Structuring and developing distribution networks
The lawyers at the firm assist their clients in all forms of commercial distribution, including:
- franchise and master franchise;
- commercial concession and selective or exclusive distribution;
- commercial agencies and contracts for intermediation, partnership, commission, trademark licensing, and affiliation;
- multi-site networks and integrated networks.
We intervene both during the creation and deployment of networks as well as in restructuring and in case of disputes with a partner, both in Belgium and internationally.
Franchise and distribution agreements
Concordes Lawyers supports its clients particularly in the areas of:
- drafting and negotiating franchise, concession, and distribution contracts;
- pre-contractual information obligations (IPF) and compliance with Belgian law ;
- renewal, transfer, and termination of contracts;
- management of disputes between commercial partners.
Litigation and risk prevention
The firm also assists its clients in the prevention and management of disputes related to distribution and franchising, particularly in matters of:
- termination of commercial relationships;
- non-compliance with contractual obligations;
- unfair competition and restrictive practices;
- liability of the franchisor or distributor.
Sector-specific expertise in the hospitality, catering, automotive and retail sectors
The firm has developed particular expertise in distribution law applied to the hospitality, horeca, retail, and automotive concession sectors, where franchise, concession, and structured commercial network models play a central role.
We regularly support:
- hotel groups and accommodation concepts;
- restaurant and retail brands;
- networks of automotive dealers and vehicle distribution actors;
- networks in a phase of growth, repositioning, or internationalization.
Patrick Kileste and Michel Caluwaerts have particular expertise in the field of automotive distribution, in which they have been active for over 30 years. They are among the very few lawyers who frequently represent dealers and agents who are members of a distribution network, and have never accepted to work for an importer.
In this capacity, they regularly represent dealers or individual agents in the event of contract termination and have, over time, become the advisors for several associations or groups of Belgian dealers. Whether it involves interventions on behalf of individual dealers or for associations and groups, this practice allows them to develop a very specific expertise in this field.
Furthermore, they are also members of a specialized network, EDL, which brings together, at the European level, specialists in automotive distribution who are active like them for national groups or associations, without ever intervening for a brand. Belonging to this network allows them to have information regarding the situation in other European countries and to be in close contact with the advisors of other dealer associations at the European level and to be aware of all the issues related to manufacturer-dealer relationships.
A pragmatic and business-focused approach
True to the spiritConcordes™, the firm favors a pragmatic, proactive, and solution-oriented approach, in close collaboration with management teams and other advisors (accountants, consultants, notaries). Our approach combines legal rigor, strategic vision, and a concrete understanding of business challenges.
The goal of Concordes is to provide sustainable legal support, promoting the secure and efficient development of distribution and franchise networks.
