Competition/European Law | Europe

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.

Gleiss Lutz boasts an outstanding competition law practice, offering excellent services in all areas. The firm is widely renowned for its excellence in cartel damages proceedings, often advising prestigious car manufacturers. Additionally, the team is frequently involved in highly complex merger control cases, including merger clearance appeals. The firm further demonstrates prowess in handling abuse of dominance cases and cartel investigations before the Bundeskartellamt, as well as advising on the competition compliance aspects of global cooperation agreements. Gleiss Lutz is very visible in state aid matters, where the firm utilises its strong presence in Brussels to support the team in Germany. It is a popular firm with clients from the technology sector, particularly following the new Section 19a legislation.

Widely considered one of Germany's top law firms, Hengeler Mueller houses an accomplished competition practice. The team enjoys an incredibly strong reputation for advising on highly complex and cross-border merger control proceedings, including Phase II investigations. Equally, the law firm is held in high esteem for its in-depth ability in handling cartel infringement litigation and follow-on damages claims, often acting for clients from the automotive and energy sectors. Hengeler Mueller is also increasingly present in the digital arena. Clients further benefit from its excellent state aid and abuse of dominance expertise. With its extensive office network in Germany and Brussels, Hengeler Mueller caters to a prestigious and often internationally active clientele.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is a sought-after adviser for competition law in Germany. The law firm is able to assist clients with the full range of competition law mandates, ranging from advice on merger clearance and foreign direct investment filings to Bundeskartellamt investigations. The team defends clients in investigations into possible cartels and abuses of dominance, as well as assisting high-profile technology sector clients with investigations under Section 19a. Team members also offer notable experience in both stand-alone and follow-on damages proceedings.

Latham & Watkins houses a strong practice covering all aspects of competition law, often in close collaboration with its excellent international network, and particularly its market-leading team in Brussels. The team regularly advises on large, cross-border merger control mandates, including Phase II investigations and FDI clearances. The firm is also particularly known for its presence in digital market-related issues, including abuse of dominance allegations. Latham & Watkins complements its services with its abilities in cartel damages claims and other antitrust investigations. Its clientele comprises well-known and internationally active technology, telecommunications and transportation companies.

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.

The firm is regularly involved in complex and often cross-border merger control mandates, drawing on its excellent global network. In addition to assisting clients with obtaining clearance, the law firm also advises on challenges to Bundeskartellamt decisions. The team is also a popular choice for high-profile defendants in follow-on damages litigation and market inquiries. It has a number of clients from the automotive, life sciences, energy and technology industries. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

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.

Competition law boutique Commeo covers the full spectrum of competition law, representing clients in Bundeskartellamt behavioural investigations and damages actions, as well as advising on phase I merger control proceedings. The team also offers notable experience in competition compliance matters, particularly concerning distribution agreements and e-commerce.

The Düsseldorf-based law firm Glade Michel Wirtz is reputed for its role in damages claims and follow-on litigation, as well as acting on complex merger clearance appeals. Furthermore, the team advises on the competition aspects of joint venture set-ups and foreign direct investment notifications. It also has experience in the overlap between competition law and intellectual property, particularly as regards to the use of standard essential patents.

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.

Oppenländer is particularly held in high esteem for its involvement in complex cartel damages claims, acting for both claimants and defendants. The law firm also assists clients with the competition law aspects of proposed mergers and cooperations.

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.

BLOMSTEIN has a strong focus on merger clearance and foreign direct investment mandates, either acting directly on notifications or representing interested parties. Additionally, the firm acts for clients on competition damages actions. Among its clients, the firm counts several major private equity houses, as well as companies from the energy and technology industries.

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.

Luther is notably active in matters concerning competition law compliance. In addition, team members assist clients with merger control notifications and competition litigation, including defending clients in antitrust fine proceedings and follow-on damages actions.

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.

WilmerHale is a law firm offering advice on the full spectrum of competition law, often in close collaboration with its US and other European offices. The team is best known for handling cartel damages claims, acting for both claimants and defendants from various industry sectors. Furthermore, the firm assists with merger control filings. Its client base comprises well-known German and international clients from the food, railway and communication sectors.