Competition/European Law | Global

Freshfields remains one of the standout firms in this area, with the ability to handle both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The team frequently acts on the competition and foreign direct investment clearance of high-value mergers, as well as appealing against decisions to prohibit transactions on competition law grounds. The lawyers offer notable expertise in behavioural investigations, representing clients in allegations of abuse of dominance or cartel involvement, and defending them in follow-on damages actions. The firm is a popular choice with clients from the automotive and technology sectors. In addition to its teams in Berlin and Düsseldorf, Freshfields also benefits from having a number of German-qualified lawyers based in its top-tier Brussels office to handle matters before the European Commission and Bundeskartellamt.

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. Another key pillar of the practice is its capabilities in behavioural investigations, often in the automotive industry. The firm also has a number of key clients from other sectors, including technology and life sciences.

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, frequently in collaboration with its broad network of offices. Furthermore, the team represents clients in antitrust proceedings and investigations by the Bundeskartellamt and the European Commission, as well as defending clients in damages actions. The law firm has a number of clients from the TMT industry.

A popular choice with clients from the TMT and transportation sectors, Hogan Lovells covers the full range of competition law. The team is experienced in both cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, and also represents clients in follow-on damages actions. The firm additionally advises clients on obtaining clearance for mergers and joint ventures, as well as the competition compliance aspects of proposed collaborations. It offers further expertise in foreign direct investment mandates. The German offices collaborate closely with the firm's team in Brussels on matters before the European Commission.

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 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 actions, representing both claimants and defendants.

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. 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.

CMS boasts a large practice, offering advice on all key areas of competition law across its German and Brussels offices. The team is particularly known for its advice on international merger control issues, including joint venture creations, facilitated by its large European network. Furthermore, CMS offers expertise in cartel damages claims, acting for clients from a range of sectors, as well as for state authorities. Its capabilities in distribution agreements and abuse of dominance proceedings supplement the firm's offering.

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. 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 and financial services companies.

Bird & Bird houses a solid competition practice across its offices in Brussels and Düsseldorf. The law firm represents clients in behavioural investigations at both German and European Commission level, often working closely with Brussels-based colleagues. The team is particularly active in competition compliance matters, including around issues of sustainability and distribution. In addition, the lawyers act on FDI and merger control filings before the German authorities, as well as on antitrust damages actions.

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, with additional expertise in FDI. Additionally, the firm assists with antitrust investigations and represents clients in follow-on damages actions. Team members also offer experience in state aid matters.

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 the competition compliance aspects of strategic agreements.