Competition/European Law

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer remains one of Germany's top addresses for competition law, housing an extensive bench strength and breadth of expertise. The team is particularly renowned for its ability to handle highly complex and often cross-border merger control cases, including those involving FDI clearances and strategic joint venture set-ups. Additionally, the firm assists with Europe-wide cartel investigations by the European Commission, acting for prestigious clients from the automotive and railway industries. Its further expertise covers issues such as patent and abuse of dominance proceedings in front of the ECJ and cartel damages claims in national courts as well as merger control appeals in the energy sector. Freshfields is also increasingly present in strategic partnership agreements regarding new vehicle technologies and digital market regulations. Its outstanding international networks renders the firm one of the prime candidates for clients seeking multi-jurisdictional support.

Brussels-based Frank Montag is widely appreciated for his leading role in competition law, with a particular focus on complex cartel investigations by the European Commission, acting for well-known clients. Interviewees highlight Frank Montag as "a pre-eminent name and a brilliant tradesman of law."

Berlin-based Helmut Bergmann is a prominent competition lawyer who regularly advises well-known clients on merger control issues as well as follow-on damages claims.

Considered one of Germany's top competition lawyers, Martin Klusmann regularly advises on a broad range of mandates including complex merger control issues, strategic joint venture set-ups as well as cooperation agreements. He is also renowned for his abilities in antitrust proceedings and cartel damages claims. Endorsing his market position, one interviewee proclaims: "He is fantastic."

Peter Niggemann is visible in complex merger control proceedings and disputes vis-à-vis the European Commission, with further expertise in European-wide cartel investigations.

Experienced competition lawyer Thomas Lübbig advises clients from the financial services and pharmaceutical sectors on large merger control mandates. He is particularly well placed to assist with cross-border assignments. One client further states: "He is THE man for market dominance cases in German."

Thomas Wessely remains an excellent competition practitioner renowned for his expertise in complex merger control proceedings. As a Brussels-based lawyer, Thomas Wessely is particularly well placed to assist with cross-border mandates.

Characterised as "highly qualified, sharp and very helpful" by sources, Tobias Klose is frequently mandated on merger clearances as well as cartel damages claims. He also offers experience in handling IP-related competition disputes in European courts.

Uta Itzen rises in the rankings following her increased presence in prominent cases. A Düsseldorf-based practitioner, she advises prestigious clients on complex merger control issues including those involving FDI clearances, cartel damages claims and digital market regulations. She is also experienced in handling cartel investigations by the European Commission. Reflecting on their cooperation, one interviewee enthuses: "Uta Itzen is very solution-oriented, collegial and also clever; just a great combination."