What the team is known for

Enjoys a superb reputation for work across all aspects of UK and EU competition law. Highly sought after by international companies from diverse sectors for merger filings at both UK and EU levels, with recent experience handling Phase II investigations on behalf of companies in the energy supply, copper products and credit score markets. Outstanding expertise in diverse behavioural matters, including cartel investigations carried out by the EC or the FCA. Also houses a market-leading litigation practice that defends companies in commercial damages claims. Has acted on major disputes that either test the application of UK law for collective proceedings in competition law cases or examine the quantification of losses for follow-on damages claims. Further acts on key state aid cases, disputing illegal state aid and anti-competitive procurement processes.

Strengths

Clients say that the team comprises "fantastic lawyers" who "very effectively lead things and guide clients through the process."

Others praise the "real in-depth expertise and experience" on offer, highlighting that the team is "unfailingly committed to producing the best result."

Work highlights

Assisted SSE with the CMA's Phase II investigation into its sale of its domestic retail energy and telecoms businesses.

Notable practitioners

Alastair Chapman is praised by clients for being "strategically wise, lovely to work with" and having "lots of experience." He advises key multinational clients on behavioural investigations led by both UK and EU institutions.

Alexander Potter has a prominent role in the team representing clients in merger notifications and clearance procedures before the CMA.

Bea Tormey is lauded by clients for her "comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience" of competition litigation, and is "always ready to go the extra mile." She has a substantial competition litigation practice, representing clients in disputes relating to private damages claims.

According to clients, Deirdre Trapp "goes above and beyond" and is "very client-focused." She is a leading figure in the firm's competition law practice, representing clients in the energy and financial services sectors. She also provides advice on market surveys and investigations.

James Aitken offers clients a wide range of experience in complex mergers and investigations. He is described by clients as "a fantastic and very impressive competition lawyer who is prepared to give you actual advice and not hedge his bets."

Clients laud Mark Sansom for being "incredibly smart, almost to the point of being unbelievable," as well as "client-focused, commercial and business-oriented." He leads the litigation team, representing clients in defence of cartel damages claims, as well as advising on investigations by domestic and European competition regulators.

According to clients, Martin McElwee is a "smart and very articulate lawyer with a good grip on issues in competition cases." He advises clients from a raft of sectors on regulators' market investigations and enforcement actions.

Clients laud Nicholas Frey because his "technical, legal and analytical skills are very impressive," adding that "he is a clear and authoritative communicator." He plays an important role for clients, representing them in defence of competition damages claims, including both private actions and class actions.

The "fabulous" Rod Carlton has a wide range of experience across the spectrum of competition law matters. His recent cases include complex mergers in the pharmaceutical and media sectors. He is also an experienced litigator, challenging major decisions around state aid and procurement, as well as providing commercial and regulatory advice to key clients in the telecoms industry.

Simon Priddis has a strong practice advising clients on a range of competition law matters, including acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. He has substantial experience acting in the financial services, private equity and media industries.