Department profile
Schoenherr

Competition/European Law

Europe Guide 2026 : Austria


Schoenherr

Rankings

About

Provided by Schoenherr

Schoenherr's competition, eu & foreign trade practice advises clients from across all industries on the European and national levels throughout the firm's network in Central Europe.

Schoenherr has built up a notable track record in antitrust cases and non-litigious competition matters. The team has participated in virtually all recent antitrust cases of note in Austria, with a similar track record in the CEE/SEE region.

The team is also recognised for its expertise in merger control. With its strong network, the team acts as a one-stop-shop for clients in multijurisdictional transactions and is regularly retained for notifications to the European Commission.

In the field of foreign direct investment reviews, Schoenherr helps clients navigate the national laws affecting cross-border investment and to consider issues upfront to mitigate any potential risks.

Schoenherr also features one of Austria's most prominent practices in State aid.

To improve the position of SMEs in the food supply chain, the EU has adopted legislation that bans certain unfair trading practices. Corresponding national rules are often stricter than their EU counterparts. Our team helps clients navigate this patchwork and structure their contractual relationships accordingly.

From its Brussels office, Schoenherr's team advises on all aspects of EU law, such as assisting companies in respect of Member State measures which conflict with EU law.

Clients (15)

  • Altstoff Recycling Austria
  • OMV AG
  • Heineken / Brau Union
  • Red Bull
  • KONE
  • REWE
  • Mondi AG
  • Japan Tobacco International
  • Funke Media Group
  • JCDecaux
  • Gewista
  • Energie Steiermark
  • PremiQaMed
  • Uniqa
  • Baumit Beteiligungen GmbH

Industries (22)

  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Banks
  • Chemicals
  • Construction & Materials
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Forestry & Paper
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Insurance
  • Media
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Software & Computer Services
  • Technology, Hardware & Electronics
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition/European Law - Austria

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Schoenherr continues to be one of the most highly regarded competition law firms in Austria. The team covers the full range of antitrust matters, advising on complex Phase II investigations into proposed mergers, long-running cartel investigations and high-profile follow-on damages claims. Clients benefit from the firm's network of offices across the CEE region and in Brussels for assistance with multi-jurisdictional matters, including European Commission investigations.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Schoenherr assisted swisspor with the Phase II merger clearance investigation into its proposed acquisition of Creaton.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We value the clear strategic guidance and pragmatic approach. The lawyers consistently add value and are absolutely worth the investment.

    Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • It is one of the prominent Austrian competition law firms.

    Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • Work with the team is easy, as the lawyers always think ahead and their aim is always on the next move.

    Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • It has the advantage of being a one-stop shop across the region where you can cover several jurisdictions with one firm.

    Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • In Austria, I would always say the top firm by a little distance is Schoenherr.

    Competition/European Law respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsHanno Wollmann
    Star IndividualsHanno Wollmann

    Hanno Wollmann

    The standout individual in the Austrian competition law market, Hanno Wollmann particularly impresses for his involvement in a number of high-profile cartel investigations and follow-on damages actions. In addition, he represents clients in market investigations and merger clearance filings, including those requiring a Phase II investigation or involving gun-jumping allegations. He has further experience in sector inquiries.

    • He was very impressive. He had a very firm handle on the economic side and was superb.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • His industry knowledge is spectacular. He has a lot of experience in each area he is advising on.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • If we have complex hurdles, he makes it seamless with the rest of the project. It is a really reliable relationship.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • Hanno Wollmann is outstanding. He is calm and precise and can really help to find solutions in discussions with clients.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • Band 1Franz Urlesberger
    Band 1Franz Urlesberger

    Franz Urlesberger

    Franz Urlesberger remains a key name in the Austrian competition law market who is noted for his broad competition law practice. He offers key expertise in merger control filings, including those that require Phase II investigations, as well as in significant behavioural investigations. He also has notable experience in high-profile private enforcement cases.

    • He has a strong reputation and consistently delivers concise, clear advice backed by deep industry knowledge. His expertise and strategic insight make him a trusted adviser on complex matters.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • Band 3Christoph Haid
    Band 3Christoph Haid

    Christoph Haid

    Christoph Haid moves up in the rankings this year on account of his broad competition law practice that covers representing clients in high-profile behavioural investigations and follow-on damages actions, as well as offering additional experience in merger control filings and foreign direct investment notifications.

    • I have a high opinion of Christoph Haid because he is really fast on merger control matters.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • You know things will be safe in his hands.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • Christoph Haid is ultra responsive, and you know you will get a good answer because he knows his stuff and is good at coordinating with other jurisdictions.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • Band 4Stefanie Stegbauer
    Band 4Stefanie Stegbauer

    Stefanie Stegbauer

    Stefanie Stegbauer assists clients with high-profile follow-on damages claims, as well as advising on merger control assessments.

    • Stefanie Stegbauer is a really good lawyer who I really like to work with.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
  • SpotlightVolker Weiss
    SpotlightVolker Weiss

    Volker Weiss

    Based in Brussels, Volker Weiss is admitted to the Bar in Austria and has experience in advising clients on merger filings and FDI notifications before the EU and Austrian authorities. He also frequently assists with the competition-focused analysis of transactions that centre on Central and Eastern Europe.
    • He is very easy and nice to work with. He is fast and reliable, and makes you feel like you are his biggest priority.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • He is hands-on, gives practical advice when you need it, and gives concise advice on how to take things forward.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope
    • Volker Weiss gives pragmatic advice. He is a great team player on Austrian merger filings, who focuses on what is needed to get those filings through.

      Competition/European Law respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Schoenherr (5)

Austria

Members

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