Competition: EU

Onno Brouwer is an experienced litigator known for his work on competition law-related CJEU proceedings. He also represents clients in EC investigations and in merger clearance mandates. He splits his time between the firm's Brussels and Amsterdam offices and has additional experience representing clients in ACM investigations.

Andreas von Bonin skilfully handles major state aid litigation on behalf of beneficiary companies. He is held out as a high-profile figure in the state aid space, advising prominent European clients on state aid issues, such as recently in connection to energy markets, as well as COVID-19 government measures.

"He is a longstanding feature of the state aid scene in Brussels."

"Andreas von Bonin has in-depth experience in state matters. He is knowledgeable, complies with timelines and always follows up with clients."

"What makes him a good lawyer is that he knows what he is talking about. He is very good in the legal matters he gives advice on."

"He has a very pragmatic view and is creative with a very good view on what is really crucial and what is less so. You do not lose time on the battlefield on things that are not important."

Frank Montag has a well-established reputation as a top Brussels-based competition lawyer. He is best known for his merger control work, having handled notable phase II investigations on behalf of manufacturers. He offers additional experience in abuse of dominance investigations and appeals against cartel decisions. He is also German law-qualified and is a sought-after adviser to well-known German companies.

"He has been one of the leading lights for a long time."

"He has a perfect overview of what is happening in a case."

Thomas Janssens heads the Freshfields global antitrust group and is credited with handling several of the firm's most sophisticated EU-level matters, including merger clearances in the technology sector and anti-competitive investigations. He is also a central figure in the firm's domestic Belgian competition law offering, representing clients in BCA investigations.

"He is knowledgeable on the technical side and can explain concepts of his area to non-experts."

"He is someone who inspires his team and they are really behind him."

Rafique Bachour defends clients in EU cartel investigations and assists with global merger filings. In addition to covering merger notification procedures, he also acts on foreign direct investment aspects.

"Rafique Bachour is very charismatic and clever. He really is a great guy."

"Rafique Bachour is just extremely impressive. He is really knowledgeable of the law, very pragmatic when dealing with issues, and cuts straight to the chase."

"His advice is very sophisticated, direct and business-savvy. It is always a great pleasure to work with him."

"He is quite a heavy hitter."

As head of the firm's Brussels antitrust practice, Sascha Schubert handles sophisticated merger control and FDI matters for global corporates, earning him a promotion in the rankings this year. He also has notable experience in antitrust proceedings and compliance with EU regulations. His client list includes well-known companies in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

"He is fantastic, has the knowledge, gets along with everybody and is a fantastic team player."

"Sascha Schubert is dynamic in his thinking and flexible in his approach while making sure the client gets the best legal, pragmatic and actionable advice."

"Sascha Schubert is very good, calm, measured and involved in complex matters."

Laurent Garzaniti is known for his work on merger notifications, having handled standout recent mandates in the electric vehicles and raw materials sectors. He additionally acts for prominent clients on EC investigations.

"Laurent Garzaniti always gives expert advice, is pragmatic and focuses on our needs. He knows our company quite well and is always very well informed about pragmatic solutions he can offer."

"Laurent Garzaniti is a strategic thinker and a highly skilled competition lawyer. His advice is always wise and very relevant."

"He could provide practical input based on his experience."

Thomas Wessely attracts particular praise for his activity in significant cross-border transactions in the telecoms sector. Thomas Wessely is based in Brussels and is also qualified to practise in Germany, where his work also includes advising clients on antitrust risks.

"Thomas Wessely is an excellent guy and super easy to work with."

"Thomas Wessely provides well-balanced and pragmatic advice not only in merger control but in general competition law aspects."

"Thomas Wessely is good to work with because he is really adaptive in how he works."

Joining the numerical rankings this year is Tone Oeyen, who caters to a client base of well-known multinationals and receives recognition for his handling of EU merger control investigations. He also has experience in antitrust investigations and appeals against Commission decisions, particularly in the technology sector.

"Tone Oeyen always gives expert advice, and is very approachable and customer-centric. He has very good communication skills."

"He is really very smart, practical, clear on advice, always available and helpful in navigating some challenging issues. He is a terrific lawyer."

"Tone Oeyen is a very pleasant person to work with."

"Tone Oeyen takes the time to go into the details and explain, which is reassuring."