UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland’s global Antitrust and Competition team advises across the full spectrum of antitrust requirements, from wide-scale multi-jurisdictional cartel investigations and litigation, to specific antitrust queries such as distribution and resale structures, pricing and behavioural conduct, competitor cooperation agreements and State aid. Our varied and busy merger control practice advises on complex and novel cases involving fix-it-first solutions and carve out divestment packages, managing the process smoothly and anticipating issues. Covering all sectors, geographies and complexities, we provide a seamless, first-class service to our clients.
Provided by Chambers
Kirkland & Ellis has a strong focus on assisting clients with obtaining competition law clearance for corporate transactions, including advising clients on Phase I merger reviews and on foreign direct investment filings. The law firm is well known for acting for private equity houses on merger control mandates. In addition, the team has experience in behavioural investigations before the CMA.
Provided by Chambers
Kirkland & Ellis represented Haynes International in a CMA phase I investigation into its sale to Acerinox, as well as issues relating to foreign direct investment.
Provided by Chambers
The Kirkland & Ellis team has a number of highly reputed and outstanding competition lawyers. The team is pragmatic and at the same time able to spot the relevant and decisive details.
The way how the team works is very efficient and client-friendly; it does all the heavy lifting in the background. The team is also well-organized, responsive and reliable
Kirkland & Ellis has a very deep knowledge of foreign antitrust law and the team does a fabulous job applying this in a commercial and practical way.
Kirkland & Ellis International has a relatively young and energetic group of lawyers, who are very focused and committed.
Provided by Chambers
Alasdair Balfour has particular experience in merger clearance mandates, often representing private equity houses in Phase I investigations. He has further experience acting for third parties on merger challenges.
He was very knowledgeable, communicative and helpful.
Alasdair Balfour is a valued and trusted adviser. He was responsive, commercial and attuned to the broader implications of a deal. He was extremely pleasant to work with.
Alasdair Balfour has outstanding knowledge, experience and an ability to spot the details.
Satyen Dhana joined Kirkland & Ellis in the autumn of 2024. He advises clients on merger clearance notifications as well as representing them in abuse of dominance complaints. He has further experience advising high-profile technology sector clients on the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.
Satyen Dhana can quickly assess the risk exposure of any given antitrust scenario and offers practical, client-friendly advice. He is incredibly commercial and a brilliant lawyer.
He is an excellent competition lawyer, with an excellent understanding of commercial drivers.
Competition Law
Competition Law
Provided by Kirkland & Ellis
Satyen Dhana
View profile of Satyen DhanaAlasdair Balfour
View profile of Alasdair Balfour
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