Guide to listing in Belgium

Abstract

The purpose of this Guide is to outline specific issues and (continuing) obligations a listed company may be confronted with in Belgium. The point of reference for this Guide is the position of a Belgian issuer that is listed on Euronext Brussels. A listing on Euronext Brussels is subject to more conditions and ongoing obligations than an admission to trading on any other market in Belgium. An understanding of the organisation and functioning of Euronext Brussels will thus – if and when relevant – help in understanding the regulatory framework of other trading venues in Belgium.

The Guide deals with corporate governance and pays attention to the obligations and status of directors and executive managers, to select finance and tax topics and to opportunities for employee participation. The Guide also covers the reasons and procedures for a possible de-listing. This is an issue that may become relevant to any listed company and experience has shown that institutional investors and corporate governance rating agencies are keen to gain an understanding of the rights and obligations of the various players in this context. This expanded 2020 edition includes matters of secretarial practice, compliance and valuation. Updates in the book take into account the provisions of the Code on Companies and Associations and the 2020 version of the Belgian Code on Corporate Governance.

This Guide is conceived as a quick-reference document. All chapters can be consulted separately and the notes allow the reader to find additional information on the topics and issues discussed.

The contents of this book reflect only the authors’ opinions, which are not necessarily shared by Atlas Services Belgium or the group to which it belongs.