Stibbe is losing its Brussels tax head Luc de Broe, as well as two Dutch IP partners, as the Benelux giant prepares to see the departure of some of its top-rated lawyers next month.

In Brussels, de Broe is to retire as a partner in the firm from 1 January, 2005 in order to pursue an academic career, with Stibbe drafting in NautaDutilh tax partner Werner Hayvaert to replace him.