David Roelens is the head of the M&A and private equity practice in Belgium. He enters the rankings hailed as “a reliable, efficient and friendly individual - always calm and master of the situation.”

Employment – Band 4

Stefan Nerinckx – Band 3

Originally founded in alliance with Deloitte’s tax department, this firm retains strong ties with the international banking giant. Some sources hold that this ongoing association can, at times, cause Laga’s employment practice to be overshadowed by Deloitte’s presence, while others see the link as a mine of additional and highly valued business resources. The 29 lawyers here are extremely well informed as to the latest industry developments, say sources, and are quick to pass these on to grateful clients. “They always keep me up to date on new legislation,” affirmed one interviewee, “especially when they think it will have an impact on my company. But they are also careful to keep the level of detail appropriate – it’s always enough but never too much.” The team’s practice runs the full range of employment issues, though immigration and the set-up of foreign-based companies operating within Belgium accounts for a growing portion of its workload. Spearheading the team’s reputation in this particular practice area is Stefan Nerinckx, a specialist in international employment and business immigration. He is also admired for his expertise in social security matters.

Real estate – Band 3

Benoît Nibelle – Band 3
Werner Van Lembergen – Band 3

The tax law, real estate and estate planning practice of this independent local firm handles a varied workload encompassing property development, acquisitions, restructurings and portfolio management, together with property financing and refinancing. The group also works closely with the firm’s environmental and administrative law departments, expanding its expertise on offer to clients. The team has a strong position within the domestic market, and boasts impressive global reach through its close working relationship with Deloitte, and through its relations with real estate experts in prominent international firms. As such it advises an impressive list of clients that includes Robelco and Rockspring, and has lately been involved in several high-profile transactions and projects with various local and international financial institutions and developers. Head of department Benoît Nibelle is “one of the best real estate tax lawyers in Belgium,” say interviewees. He is noted for his fiscal expertise and solution-driven approach. Werner Van Lembergen heads the firm’s banking and finance department and handles a substantial amount of real estate finance work. As well as being a specialist in this area, he also advises clients on general real estate law aspects.

Public law - recommendation

Dirk De Keuster – Band 3

Having been enlisted as co-head of Laga's public law team in September 2008, Dirk De Keuster has quickly built up a solid and well-respected practice at the firm - no doubt thanks to his hard-working and proactive attitude, say sources.

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