Competition/Antitrust

Herbert Smith Freehills is a high-profile multinational law firm which has rapidly developed a notable practice in the South African competition space. The department is a popular choice as counsel on contentious issues, such as prohibited practices complaints heard before the Competition Tribunal and Commission market inquiries. The team is sought out for assistance with merger control notifications, with notable experience in sectors such as TMT, transportation and healthcare.

"Herbert Smith Freehills has a knack for simplifying very complex matters for easier understanding by the authority, as well as us as a client."

"The team at HSF is very well versed in its area of expertise and able to give practical solutions tailored specifically for our business needs."

"The team is very strong in regulatory work with competition and regulatory authorities."

"HSF handles complex legal issues extremely well, taking a sensible, pragmatic approach to advising on risk. Its local market knowledge is invaluable."

"HSF has a clear drive to be responsive and provides quick turnaround times within a dynamic and fast-moving industry."

Herbert Smith Freehills acted for a number of companies, including the Naspers Group, on the South African Competition Commission's Online Intermediation Platforms Market Inquiry.

Jean Meijer holds a stellar reputation for her work on merger control, including advising third-party interveners and opponents to proposed mergers. She also represents clients in market inquiries and prohibited practices investigations, such as allegations of cartel involvement and price fixing. She has additional experience in follow-on damages actions. "Jean Meijer has the incredible ability to break down complex concepts into easily understood ideas. This has been of great use when interacting with non-legal persons in the business." "Her years of experience shone through as she guided our business in making choices that ultimately took into account a number of competing interests." "Jean is great to work with. She is very collaborative, clear and decisive. We were in very good hands with her." "Jean is commercial, strategic, practical and intelligent. She is able to quickly grasp the nuances of each transaction and what we, as the client, require. The advice that she provides is understandable, strategic and implementable." "She is one of the leading lawyers in the field, who provides excellent service and is dedicated."

Nick Altini is respected for his representation of clients before the Competition Tribunal. He handles cases involving allegations of price fixing and abuse of dominance. He also represents clients in market inquiries. Acting out of Johannesburg, he has further expertise in the competition compliance aspects of acquisitions and advises third parties on opposition to proposed mergers. "Nick Altini has an excellent knowledge of our group and the law applicable to its areas."

Sandhya Foster has extensive experience assisting the firm's clients with various competition issues. Based in Johannesburg, her practice covers merger control filings, cartel investigations and market inquiries. "Sandhya Foster is a great asset to our in-house team." "We received an excellent all-round service from Sandhya Foster." "Sandhya is extremely competent and commercial. Her advice is always practical and well considered, and she is able to quickly grasp the operational workings of the business and tailor her advice accordingly."