Europe Netherlands Competition/European Law

One of the leading competition practices in the Netherlands, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition matters. The law firm has a notable presence in cartel investigations and subsequent follow-on damages claims, as well as representing clients in market investigations, abuse of dominance cases and price parity disputes. The team offers standout experience in merger clearance approval mandates. It is a popular choice with technology sector clients.

Freshfields has a standout competition team offering highly esteemed expertise in both antitrust litigation and merger clearance matters. The law firm defends clients in high-profile follow-on damages claims, abuse of dominance cases and investigations into allegations of unfair trading. The team is well known for advising on domestic and multi-jurisdictional merger clearance matters, including phase II investigations or acting on behalf of third-party interveners. Team members also offer experience in state aid litigation and EU regulatory matters. The competition team works closely with the firm's dispute resolution practice, as well as with the firm's outstanding Brussels office.

Stibbe boasts an exceptionally strong behavioural practice with a notable track record in contentious matters. The firm has a particular focus on advising clients on cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, and additionally represents clients in follow-on damages claims and investigations around the exchange of information. The team is also highly regarded for its handling of merger control issues.

Houthoff has a particular focus on defending clients in cartel damages claims and private enforcement damages proceedings. The law firm's broader antitrust litigation practice also covers advising on price coordination investigations, abuse of dominance cases and retail price maintenance disputes. The team is also active in merger clearance mandates, including litigation around alleged failures to notify. Team members based in the firm's Brussels office also offer experience in state aid matters and compliance with EU legislation.

Dutch law firm Pels Rijcken often defends clients in cartel follow-on damages cases. The firm is well known for representing public sector clients but also acts for private companies. The team advises on both merger clearance and merger prohibitions. It additionally assists clients with state aid matters.

Stek moves up in the rankings this year on the back of impressive activity in antitrust behavioural matters and merger clearance mandates. The law firm assists clients with obtaining phase II clearances, as well as with third party appeals against merger approvals. The team has notable experience in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, as well as representing clients in follow-on damages claims and ACM sector inquiries. Team members advise clients on state aid regulations and distribution matters. The firm's recent work has included advising on whether competitors can collaborate to improve sustainability in ways that would normally be prohibited by competition rules.

Brinkhof is a sector-focused department with an enviable client base in regulated markets, such as telecommunications and technology. The law firm handles competition matters on both a domestic and cross-border level. It is particularly active in contentious matters, including follow-on damages litigation and civil litigation on abuse of a dominant position. The team assists clients with merger control issues, including representing third-party objectors.

Loyens & Loeff frequently advises on merger clearance proceedings in the healthcare and life sciences industries. The law firm also acts on a range of antitrust matters, with a particular focus on representing defendants in abuse of dominance investigations and cartel follow-on damages claims. Additionally it assists clients from the transport and food industries with matters such as state aid compliance.

Maverick Advocaten is a flourishing competition boutique offering wide-ranging expertise in merger control, cartel investigations, distribution matters and abuse of dominance cases. The law firm is recognised for its extensive experience representing clients in the healthcare sector, as well as focusing on other regulated markets, such as energy and telecommunications.

NautaDutilh handles the full spectrum of competition issues, acting on both contentious and transactional matters. The law firm is particularly active for defendants in cartel follow-on damages claims. It also assists with merger control filings, leniency applications and state aid matters. Notable clients of the team include significant banks, railway operators and airlines.

Van Doorne frequently assists companies with ACM abuse of dominance investigations and distribution matters. The firm is noted for its expertise in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, as well as the retail and media industries. The scope of the practice also includes merger control, as well as advising on state aid matters.

BarentsKrans frequently acts for clients on cartel and abuse of dominance follow-on damages litigation, often working alongside the firm's well-respected disputes practice. The team also represents clients in antitrust investigations and dawn raids. The law firm assists with merger clearance and distribution issues.

Dentons frequently acts for claimants on cartel follow-on damages claims, as well as having experience acting on the defendant side. The law firm also advises on state aid matters and competition law investigations. It often represents sector associations in competition law mandates. The team assists clients from the transport, technology and retail sectors.