Global Germany Competition/European Law

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer houses one of Germany's top addresses for competition law. The team is particularly renowned for its ability to handle highly complex and often cross-border merger control cases, especially those involving FDI clearances. Freshfields is also visible in the digital technology arena. Its contentious expertise covers issues such as abuse of dominance proceedings and cartel follow-on damages claims in national courts, as well as merger control appeals in the energy sector. Its outstanding international networks renders the firm one of the prime candidates for clients seeking multi-jurisdictional support, including working closely with lawyers in the firm's market-leading Brussels office on matters before the European Commission.

With its global reach, aided by its offices in Brussels and across Germany, Linklaters offers comprehensive competition law advice. The team is particularly visible on complex and often cross-border merger control mandates, including prominent stock exchange listings, FDI clearances and appeals against clearance decisions. The law firm also assists clients with the competition compliance aspects of strategic cooperation agreements, including R&D agreements. Another key pillar of the practice is its capabilities in cartel investigations and restraint of competition proceedings. Its client roster includes well-known players from the automotive, pharmaceutical and technology sectors.

Clifford Chance is well known in the market for its comprehensive coverage of competition law. The firm regularly handles large and often cross-border merger control mandates, including joint venture set-ups, as well as strategic partnership agreements. Furthermore, the team represents clients in antitrust proceedings and investigations by the FCO and the European Commission. Clifford Chance is also increasingly visible in topics such as digital data systems. Its client roster includes prestigious companies from the automotive, pharmaceutical, banking and telecommunications sectors. Its international network further renders the firm an attractive choice for clients seeking multi-jurisdictional assistance.

International law firm Hogan Lovells boasts a comprehensive competition law practice across its offices in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Munich and Brussels. The team is particularly strong in merger control proceedings and strategic joint venture creations, as well as FDI clearances. Furthermore, the firm is appreciated for its strength in market abuse proceedings, large-scale cartel investigations and fine impositions, as well as damages claims. The law firm is particularly visible in the transportation and manufacturing sectors.

Noerr houses a broad competition practice, frequently advising on national and international mandates, often in collaboration with its office in Brussels. The team is sought after for its prowess in handling complex merger control proceedings, including those involving FDI clearance, as well as joint venture establishment. Furthermore, the firm is respected for its abilities in cartel investigation proceedings and follow-on damages. Noerr also assists with state aid matters. The firm is sought after by clients from the pharmaceutical, automotive and financial services industries.

Baker McKenzie offers comprehensive competition law expertise to its clients. The law firm is particularly sought after for its capabilities in handling large and often cross-border merger control mandates, advising chemicals companies and manufacturers. Additionally, the team is known for drawing on its expansive office network to assist clients with global compliance programmes and cooperation agreements. Baker McKenzie also offers expertise in follow-on damages proceedings, as well as representing clients in cartel investigations by the European Commission.

Dentons is particularly visible in cross-border merger control cases and joint venture set-ups, including those requiring FDI clearance, drawing on its various offices in Germany and Brussels. Furthermore, the team offers experience in strategic partnership agreements in the energy sector. Its abilities in cartel damages claims and other antitrust-related disputes further augment Dentons' offering. The firm's market presence is illustrated by its clientele, which includes prestigious automotive, financial services and aviation companies.

Jones Day is a law firm with offices across Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Brussels that offer holistic competition advice. The team is particularly known for its handling of merger control issues, carve-outs and divestments, with a strong expertise in FDI. Additionally, the firm assists with global compliance checks and antitrust investigations, making use of its large international network. Jones Day also offers experience in state aid disputes, acting for well-known energy clients, as well as in follow-on damages litigation. Its client base includes well-known German and global players from the automotive sector.

With experience across the full spectrum of competition law, Milbank is particularly noted for its role in merger control cases, advising on strategic and cross-border acquisitions, with further expertise in FDI and cooperation agreements. In addition, the firm regularly assists with cartel damages claims and antitrust fine proceedings, advising on topics such as price fixing and selective distribution. Aided by its international office network, Milbank is sought after by national and international players.

The German law firm SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz is known for its expertise in cartel damages proceedings, and acts for clients in front of European and national authorities. Furthermore, the firm offers prowess in merger control cases aided by its strong presence in Brussels, often advising international and German Mittelstand clients. The team often assists with FDI screenings. Additionally, the firm advises on strategic distribution systems, as well as collaboration and licensing agreements. Its clientele includes players from the pharmaceutical, energy, fashion and manufacturing sectors.