Partners from a number of top-notch firms have got together to set up a new law firm, specializing in dispute resolution and transactional work in business law. It is called STRELIA and is located in the centre of Brussels, a short walk from the Botanical Gardens.
STRELIA was founded on 1 January of this year by Jean-Pierre Fierens and Olivier Clevenbergh (ex-Stibbe), Jean-François Tossens and Henri Culot (ex-Tossens & Associés) and Benoît Malvaux (ex-NautaDutilh). They have been joined in this initiative by André Tossens and Henri Tack. Their respective associates are also joining the new firm.
Particularly active in the field of mergers and acquisitions, domestic and international arbitration, commercial and tax law, STRELIA currently has a team of 20 lawyers, both Dutch and French-speaking. In the medium term, its aim is to increase its strength in these specialist areas, gathering a team of between 30 and 50 lawyers.
The new firm is targeting large and medium-sized businesses, both Belgian and foreign, as well as public authorities and public-sector enterprises. It is active internationally through close cooperation with a number of foreign firms.
In their areas of specialization, the STRELIA lawyers assist their clients both in negotiating agreements and in settling disputes.
Jean-Pierre Fierens is a recognized authority in the field of dispute resolution, specializing in arbitration and mediation. Jean-François Tossens is active mainly in the field of litigation, particularly in commercial, national and international arbitration, in which he is regularly involved as both arbiter and counsel. Olivier Clevenbergh specializes in advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, as well as on matters relating to franchise contracts. Henri Culot is a specialist in corporate law and international trade. Benoit Malvaux has a wealth of experience in tax matters, particularly where rulings are concerned. He is one of the very few tax shelter specialists. André Tossens has been advising public-sector enterprises for many years, especially as regards their foreign investments. Henri Tack specializes in mergers and acquisitions and in financial law.
As Jean-François Tossens enthusiastically puts it: "This coming together of lawyers from different backgrounds, united by a shared vision, will enable us to create a business law firm combining the strengths of large firms, particularly in terms of organization, with the flexibility and personal service more commonly associated with smaller entities."
To which Olivier Clevenbergh adds: "What drew the founding partners of STRELIA together was certain shared values, such as a concern to care for the client and to provide a high level quality of service. There is undoubtedly a place on the Belgian market for a new type of business law firm, modern in outlook, with a focus on specific fields and dynamic."
