M&A/Transactions - EY Law Belgium

We are happy to share with you on this section of our website all legal articles written by our lawyers with respect to M&A and transactions. This section will contain general articles as well as sector focused content. Enjoy reading and do not hesitate to reach out to our M&A team in case you need any legal support in the framework of M&A/transactions.

Can Artificial Intelligence systems claim authorship under copyright law?
September 28, 2023 - Generative Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is transforming how text, music, art, and other works are created. From DALL-E 2, which enables […]
Foreign subsidies regulation fully operational as of 12 October 2023: New notification obligations impacting M&A and public procurement processes.
September 25, 2023 - The Regulation of the European Parliament and the of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the […]
Enkele administratieve aanpassingen aan de regelgeving overheidsopdrachten
September 18, 2023 - Enkele administratieve aanpassingen aan de regelgeving overheidsopdrachten Op 22 augustus 2023 werd een KB van 13 augustus 2023 gepubliceerd in […]
Non-EU investments screening in Belgium as of 1 July 2023
August 8, 2023 - As of 1 July 2023 Belgium’s foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanism has entered into force. The screening mechanism is […]
New rules in the B2C context
June 22, 2023 - The Act of May 4, 2023, inserting Book XIX “Consumer Debts” into the Belgian Economic Code, B.S. May 23, 2023 […]
The current proposal of the AI-act summarized
June 21, 2023 - Artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a new disruptive form of technology that has an increasing influence on its […]
Behoort de uitkering van beschikbaar gemaakte uitgiftepremies tot de belastbare grondslag van de vennootschap?
June 16, 2023 - Recent heeft de fiscale kamer van de Nederlandstalige rechtbank van eerste aanleg te Brussel zich uitgesproken in een geschil waarin […]
Augmentation substantielle des intérêts moratoires en cas de retard de paiement dans le cadre des marché publics.
June 12, 2023 - En raison de l’inflation, le taux des intérêts moratoires dans le cadre des marchés publics a considérablement augmenté. Les intérêts […]
Aanzienlijke verhoging van de verwijlintresten bij laattijdige betaling van overheidsopdrachten
June 12, 2023 - Ten gevolge van de inflatie werd de rentevoet van de verwijlintresten in het kader van overheidsopdrachten aanzienlijk verhoogd. Verwijlintresten zijn […]
AI and ethics – is the EU fulfilling its own ambitions?
June 6, 2023 - The EU has on numerous occasions expressed its ambition to become a world leader in artificial intelligence (“AI”). To do […]
One law to rule them all? The Belgian Exclusive Distribution Act: no longer an overriding mandatory Act overruling the law chosen by the parties
June 6, 2023 - Imagine an Austrian supplier with a network of exclusive distributors across Europe. In Belgium, he entrusts the commercialization of the […]
AI and ethics – ethical challenges connected to AI
May 23, 2023 - Businesses that develop, use or market artificial intelligence (“AI”) should bear in mind that ethics are a major challenge for […]
Nieuwe meldingsplicht m.b.t. uw onroerend goed in Frankrijk
May 10, 2023 - Voor eigenaars van een in Frankrijk gelegen onroerend goed bestemd voor residentieel gebruik, geldt voor het eerst dit jaar een […]
Qualification as a commercial agent for the sale of software/applications/NFT’s/etc.? Beware of the consequences…
April 25, 2023 - In its decision of 16 September 2021, the Court of Justice established that a software marketeer/seller too can qualify as a commercial […]
Artificial intelligence: an introduction to our series of blogposts
April 25, 2023 - Artificial intelligence (AI) has never been more popular or talked about than it is now. AI tools, such as AI […]
The Digital Markets Act: Far-reaching obligations for Big Tech companies, far-reaching opportunities for online companies.
April 5, 2023 - The Digital Markets Act (“DMA“) represents a (r)evolution for the regulation of Big Tech companies in the EU. Where Big […]
The Digital Services Act: a new comprehensive rulebook with far-reaching consequences for online services/service providers from 17 February 2023 onwards.
