Merger control – We advise on the most complex merger control cases, including cases requiring an in-depth Phase 2 review by the competition authority. We have extensive experience advising companies operating in concentrated markets or with high market shares, and can provide strategic advice on deal structure, risk assessment and options for navigating the regulatory process. Where a transaction raises no material issues, our role is to achieve any necessary clearances in as streamlined a manner as possible.
Commercial and trading practices – We work closely with clients to ensure their trading practices remain competition law compliant, while meeting their strategic needs. We've advised on managing pan-European distribution networks, territorial exclusivity, online sales restrictions, and structuring pricing and rebate systems.
International – Much of our advice has an international element, and we regularly support clients considering the application of EU competition law on their commercial strategy or in dealing with multiple national merger control processes. We work closely with competition specialists in our network of relationship firms across the globe.
Subsidy control – Our subsidy control (formerly State aid) advice has assisted clients to produce successful, subsidy control compliant, ERDF / Local Growth Fund / Research Partnership Investment Fund grant and loan applications.
Consumer protection – Our team includes an expert on all aspects of consumer protection legislation, including the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) expanded enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA).
Investment screening – We have extensive experience advising on investment screening, in particular the application of the UK’s far-reaching investment screening regime, the National Security and Investment Act 2021.
Investigations – We are experienced in advising on investigations by the competition authorities, including attending dawn raids, dealing with investigations into alleged cartel conduct and abuse of dominance, responding to information requests and dealing with market investigations. Our approach is to understand your objectives and work with you to implement the most appropriate strategy at each stage of an investigation, with the aim of achieving those objectives and minimising exposure to liability. We work closely with forensic IT teams to handle large volumes of evidence and have experience in leniency applications as well as achieving early case closure through commitments and settlements.
