Competition Law

Cleary Gottlieb offers a strong competition law practice, often assisting clients with obtaining regulatory clearance for high-value corporate transactions. In addition to assisting clients with phase II merger reviews before the CMA, the law firm also represents clients in CMA sector inquiries and investigations into possible breaches of competition law before both the CMA and other regulators. Team members are also active in competition litigation, usually defending clients in collective proceedings and follow-on damages actions. The team works closely with the firm's market-leading practice in Brussels to advise on matters that involve both the UK and EU authorities.

"It is an intelligent and creative team with a good understanding of the business that helps the team to advise in an uncertain environment."

"It's important having practical advisers who understand our business and make things easier and Cleary Gottlieb does a good job at this."

"The team provides clear, concise and commercial advice."

Cleary Gottlieb advised Veolia on the CMA's phase II investigation into its acquisition of Suez.

Nicholas Levy splits his time between the firm's offices in Brussels and London. He has particular experience in phase II merger clearance mandates before the CMA, as well as advising third-party intervenors on high-value reviews. He further acts for clients on CMA market studies, and also has experience representing them before the European courts in challenges to authority decisions. "He is a class act." "He is very smart and strategic and very good at thinking about all of the broader aspects of the case to get the best result." "He has a really good client manner and is very good at keeping a handle on the bigger picture." "He's definitely one of the brightest competition lawyers out there."

Jackie Holland moves up in the rankings on the back of notable activity in obtaining competition law clearance for high-value corporate transactions. She also frequently represents technology sector clients in CMA investigations. "She has insight, authority and a manner that is compelling." "She is excellent on the detail and unflappable, so calm under the pressure." "She has a very practical approach and can look through complexity and makes it clear what we need to do to move things forward." "Jackie provides excellent service and her advice is commercially balanced and pragmatic."

Paul Gilbert often assists clients with the merger clearance aspects of high-value transactions, as well as advising plaintiffs on allegations of abuse of dominance. "He is a very personable lawyer who achieves excellent results and is always focused on the most efficient outcomes for his clients." "He has got an excellent client manner and a very good way of dealing with competition law authorities."

Paul Stuart has recent experience defending high-profile clients in prominent follow-on damages claims and class actions. He often appears before the CAT, but has further experience representing clients in appeals before the CJEU and GCEU. "He is an excellent litigator - he is very insightful on the presentation of evidence, is easy to work with and has a deep understanding of the economics of damages." "He is smart, responsive, calm and convincing, and very pleasant to work with." "I think Paul is highly intelligent but he is also calm and collected around this intelligence, which is very reassuring for a client."

Romano Subiotto KC is highly experienced in competition litigation, frequently representing clients in appeals before the CJEU and the UK authorities. He advises on complex investigations in the financial services, pharmaceutical and fashion industries. He is admitted to the Bar in England & Wales and divides his time between the firm's offices in Brussels and London.