Department profile
Eversheds Sutherland

Competition Law

Europe Guide 2026 : UK

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Eversheds Sutherland

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About

Provided by Eversheds Sutherland

Over the past year, our UK competition team has achieved exceptional growth, advising household-name clients and securing high-profile mandates. We are recognised as one of the UK’s strongest full-service competition practices, handling cutting-edge, complex matters across all areas of competition law.

Highlights include advising on major cartel investigations, market reviews in veterinary services and groceries, and merger control cases - representing 25% of the CMA’s Phase 1 remedies last year. We’ve led on the UK’s new digital markets regime under the DMCC Act, secured conditional FDI clearance for a strategic Chinese investment, and defended clients in a £1bn collective action in the motor finance sector.

Our global reach spans 100+ lawyers across Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa, enabling seamless support on cross-border matters. We maintain strong relationships with regulators including the CMA, FCA, and ISU, co-hosting events and providing direct feedback on policy changes.

Clients consistently praise our responsiveness, commercial insight, and deep engagement - many relationships span decades. We are proud of our reputation for delivering strategic, high-impact advice with exceptional service.

Clients (3)

  • Global manufacturers
  • Finance firms
  • Housing providers

Industries (9)

  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Veterinary
  • Groceries
  • Housing
  • Digital markets
  • Finance
  • National security
  • Retirement living

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition Law - UK

Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Eversheds Sutherland has a broad competition law practice that encompasses advising clients on CMA merger reviews and FDI filings, as well as defending them in investigations into possible breaches of competition law. The law firm has further experience handling competition law class actions. The team also assists with competition compliance matters, including advising on distribution strategies. It is able to leverage competition law experts based both in London and in Leeds to serve clients across the UK.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Eversheds Sutherland acted for Wolseley on a CMA investigation into the proposed acquisition of Kooltech.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Eversheds Sutherland consistently demonstrates a deep technical understanding of the UK competition and national security law regime and provides commercial solutions.

    Competition Law respondentEurope

  • The team has defined roles covering all aspects of any given situation while being highly collaborative, accessible, responsive and always client focused.

    Competition Law respondentEurope

  • Eversheds Sutherland has excellent strength in depth, with a broad team that is well-briefed on each matter and is able to provide a consistent and seamless service.

    Competition Law respondentEurope

  • Eversheds has strength in both depth and breadth, with a strong international presence which gives us insight into other jurisdictions.

    Competition Law respondentEurope

  • The lawyers are accessible and responsive, with a proven track record and ability to explain complex matters in relatively simple terms.

    Competition Law respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Peter Harper
    Peter Harper

    Peter Harper

    Peter Harper often assists clients with merger clearance mandates, including advising on phase I and II reviews before the CMA. He also acts on competition compliance matters.

    • He's very good, very straightforward and direct in a good way. He understands the risks and explains them plainly.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • Peter Harper just has incredible judgement, which comes from true hard work. He can see the way through and never puts a foot wrong.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • He is exceptionally experienced and exceptionally practical in his approach. It's very reassuring with him taking you through the process in a structured and well-organised manner.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • Peter Harper's technical knowledge and industry awareness have proven to be invaluable. He consistently delivers a high-quality service and is a pleasure to work with.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • He was great at moving the matter along and staying focused. He is very business and results orientated.

      Competition Law respondentEurope
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  • Julia Woodward-Carlton
    Julia Woodward-Carlton

    Julia Woodward-Carlton

    Julia Woodward-Carlton's recent work includes representing clients in high-profile CMA investigations into alleged cartels and assisting with competition law compliance queries.

    • Julia Woodward-Carlton is thoughtful and thinks ahead. She's got a real talent for strategic thinking.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • Julia Woodward-Carlton is an expert in her field. She is very responsive and very commercial.

      Competition Law respondentEurope

    • She is providing great advice, support and service.

      Competition Law respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Eversheds Sutherland (2)

UK

Members

Provided by Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has rankings in the following guides

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