UK Guide 2026 : The Regions
Ranked Individual
Provided by Walker Morris LLP
Competition is critical to the success of all business organisations, and a breach of competition law can seriously damage a company’s reputation. In a worst-case scenario, you could also see a breach of competition law threaten the profitability of the company by the levying of financial penalties; staff subject to criminal sanctions; the management team disabled due to director disqualification orders; and the enforceability and effectiveness of commercial arrangements being undermined.
So, if you’re wondering whether competition law applies to your business, the answer is yes – it applies to the commercial arrangements of all business organisations, regardless of their size or the complexity of the organisation. And it’s also worth remembering that it can be breached by staff at any level of the organisation.
Some corporate acquisitions and joint ventures require (prior) clearance under the merger control and/or foreign direct investment control rules or may be called in for review by the relevant authority(/ies).
We have a great deal of experience supporting private and public sector, national and international clients on all areas of UK competition law, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters, and complex transactions. Our extensive experience means you’ll receive the highest quality, pragmatic and commercial advice.
Provided by Chambers
Walker Morris has a broad competition law practice, assisting clients with obtaining competition law clearance for proposed mergers as well as representing them in CMA market studies and investigations into alleged abuses of dominance. The firm also assists clients with subsidy control issues and competition law compliance matters, including around distribution agreements.
Provided by Chambers
Walker Morris advised Mattioli Woods on the NSIA filing for its proposed takeover by Tiger Bidco.
Provided by Chambers
It is a proactive, down-to-earth offering, with a focus on real-life scenarios.
The lawyers are personable, and provide expert knowledge and attention to detail.
The team has always been willing to assist with our queries very quickly, and provides well-structured advice.
It is a high-quality team with which we enjoy working.
Provided by Chambers
Leeds-based Sarah Ward has a strong focus on the competition law aspects of corporate transactions, advising clients on merger control, foreign direct investment and NSIA filings. She has further experience in competition law litigation and subsidy control mandates.
She is really good at applying the law to the industry and our business specifically.
She is incredibly experienced and has the ability to identify the real issues in a case. She is always generous with her time and enthusiastic, making us feel prioritised and well looked after.
Sarah Ward has an extremely strong understanding of the business and thinks very practically. She doesn't make things more complicated than they need to be.
Competition Law
Provided by Walker Morris LLP
Sarah Ward
Sarah Ward
View profile of Sarah Ward
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