April 5, 2023 - The Digital Services Act (“DSA“)represents a true (r)evolution for the online regulation of intermediary services within the European Union. The […]
Legal implications of AI Chatbots
March 9, 2023 - Now that Chat GPT has risen in popularity, other companies are starting to develop their own chatbots built on artificial […]
EU Directive on cross-border conversions
February 8, 2023 - EU Directive on cross-border conversions The EU Directive 2019/2121 as regards cross-border conversions, mergers, and divisions (the “Directive”) introduces […]
EU Directive on cross-border conversions
February 7, 2023 - EU Directive on cross-border (partial) divisions The EU Directive 2019/2121 as regards cross-border conversions, mergers, and divisions (the “Directive”) […]
Gesplitste aankoop van een onroerend goed: wat met een vervreemding achteraf?
January 31, 2023 - Problematiek Voor het hof van beroep te Gent kwam enkele jaren geleden het volgende geval aan bod[1]. In 1993 werd […]
Employment Law Newsletter
January 23, 2023 - Employment newsletter January 2023 (20.01.2023)
Tijdelijke voorschotten voor opdrachtnemers bij overheidsopdrachten
January 11, 2023 - Koninklijk Besluit van 29 november 2022 Op 9 december 2022 werd het KB van 29 november 2022 betreffende de toekenning […]
Avances temporaires aux adjudicataires dans les marchés publics.
January 11, 2023 - Arrêté royal du 29 novembre 2022 Le 9 décembre 2022, l’arrêté royal du 29 novembre 2022 relatif à l’octroi d’une […]
Is a franchise agreement subject to the mandatory Belgian Distributions Act, with a strict and complex calculation of an (extensive) notice periods and additional indemnities?
January 9, 2023 - In doctrine and case law, it has long been unclear whether the mandatory Belgian Distribution Act should be applied to […]
Belgian government approves draft law for cross-border conversions, mergers and (partial) de-mergers
January 6, 2023 - Cross-border mobility and freedom of establishment has been one of the main focuses of the EU with a view to […]
Prohibition of unfair terms from the 1st of January 2023, Book V of the new Belgian Civil Code
January 4, 2023 - Nowadays we have come to think about unfair terms as something only businesses should be cautious of. Since 1993 a […]
Invloed van het nieuw verbintenissenrecht op schenkingsaktes en huwelijksovereenkomsten
December 22, 2022 - Het nieuwe verbintenissenrecht dat op 1 januari 2023 in werking treedt, voorziet in de principiële afschaffing van de retroactieve uitwerking […]
The codification of the doctrine of hardship in the Belgian civil law
December 14, 2022 - Unprecedented times call for innovative measures. One such measure is hardship (imprevisieleer/théorie de l’imprévision): a legal instrument, which is being […]
Two new ways of terminating your contract, Book V of the new Belgian Civil Code
December 2, 2022 - When one of the parties in a contractual relationship does not uphold his/her end of the bargain, this will give […]
As of 23 November 2022, an asbestos certificate is mandatory when transferring real estate constructed before 2001 in Flanders.
November 23, 2022 - Although the use of asbestos in construction materials has been prohibited since 1998, it is still present in many buildings. […]
Entity Governance and Compliance 2.0
November 22, 2022 - The vast majority of organizations (89%) are facing challenges with legal entity management as they lack necessary resources, modern technology […]
New legislation will impact contractual relationships as from 1 January 2023
November 16, 2022 - The start of the new year shall be accompanied by new legislation. Book V (law of obligations) of the Belgian […]
Hacking and invoice fraud: the importance of robust internal (payment) policies!
November 14, 2022 - Imagine the situation where a company purchases goods or services from a supplier, with the obligation to pay the invoice […]
Vlabel: splitsing na schenking doet gunstregime familiale vennootschappen niet verloren gaan
October 28, 2022 - Private Wealth Tax Alert Vlabel: splitsing na schenking doet gunstregime familiale vennootschappen niet verloren gaan Vlabel heeft zich in een […]
Web analytics tools: according to the French DPA, the use of a proxy server could be a solution to what it considers as unlawful data transfer to the US.
