International law firm Van Bael & Bellis (VBB) announced today that Becket McGrath is joining the firm as a partner in London to head the firm’s UK competition practice.

Becket is a highly experienced competition practitioner, who served as a branch director for competition enforcement at the Office of Fair Trading (the predecessor body of the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)) earlier in his career. Today, Becket advises clients across the full spectrum of EU and UK competition law, including merger control, complex selective distribution and other distribution-related issues in the e-commerce context and behavioural investigations, as well as advising on national security/foreign direct investment and consumer protection matters. Becket regularly represents clients on merger control and consumer protection matters before the CMA.  Regarding the latter, he is currently acting for a party in the last High Court proceedings under the old consumer protection regime and for another party on one of the first investigations under the new regime.

Becket has worked in both London and Brussels and is dual-qualified (solicitor of England & Wales and member of the Brussels Bar (A list)). He was previously a partner in a well-known competition law boutique firm.

“Becket’s impressive merger control and investigation defence expertise and his track record of counselling major brands and online marketplaces on e-commerce distribution will enhance our already strong reputation in these areas and I have no doubt that he will be an immense asset to the firm and our clients”, said Managing Partner Andreas Reindl. “We are delighted that Becket will be joining our team.  His experience and skills will be invaluable in further developing our UK competition practice, aligned with VBB’s strategic priorities.”

Becket added: “I am thrilled to be joining VBB. I already know the competition team well and anticipate numerous synergies between our respective practices. I am looking forward to getting started and making the most of the VBB platform in Brussels and London to continue to provide clients with outstanding advice and client service.”

Becket’s hire follows the addition of competition partner Claire Simpson in October 2025.