Competition/European Law
Europe Guide 2024 : France
Band 1
Chambers Review
Linklaters has an excellent team with notable expertise in complex investigations into allegations of cartel involvement, vertical restraints and abuse of dominance, as well as representing clients in follow-on claims. The law firm stands out for its strong track record in multi-jurisdictional merger control matters. The lawyers represent a diverse clientele of major French companies and global giants, acting for clients in the banking, transport, energy, food, automotive and healthcare sectors.
Work Highlights
- Linklaters advised McKesson on the merger clearance for the sale of part of its business to Phoenix before the FCA, as well as the subsequent top-down referral to the European Commission.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Linklaters team are extremely reactive, which provides tremendous comfort to their clients."
"The team has a very clear view of the processes and potential issues, and a very good ability to explain to non-specialists."
"I am always happy to collaborate with Linklaters. The level of service and responsiveness are strong, and the advice is clear and pragmatic."
"Linklaters provides excellent service to its clients. I readily go to the firm when I am confronted with a complicated legal matter."
"The lawyers are very good business partners. We are very close to them and they spend lots of time on client investment. This is the firm that is closest to us in being an extension of us as a private practice. They know our style and business."
"The Linklaters team are extremely reactive, which provides tremendous comfort to their clients."
"The team has a very clear view of the processes and potential issues, and a very good ability to explain to non-specialists."
"I am always happy to collaborate with Linklaters. The level of service and responsiveness are strong, and the advice is clear and pragmatic."
"Linklaters provides excellent service to its clients. I readily go to the firm when I am confronted with a complicated legal matter."
"The lawyers are very good business partners. We are very close to them and they spend lots of time on client investment. This is the firm that is closest to us in being an extension of us as a private practice. They know our style and business."
Notable Practitioners
Anne Wachsmann is a favourite choice of counsel among multinational and local corporates for advice on merger control. She also has impressive experience across the life cycle of behavioural mandates, representing clients in investigations, appeals against FCA decisions and follow-on damages claims.
"Anne Wachsmann has incredible expertise in competition law. She is pragmatic, solution-oriented and a real business partner."
"Anne Wachsmann is very responsive and pragmatic. She keeps a close watch on everything and lets us know if anything is happening."
"Anne Wachsmann can foresee any issues and is able to get the information in advance."
"Anne Wachsmann is a reference in EU competition law. She is very pragmatic and business-oriented."
"I have worked with Anne Wachsmann on several complex French and EU transactions and I value the good client relationship, responsiveness, strong expertise and solution-oriented mindset."
Pierre Zelenko is highly regarded for his expertise across a range of competition law matters. He is esteemed for advising clients on phase I and II merger clearances, as well as acting on state aid complaints. He has further experience representing clients in high-profile behavioural investigations.
"Pierre Zelenko has undeniable expertise. He is excellent in his field and recognised for it. He is one of the best."
"He is one of the most respected lawyers in France. He is an excellent advocate, has a huge range of experience and is incredibly intelligent yet practical."
"Pierre Zelenko is my go-to person for any kind of complex international legal issues as he will be able to quickly point me to the right lawyers for support."
"I value his advice as he is service-oriented, well connected and pragmatic."
"Pierre Zelenko is very smart and he is very close to his clients in the way that he really wants to help them."
Earning a higher position in the rankings is Thomas Elkins, who handles a range of merger control work, follow-on damages claims, appeals against fines, and investigations into allegations of anti-competitive practices. He is particularly active for clients from the financial services and transport sectors.
"We keep going back to him. He always finds practical solutions where others do not."
"Thomas Elkins is very competent, customer-oriented and has great availability. I am looking forward to working again with him."
"He is very responsive, attentive and pedagogic. He has expertise in complex areas and is honest in the proposed solutions and paths."
"He is able to effectively consolidate the documents from both parties requiring antitrust information, coordinate well between the parties involved in the transaction and efficiently manage the timeline for submission and approval."
"Thomas Elkins is exceptionally business-oriented and a very good lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Linklaters
France