July 22, 2022 - The French data protection authority (‘CNIL’) recently published FAQs concerning CNIL’s enforcement actions regarding the use of a famous web […]
The modernisation of contractual obligations
May 3, 2022 - On 21 April 2022, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives has approved the long anticipated Book 1: “General Principles” and Book […]
Vergoedingsregels tussen echtgenoten: Hof van Cassatie verduidelijkt wanneer er sprake is van ‘onomkeerbare vermenging’ van eigen met gemeenschappelijke gelden
April 19, 2022 - Private Wealth Tax Alert – 19 april 2022 Vergoedingsregels tussen echtgenoten: Hof van Cassatie verduidelijkt wanneer er sprake is van […]
The European Commission and the United States agreed to a new data sharing pact
April 1, 2022 - The Privacy shield is dead, long live the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework ! On the 25th of March 2022, the […]
BELGIAN NON-PROFIT ENTITY WEALTH TAX – 31 MARCH IS FILING DEADLINE
March 25, 2022 - Non-profit associations and private foundations are subject to an annual wealth tax called “compensation tax for inheritance tax” (hereafter: “compensation […]
New registration requirements for certain cryptocurrency related services as of 1 May 2022
March 18, 2022 - A Royal Decree of 8 February 2022 on the status and supervision of providers of virtual currency and fiat currency […]
Making Europe Great Again or How the Data Act is a key cornerstone to make the EU a leader of the Digital age.
March 3, 2022 - On the 23 of February 2022, the Commission proposed new rules on who can use and access data generated in […]
Uitsluiting van deelname aan overheidsopdrachten: ook mogelijk bij twijfels over integriteit
February 24, 2022 - In een arrest van 20 december 2021 heeft de Raad van State zich uitgesproken over de facultatieve uitsluitingsgrond vervat in […]
Belgian legislator imposes stricter payment terms in commercial transactions as of 1 February 2022
February 4, 2022 - Last summer, the Belgian legislator adopted the Act of 14 August 2021 (the “Act”) (FR/NL) aiming to protect companies faced […]
Change of power ahead for the Belgian Data Protection Authority?
January 19, 2022 - Belgium has been faced with concerns over its Data Protection Authority (“DPA”) not operating independently, as it should under the […]
Belastingreglement van Knokke-Heist voor tweede verblijfstaks ongrondwettig verklaard door het Hof van Beroep te Gent
January 17, 2022 - Belastingreglement van Knokke-Heist voor tweede verblijfstaks ongrondwettig verklaard door het Hof van Beroep te Gent In het arrest van het […]
Vrijstelling met of zonder progressievoorbehoud voor in België afzonderlijk belastbare inkomsten: oplossing in zicht?
January 7, 2022 - In het ‘wetsontwerp houdende diverse fiscale bepalingen’ van 6 december 2021 wordt een regeling opgenomen omtrent de fiscale behandeling van […]
My organization already has a whistleblowing tool. Do I need to take action?
December 21, 2021 - Under the Whistleblowing Directive, every legal entity employing more than 50 people and operating in Europe must set up an […]
How do I ensure confidentiality of the whistleblower under the Whistleblowing Directive?
December 16, 2021 - The Whistleblowing Directive imposes strict requirements to keep the identity of the whistleblower confidential. According to studies members of staff […]
Whistleblowing Directive to be transposed by the end of this week. Should you take action even if Belgium misses the deadline?
December 14, 2021 - New rules on the protection of whistleblowers should enter into force by 17 December 2021. On 23 October 2019 the […]
Reminder to update your UBO registration – Thousands of non-profit associations fined
December 14, 2021 - First fines in practice It was announced earlier this year that as from September 1, 2021, fines will be issued […]
New campaign urges Internet users and companies to take action against phishers
December 6, 2021 - Phishing is the simplest cyberattack yet the most dangerous and effective. In November, the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium, Febelfin, and […]
Signing of a new treaty for the avoidance of double taxation by Belgium and France
November 18, 2021 - In an official statement, the Finance Minister announced on the 9th November 2021 the signing of a new treaty between […]
M&A practice head Tom Swinnen is rated ‘highly regarded’ by the leading legal directory IFLR1000.
