The Legal 500

The team at bpv Hügel Rechtsanwälte OG is ‘very good to excellent’, and has ‘knowledge across a vast number of industries’; its ‘advice is certainly worth the money’. It is representing RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria before the European Commission in relation to a major joint venture, and also advised on a large national cartel proceeding (involving more than 40 freight companies) before the Austrian Supreme Court and subsequently before the ECJ. Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber is ‘an excellent communicator’, and ‘definitely one of the top three antitrust and competition lawyers in Austria’.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is ‘able to work on complex, time-consuming issues’, and has recently seen an increase in EU merger control matters, with its presence in Brussels adding to its resources in the field. The firm advised Deutsche Bahn in proceedings before the ECJ on a previous ruling by the Austrian Cartel Court. It also acted for the EMI Group in media merger control proceedings regarding major business sales to Universal and Sony. Axel Reidlinger is ‘an excellent lawyer’.

Schoenherr works to the ‘highest professional standards’ and its response times ‘definitely beat the market’. It recently assisted Brau Union (part of the Heineken Group) in relation to the alleged boycott of certain markets by the Breweries Cartel. The firm also acted on the high-profile recapitalisation of Österreichische Volksbanken (ÖVAG), involving state aid and merger control issues. Franz Urlesberger is ‘an excellent EU competition lawyer’, and ‘familiar with the Brussels community’. Christoph Haid was recently promoted to partner.

Noted for its ‘outstanding expertise’ and ‘service-driven approach’, Wolf Theiss advised América Móvil on the acquisition of what is now the second-largest stake in Telekom Austria, which was subject to rigorous merger control analysis by the regulators. The firm is also representing a major retail chain in a construction material cartel case before the Austrian competition authorities. The team’s ‘very broad range of experts’ is led by Günter Bauer, who ‘finds the necessary balance between in-depth analysis and a business-oriented approach’. Peter Thyri recently left to join Weinrauch Rechtsanwälte.

Baker & McKenzie Diwok Hermann Petsche Rechtsanwälte GmbH continues to act in follow-up lawsuits related to the Schindler Elevator and Escalator Group cartel case of 2011. Andreas Traugott acted as lead partner for Archer Daniels Midland on international merger control matters pertaining to two joint ventures in the EU and Singapore.

Barnert Egermann Illigasch Rechtsanwälte GmbH’s competition practice is highlighted for its ‘fast response times, high level of knowledge, and good network connections’. Lead partner Isabella Hartung is ‘very competent on compliance issues’, and continues to advise Gebrüder Weiss regarding cartel proceedings against more than 40 Austrian freight companies; the case has moved to the ECJ.

‘A guarantee of quality’, Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte has ‘a forward-thinking and commercial approach’. It recently represented JPMorgan Chase in relation to Hutchison Whampoa’s acquisition of Orange Austria before the EU Commission. The team also advised GlaxoSmithKline on its merger control notification in Austria for a joint venture in Asia. Isabelle Innerhofer is ‘very solid’, and Raoul Hoffer is also recommended, for his expertise across national and EU antitrust issues.

DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach’s three-partner competition team is led by Claudine Vartian. The team worked on the EU merger notification for Scholz Austria’s intended acquisition of an Austrian recycling business, and also advised ArcelorMittal Group on entering into a warehouse co-operation with an Austrian competitor.

Dorda Brugger Jordis is valued for its ‘professionalism’, ‘high-level industry knowledge’ and ‘customer orientation’; its advice is ‘of high practical relevance’. It represented Donau Chemie in a cartel case before the European Commission relating to the distribution of calcium carbide. Stephan Polster is an antitrust specialist.

The team at Eisenberger & Herzog has ‘perfect business understanding’ and is ‘sharp in its questions and analysis’. It advised CE Gas Marketing & Trading on the merger notification to the European Commission for the formation of a natural gas joint venture. Other work included assisting on the notification of the acquisition of Bulgarian M&BM Express OOD by state-owned operator Österreichische Post. Dieter Thalhammer provides a ‘pragmatic, business-oriented view’.

CHSH Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati has ‘particular strengths in abuse of dominant position, state aid law and general EU law’. The team, headed by Bernhard Kofler-Senoner, advised Haselsteiner Familien-Privatstiftung in merger control proceedings relating to the acquisition of real estate corporation Immobilien Invest SE, a deal involving German and Czech proceedings. Hans Kristoferitsch is ‘one of the few specialists in state aid law’.

CMS’ active competition practice recently advised Japanese company Mori Seiki on the merger control issues related to its increased 21% stake in Gildemeister, and on related joint venture matters. The firm also provides ongoing advice to Sky on signal piracy and trade marks. Bernt Elsner is the contact.

Clients ‘wholeheartedly recommend’ Fiebinger Polak Leon Rechtsanwälte. The firm is currently acting for meat processing company RADATZ in a naming rights case, which has reached the European Commission for a ruling. Constantin Kletzer offers ‘concise opinions’ and has ‘in-depth knowledge of Austrian and EU law’.

Lansky, Ganzger & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH acts in ‘a very effective and efficient way’, with Gabriel Lansky’s ‘experience of European Union law and institutions’ particularly appreciated by clients. The firm conducted major work for large private companies, federal states and public bodies in 2012.

TaylorWessing e|n|w|c Attorneys at Law ‘creates individual solutions’ to problems, and operates at ‘a high level’. It saw an increase in merger control notifications over the year, for Germany’s Schreiber & Rupp among others. Martin Eckel is head of department.

Brauneis Klauser Prändl Rechtsanwälte GmbH’s team has the ‘very important personal touch’. It recently assisted in the enforcement of customer rights in the area of travel law, and acted for consumers in international investor protection cases. Bernhard Girsch, an expert in contract law, is recommended.

Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners advises clients on antitrust notifications related to M&A transactions, and also has experience in abuse of dominance proceedings.

Graf & Pitkowitz has experience in cartel and merger clearance work. Coca-Cola is a notable client. Ferdinand Graf is the key contact.

Clients appreciate the ‘practicability’ of Griss & Partner’s advice. Christiane Loidl is highlighted for her ability to ‘present technical matters in a nutshell’. Its litigation experience includes product piracy, unfair advertising, and trade-related issues.

Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwälte GmbH continues to advise Hutchison 3G on merger proceedings before the EU. It also worked on the distribution of emission certificates for the latest round of EU emissions trading. Jörg Zehetner and Thomas Rabl lead the team.

Siemer-Siegl-Füreder & Partner, Rechtsanwälte is noted for its ‘outstanding professionalism’ in competition work. Its clients include public service operators and energy companies. Robert Ertl has ‘the most profound knowledge’ of state aid, procurement and construction law.

Willheim Müller Rechtsanwalte is known for its competition disputes work, and specialises in strategic compliance matters. Johannes Willheim is recommended.