Competition Law

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.

Clients say: "The quality of advice is consistently excellent. They are out-of-the-box thinkers who go the extra mile and explore every possible argument."

Another adds that "they are vastly knowledgeable, and their advice is delivered in an accessible and customer-friendly matter."

Advised Aon in relation to the merger control elements arising from its merger with Willis Towers Watson.

Alastair Chapman advises key multinational clients on behavioural investigations led by both UK and EU institutions.
"He is extremely good - strategic and easy to work with."

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

Bea Tormey has a substantial competition litigation practice, representing clients in disputes relating to private damages claims.
"Bea is a very steady hand in managing the complexities of the case. I don't know where we would be without her."

Deirdre Trapp 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 very good - tough but sensible. He knows his way around the different pieces of competition law."

Mark Sansom leads the litigation team, representing clients in defence of cartel damages claims, as well as advising on investigations by domestic and European competition regulators.
"Mark has an incredible wealth of knowledge of litigation and litigation strategy. He is personable, nice to deal with and commercial. We are lucky to be working with him." "He is an amazing practitioner."

Martin McElwee advises clients from a raft of sectors on regulators' market investigations and enforcement actions.
"He is one of the most exceptional competition lawyers I have worked with. His work and advice has been gold standard." "He's very smart, very thoughtful and very realistic with clients."

Nicholas Frey plays an important role for clients, representing them in defence of competition damages claims, including both private actions and class actions.
"He is very sound technically, sensible, and comes up with good, practical advice."

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.
"He is great - good on regulatory investigations and in litigation. He is very strong."

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."He is a good leader who knows how to take a case from start to end."