September 23, 2021 - EY Law Belgium is pleased to announce that M&A practice head Tom Swinnen is rated ‘highly regarded’ for M&A in […]
Data protection alert: just in time: European Commission adopts adequacy decisions for the UK
June 29, 2021 - The United Kingdom left the European Union formally and effectively on 31 January 2020, which makes the UK a “third […]
2021 EY Law survey results | #3 : How can you evolve entity management into effective governance?
June 23, 2021 - The General Counsel Imperative: How can you evolve entity management into effective governance? | EY – Global
How to prepare for – and deal with – an inspection by the Data Protection Authority?
June 15, 2021 - It’s been 3 years since the General Data protection Regulation (GDPR) entered into application; the exact deadline known to many […]
Openbare databank voor Belgische rechtspraak: een stand van zaken
May 28, 2021 - Op vandaag wordt slechts een beperkt deel van de Belgische rechtspraak gepubliceerd. De rechtzoekende zal zich moeten wenden tot verscheidene […]
The General Counsel Imperative: How does contracting complexity hide clear profitability? | EY – Global
May 14, 2021 - https://www.ey.com/en_gl/law/the-general-counsel-imperative-how-does-contracting-complexity-hide-clear-profitability
Workforce transformation and restructuring in 2021
May 4, 2021 - Discover in this global overview which key issues need to be top of mind by employers if a reduction of […]
M&A fundamentals : Wegwijs in de juridische documentatie bij een overnametransactie
April 26, 2021 - Het overnemen en overlaten van een onderneming doorloopt een aantal opeenvolgende fasen, die telkens gepaard gaan met specifieke juridische documentatie. […]
Caiman tax & distributions by foreign trusts: a welcome decision by the Belgian Constitutional Court
April 16, 2021 - The caiman tax provides for the taxation of distributions by foreign trusts to Belgian residents irrespective of whether or not […]
Belgian government introduces new rules to facilitate judicial reorganisations
March 26, 2021 - With some businesses still being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belgian government has introduced new measures to mitigate […]
EY Law begeleidt financieringsronde van 6 miljoen euro van Gentse Start-up Beerselect
March 18, 2021 - Hoe deze ambitieuze Gentse start-up 6 miljoen euro ophaalde: “De rugdekking van een ervaren advocaat gaf mij zelfvertrouwen en een […]
BREXIT: UK charities and non-profit organisations – How to be present in Belgium?
January 11, 2021 - Introduction After having dominated European politics since 2016, Brexit finally became a reality on January 1st, 2021. The opportunity […]
Nieuwe mogelijkheden tot digitale en schriftelijke besluitvorming in de algemene vergadering
January 6, 2021 - Wet tot wijziging van o.a. het wetboek van vennootschappen en verenigingen (hierna: het “WVV”) in het kader van de strijd […]
Nouvelles possibilités pour les prises de décisions à distance et écrites lors des assemblées générales
January 6, 2021 - Une nouvelle loi modifiant entre autres le Code des sociétés et des associations (ci-après : le “CSA”) dans le cadre de […]
New possibilities for digital and written decision-making in the general meeting
January 6, 2021 - Act amending a.o. the Companies and Associations Code (hereafter: the “CAC”) in the framework of the fight against the spread […]
Virtual & written general assemblies in (International) Non-Profit Associations
January 6, 2021 - New legislation modifies the Belgian companies and associations Code Since early 2020, due to the COVID19 pandemic and the containment […]
Nieuwe mogelijkheden tot digitale en schriftelijke besluitvorming in de algemene vergadering
December 16, 2020 - Wetsontwerp tot wijziging van het wetboek van vennootschappen en verenigingen in het kader van de strijd tegen de verspreiding van […]
Formulier bijzondere liquidatiereserve vergeten toevoegen aan de aangifte in de vennootschapsbelasting? De fiscus knijpt een oogje dicht!
November 26, 2020 - Een positieve wending voor de bijzondere liquidatiereserve door kmo’s aangelegd voor aj. 2012-2014: de fiscale administratie zal een milde houding […]
Brexit – AI legal scan
November 10, 2020 - After 47 years of partnership, the United Kingdom has left the European Union on January 31, 2020 and is now […]
Reference rate reform: are you ready? A new era of benchmark rates.
