European Practice - Antitrust/Competition Regulation
Our competition lawyers in Brussels and London form an integral part of our Antitrust law practice, providing a full range of advice on U.S. antitrust and European competition law matters.
Mergers: We have participated in some of the most significant transactions reviewed under the EC Merger Regulation. Our experience includes representing clients in second stage proceedings, speaking on behalf of clients at oral hearings, negotiating undertakings with the Merger Task Force, and arguing both in favour of, and against, proposed mergers at meetings with Commission case teams. We also have extensive experience at managing the challenges that arise in simultaneous clearance procedures before the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission.
Horizontal agreements: We provide advice on the antitrust implications of joint ventures and agreements among competitors. Recently, we have counseled clients on the antitrust issues arising from B2B exchanges, European trade associations, buyers' groups and alliances.
Abuse of dominance: We provide counseling to companies facing special antitrust risks owing to the strength of their market positions, as well as to companies seeking redress for antitrust infringements by larger competitors.
Vertical agreements: We regularly advise on dealer/principal relations, agency agreements and technology licensing.
State aids: We have been involved in a number of State aid cases and have provided counseling to clients on the State aid procedures under the EC Treaty, as well as the risks involved in the receipt of illegal aid.
Antitrust training and audits: We have designed "workshop style" programs for multinational companies, along with compliance review programs for facilities around the world, to help reduce antitrust exposure and to enhance training for relevant executives.