Competition, antitrust and trade

Competition law is evolving at speed in the UK and the EU. Authorities have been granted new, far-reaching powers to scrutinise investments, subsidies and even entire industries. Enforcement activity has picked up. A wave of antitrust litigation is presenting risks and opportunities for businesses. You need expert lawyers to help you navigate these stormy legal waters.

How we can help you

Cartels

An unannounced investigation is a business-critical risk. It requires strategic legal defence to mitigate exposure to penalties and ensuing reputational damage. We have a track-record of reducing the risk of fines that might damage your business irreparably.

Antitrust litigation

The opportunities for victims of cartels and other competition law infringements to recover any losses have improved. Antitrust litigation has become mainstream as companies that are adversely affected by competition law infringements seek damages. We have proven experience of litigating cartel damages cases up to the highest courts of the European Union.

Merger control and other regulatory notifications          

Extensions to existing merger control regimes are capturing ever more transactions. Inward investments are increasingly subject to separate regulatory scrutiny under the guise of national security, while foreign subsidies can potentially trigger notifications to and investigations by the European Commission. Third party legal challenges to authorities' decisions are no longer unusual.  

Our international competition team is at the forefront of developments in merger control, inward investment and foreign subsidies regulation. We are proud of our record of securing clearances of even the most complex of transactions.

Competition law compliance and disputes

With the benefits of healthy competition comes the complex challenge of compliance. This requires a detailed understanding of how the law applies to major projects, as well as day-to-day commercial dealings.

We can support you with all aspects of competition law compliance. Our expertise includes sourcing and distribution contracts, joint research, technology transfer arrangements and interactions with competitors. We are experts in securing clearance on even the most complicated mergers.

Fierce competition can lead to compliance disputes that require specialist legal insight. Our lawyers can defend and promote your business interests in transactions, investigations and disputes.

International digital markets and services

Developments in the digital economy are leading to increased antitrust scrutiny, with complex new regulations for platforms, marketplaces and data. Our lawyers deliver clear and cost-effective solutions to help you assess your commercial arrangements from an international perspective.

We regularly advise on the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act in the EU. We also have expertise in the new legislation that has recently been introduced to regulate digital markets in the UK.

Our international competition lawyers

Our international team has extensive experience of delivering results for clients in all areas of competition law. We offer a range of legal capabilities and sector expertise across our network of offices. Our clients know us for our skill in working across multiple jurisdictions to deliver powerful and efficient solutions that make a difference to their businesses.