October 22, 2020 - A major transformation is taking place in the financial markets as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other IBORs […]
UBO registration: new RD introduces new obligations.
October 22, 2020 - UPDATE UBO-register New Royal Decree September 23, 2020 On September 23, 2020 a new Royal Decree (“RD”) has been […]
New unlawful contract terms in B2B contracts as from the 1st of December 2020
October 14, 2020 - As from the first of December 2020, new rules regarding unlawful clauses will enter into force for contracts concluded, renewed […]
New issues and rules of social law in a COVID-19 context
October 13, 2020 - A new quarantine parental leave, extension of the temporary unemployment for economic reasons COVID-19… Last week, several measures were adopted […]
La réserve spéciale de liquidation constituée par les PME pour les exercices fiscaux 2012-2014 visée par l’administration fiscale : ne restez pas sans réaction !
October 13, 2020 - L’administration fiscale a annoncé un contrôle de la réserve spéciale de liquidation constituée par les PME durant les exercices d’imposition […]
Bijzondere liquidatiereserve door kmo’s aangelegd voor aj. 2012-2014 geviseerd door de fiscale Administratie: blijf niet stilzitten!
October 12, 2020 - De fiscale Administratie heeft een controle aangekondigd voor de bijzondere liquidatiereserve door kmo’s aangelegd voor aj. 2012-2014 en voorziet tevens […]
Personal liability of directors for antitrust infringements – is there a limit?
October 12, 2020 - In a September 2020 ruling, the Rechtbank Noord-Nederland,[1] a Dutch District Court found that the director of a company was […]
M&A update: EY Law assists Van Mossel Automotive Groep with its largest acquisition ever and the biggest dealership acquisition in the Benelux since 2017
October 9, 2020 - We are happy to announce that we have successfully assisted our client Van Mossel Automotive Groep with a new milestone […]
EY Law promotes Tom Swinnen to Associate Partner and Lindsey Clare to Director
October 6, 2020 - EY Law Belgium is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Swinnen to Associate Partner and Lindsey Clare to Director. […]
Het nieuwe WVV en de overdracht van aandelen
October 2, 2020 - Het nieuwe Wetboek van vennootschappen en verenigingen (WVV) heeft de vennootschapsrechtelijke wetsbepalingen die aan bod komen bij een aandelenoverdracht verduidelijkt, […]
IFLR1000 recommends EY Law Belgium for M&A. Practice head Tom Swinnen is rated as ‘highly regarded’.
October 1, 2020 - EY Law Belgium is pleased to announce that Tom Swinnen, heading the firm’s M&A/Transaction Law practice, continues to be highly […]
Commentary on the Directive on cross-border mergers, divisions and conversions
September 3, 2020 - On the 1st of January 2020 the new Directive on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions of companies (hereafter: “the Directive”) […]
Action required: Schrems II Case invalidates EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework
July 29, 2020 - On the 16th of July, the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘CJEU’) issued a ground-breaking judgment regarding transfers of personal data between the EU and […]
Overview of some striking sanctions imposed by Data Protection Authorities in recent times – EY Law, June 2020
July 2, 2020 - The Data Protection Authorities in the European Union are increasingly active since the implementation of the GDPR. They appear to […]
Embracing the digital age to overcome the challenges of COVID-19
May 13, 2020 - How Belgian e-commerce booms and offers the necessary opportunities for your business The current health crisis is increasingly impacting our […]
EY Law Belgium recommended for Commercial, Corporate and M&A by Legal 500 EMEA 2020
April 16, 2020 - Legal 500 EMEA 2020: EY Law Belgium recommended for Commercial, Corporate and M&A The Legal 500 rankings are compiled on […]
Naar moratorium op faillissementen
April 16, 2020 - De maatregelen die werden genomen in het kader van COVID-19 brengen veel ondernemingen in financiële moeilijkheden. Volgens Graydon zou 34 […]
A moratorium on bankruptcies
April 16, 2020 - The measures taken under COVID-19 put many companies in financial difficulties. According to Graydon, 34 percent of all companies would […]
Does COVID-19 allow parties to pull back from closing a signed deal?
