Competition/European Law
Europe Guide 2024 : Germany
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+49 69 17095 0About
Provided by Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller provides comprehensive advice on European and German competition law. In M&A projects, the firm organises and coordinates the merger control approval process at a national, EU and global level – quickly and effectively.
In cartel cases, Hengeler Mueller can assist in establishing the facts, depending on client's choice and preferences, by deploying its internal forensic and investigation capabilities. The team works with clients to determine the best available defence strategy, represents clients before the European Commission and Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, and coordinates clients defence in investigations of other antitrust regulators. In international cartel cases, Hengeler Mueller provides complete process management, building on its strong international network. The firm can also represent clients in cartel and general competition law litigation, including follow-on damage cases.
Chambers Review
Widely considered one of Germany's top law firms, Hengeler Mueller houses an accomplished competition practice. The team enjoys an incredibly strong reputation for advising on highly complex and cross-border merger control proceedings, including Phase II investigations. Equally, the law firm is held in high esteem for its in-depth ability in handling cartel infringement litigation and follow-on damages claims, often acting for clients from the automotive and energy sectors. Hengeler Mueller is also increasingly present in the digital arena. Clients further benefit from its excellent state aid and abuse of dominance expertise. With its extensive office network in Germany and Brussels, Hengeler Mueller caters to a prestigious and often internationally active clientele.
Work Highlights
- Hengeler Mueller defended MAN in follow-on damages claims after the EC's decision in the trucks cartel case.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It is a top-notch firm in Germany."
"The lawyers have a profound knowledge about legal as well as economic questions."
"The team provides tailor-made solutions and spot-on analysis, and can join discussions regarding complex matters without spending days on preparations."
"The team at Hengeler Mueller are top lawyers."
"Hengeler Mueller has a stellar reputation."
"It is a top-notch firm in Germany."
"The lawyers have a profound knowledge about legal as well as economic questions."
"The team provides tailor-made solutions and spot-on analysis, and can join discussions regarding complex matters without spending days on preparations."
"The team at Hengeler Mueller are top lawyers."
"Hengeler Mueller has a stellar reputation."
Notable Practitioners
Thorsten Mäger stands out for the breadth of his competition practice, with impressive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. He advises clients on Phase II merger investigations, as well as appeals against merger prohibitions. In addition, he represents clients in FCI investigations into possible abuses of dominance and cartels.
"He is one of the best."
"I value him a lot."
"He is a very good lawyer, who keeps his cool, does his job well and doesn't get overexcited in a crisis."
Hans-Jörg Niemeyer works on appeals against EU decisions and follow-on damages actions. He is German law-qualified and also assists with merger filings to the German authorities, as well as advising on Bundeskartellamt investigations into commercial agreements.
Markus Röhrig is admitted to practice in Germany and in Brussels, and he has standout experience in merger filings before the EC and the Bundeskartellamt. He also assists clients with appeals against cartel decisions and defends them in follow-on damages litigation.
"He is very astute and pragmatic."
"He knows the laws and is a very experienced antitrust expert. We were happy with him."
Alf-Henrik Bischke assists clients with appeals against Bundeskartellamt decisions. He remains a popular choice with clients from the media sector.
"He is technically very good."
Sarah Milde has a broad competition law practice that encompasses both merger clearance and Bundeskartellamt investigations. She has further experience defending clients in high-profile competition damages actions. She is based in Munich.
"She is very responsive, always on time and proactively anticipates issues before we even know there could be a potential problem."
"She manages to communicate complex legal issues in a way that non-lawyers can understand, which is a big plus."
Based in the firm's Düsseldorf office, Thomas Paul is best known for his work defending clients in follow-on damages actions arising from cartel investigations. He has a number of clients from the food and drink and TMT sectors.
"He is a very bright and nice person."
"He is highly experienced in both legal and economic questions."
"He always gives clear advice by taking all related questions into account."
Ranked Lawyers at
Hengeler Mueller
Germany
Members
Provided by Hengeler Mueller
Christoph Wilken
Philipp Otto Neideck