Biography
Bart Bellen is founding partner at contrast. He specialises in corporate law and M&A.
Bart advises companies and international associations on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, assisting clients with transactions, strategic decisions, and dispute resolution.
He regularly speaks and publishes on corporate law and M&A related topics.
Bart's publication record consists of ‘Share Purchase Agreements – Belgian Law and Practice’ (Antwerp/Cambridge, Intersentia, 2016), the M&A Survey (TRV/RPS 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017, 2021, 2026) and ‘M&A Kroniek / Chronique de jurisprudence en M&A' of the period 2000-2017 (first edition) and 2017 - 2024 (second edition)’, a review of 25 years of M&A related jurisprudence published by TRV/RPS in 2019 and 2025.
Experience
contrast (2006 - present)
VWEW (2004 - 2005)
Linklaters De Bandt Brussels / New York (1997 - 2002)
Education
LL.M. at New York University School of Law (1997)
Graduated from University of Leuven (KUL) (1996)
Memberships
Brussels and New York bar
Languages
Dutch
French
English
Expertise
Our expertise at a glance
At the heart of our practice lies a commitment to quality of work, integrity, team spirit, ambition and personal commitment. With experience across five domains of law, we are ready to offer you tailored advice.
Competition & EU
EU and competition law may turn into a labyrinth, so it is best to fall back on broad expertise. Our team advises and supports you before national and EU authorities and courts, combining strategy with a pragmatic focus on your business.
Corporate & M&A
In the face of intricate M&A transactions, you need 360° legal advice. From acquisitions and joint ventures to restructurings and shareholder agreements, we ensure that whatever you build stands on solid ground.
Commercial
Day-to-day advice or full support, domestic or international, B2B or B2C: our experienced commercial team has represented both private companies and public bodies in a wide range of industries.
Dispute resolution
You never aim for things to escalate, but sometimes they do just that. Count on us to take your side in settlement negotiations, mediation, litigation and arbitration. Your commercial objectives and your reputation will stand firmly protected.
Compliance
Compliance is not a standalone discipline - it runs through every legal domain. From drafting codes of conduct to full-scale implementation and training, we guide companies and trade associations along the way.