April 10, 2020 - The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic creates a lot of uncertainty that can turn your latest deal from safe to hazardous. In […]
Verhoogde risico’s op bestuurdersaansprakelijkheid ingevolge COVID-19
April 3, 2020 - De uitbraak van het coronavirus heeft een impact op het hele economische systeem waardoor veel ondernemingen plots in zwaar weer […]
Increased risks of directors’ liability due to COVID-19
April 3, 2020 - Increased risks of directors’ liability due to COVID-19 The outbreak of the coronavirus has had an impact on the entire […]
CORONA CRISIS: The potential impact of the corona crisis on dividend policies
April 3, 2020 - As a consequence of the corona virus outbreak, the financial position of many companies may be compromised. Management currently remains […]
Is my earn-out compromised by Covid-19?
April 1, 2020 - Due to the corona era, chances are that a recently sold/acquired company will not achieve its financial objectives. In certain […]
CORONA CRISIS: Remote execution of documents : when extreme circumstances ask for practical solutions
March 26, 2020 - Given the current Corona crisis, companies are having their employees work from home. While it may not be business as […]
Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Is your business protected through force majeure?
March 20, 2020 - The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the everyday life of citizens drastically. Many companies have already taken […]
Coronavirus (Covid-19) – What organisations must now urgently consider with regard to data protection
March 19, 2020 - The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the everyday life of citizens is dramatic. Whilst the protection of our health […]
The use of a MAC-clause in M&A-practice
March 18, 2020 - In view of recent events regarding the COVID-19 virus, the Material Adverse Change (MAC)-clause is regaining importance. A MAC-clause is […]
EY Law assisted CWS with the acquisition of the cleanroom laundry business from STAXS
January 9, 2020 - The EY Law M&A team acted as lead legal advisor to the CWS Group in relation to the purchase of […]
EY Law assisted shareholders of Decoline with sale to Renardmont
December 31, 2019 - The EY Law M&A team, acting alongside the EY TAS team, successfully assisted the family shareholders of Belgian Decoline within […]
EY Law Belgium recommended by IFLR1000 as ‘highly regarded’ for M&A
November 25, 2019 - EY Law Belgium is pleased to announce that Tom Swinnen, heading the firm’s Transaction Law practice, is recommended by the […]
EY Law Belgium embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) for legal document review
October 31, 2019 - Within the framework of EY Law’s global partnership with Luminance, EY Law Belgium is now using the AI platform Luminance […]
Conditions Precedent: Necessary Deal Breakers
September 12, 2019 - Summary The sale and purchase of shares is often made conditional upon the satisfaction of one or more conditions. […]
First fine imposed by the Belgian Data Protection Authority
June 4, 2019 - The Belgian Data Protection Authority has finally imposed its first financial sanction on 28 May 2019. An administrative fine of […]
Discharge in an M&A context
May 24, 2019 - Summary The legal qualification of discharge depends on the timing as well as the quality of the information available […]
Why include an arbitration clause, to arbitrate or not?
April 29, 2019 - Summary Under an arbitration clause, the parties agree that, in the event of a dispute, they will have this […]
EY Law assists the Danish DOLLE with the acquisition of Belgian SOGEM
April 15, 2019 - The M&A teams of EY Law (Tom Swinnen, Adrien Faelli and Albane Chevalier) and EY (Frank Lapeirre (financial due diligence) […]
EY Law recommended in Legal 500 for Corporate and M&A
April 11, 2019 - Legal 500 recently released the EMEA guide for 2019. EY Law is honored and proud to be recommended as a […]
Non-compete clauses in share deals
March 13, 2019 - Summary A non-compete clause is a contractual restriction to the general principles of freedom of trade and free competition. Such […]
De impact van LegalTech op het M&A-proces
August 30, 2018 - In the link below you will find the interview with Tom Swinnen regarding the impact of LegalTech to the M&A […]
BREXIT and M&A Transactions
February 26, 2018 - The United Kingdom is set to leave the EU in March 2019. Although the terms and the consequences of Brexit […]
Taking security over movable assets has never been so easy
January 15, 2018 - On 1 January 2018, the new law on taking security over movable assets entered into force (the “Law”). As the […]