Binder Grösswang handles the full spectrum of competition law at both a national and EU level, with particular strengths in litigation, merger control filings and competition law at the intersection with digitalisation and public procurement matters. The team, which is noted for its ‘long track record and comprehensive experience’, is headed by Raoul Hoffer, who has expertise in antitrust law, internal investigations, and merger control, among other matters. Christine Dietz is also noted for her experience in Austrian and EU antitrust and competition law.
EU and competition in Austria
Binder Grösswang
Practice head(s):
Raoul Hoffer
Other key lawyers:
Christine Dietz; Isabelle Innerhofer; Johannes Barbist
Testimonials
‘BINDER GRÖSSWANG is the only firm we deal with in relation to Austrian matters as we’re very happy with their work.’
‘Christine Dietz: She is very helpful and pragmatic in her approach. We have overall obtained swift clearances because of her quality work and responsiveness.’
‘Track record and reputation in competition litigation; excellent collaboration.’
‘Very responsive, excellent collaboration, long track record and comprehensive experience.’
‘The competition practice of Binder Grösswang is very strong and experienced. The BG team definitely is one of the best in Austria. They are very professional, responsive, reliable and fast.’
‘When it comes to Austria, BG is our first choice for competition law.’
‘It is always a pleasure to work together with Christine Dietz. She is always looking for a practical approach and is a real team player. Very fast and responsive. Extremely good cooperation and communication.’
‘Raoul Hoffer has a broad knowledge and experience.’
Key clients
Estée Lauder
BNP Paribas
Coca-Cola HBC Austria
Daimler
City of Vienna
Scania
Nissan Center Europe
Renault Austria
Wiener Wohnen (City of Vienna)
Lenzing
Region of Upper Austria
Nomad Foods
TEGA – Technische Gase und Gasetechnik
Mutares
Columna Capital
SeneCura
TX Group
ÖBB-Infrastruktur
Prysmian Group
VTG Aktiengesellschaft
Grünenthal
TIWAG
Lidl Österreich
Berglandmilch
Argand
Indorama
Semperit
Kingspan
VF Corporation
Faerch
DCC
Dussmann Group
Smurfit Kappa
Sandvik
Work highlights
- Defending Scania in several court proceedings against follow-on damage claims in connection with the pan-European truck cartel case.
- Representing Wiener Wohnen as claimant against Airbnb before the Commercial Court in Vienna in an action under unfair competition and abuse of dominance provisions in Ireland.
- Successfully represented Estée Lauder in Austrian merger control proceedings related to the acquisition of Deciem Beauty.
bpv Hügel
The EU and competition law practice at bpv Hügel is ‘an important resource for quick questions as well as for in-depth analysis’. The firm excels in contentious, non-contentious and multi-jurisdictional work alike, handling merger control filings, FDI investments, and cartel cases for domestic and international corporations. Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber and Florian Neumayr, who have a focus on competition law, and EU-expert Christian Schneider are the practice head. Gerhard Fussenegger advises clients out of the firm’s Brussels office and is heavily involved in the EU litigation practice. Verena Hügel left the firm in 2021 for an in-house position.
Practice head(s):
Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber; Florian Neumayr; Christian Schneider
Other key lawyers:
Gerhard Fussenegger
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, Reliable. An important resource for quick questions as well for in depth analysis.’
‘Knowledge of market and industry.’
‘We have have chosen bpv Huegel for their outstanding competition / antitrust law practice – highly service-oriented.’
‘Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber: excellent legal advice in Austrian competition law matters.’
‘Cost estimates and caps are prepared after (free) review of the facts and are always adhered to; in the event of an excess, this was simply waived without any prior discussion with us.’
‘Astrid Ablasser in the field of antitrust law & competition practice, because she can teach employees very calmly and competently how to behave in dawn raids (she organizes annual in-house trainings). Clear communication, rapid grasping of complex issues, coordination with other areas within the law firm, clearly understandable recommendations for action/formulations (no page-long memos), thinking outside the box.’
‘Christoph Nauer brings an incredibly comprehensive knowledge, can break down complicated facts to the essentials in fractions of a second and always provides pragmatic solutions.’
‘I would say bpv Huegel Rechtsanwaelte GmbH is an outstanding firm with top service.’
Key clients
Austrian Bar
KPS Capital Partner
ISS
Zeus Packaging Ltd
Schneider Electric
Fond Of
Lekkerland
Yamaha
Eurazeo
A1 Telekom Austria
OMV AG
Gas Connect Austria
RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria
BayWa AG
BP Europa
Beiersdorf
Axel Springer
Verbund
Plansee
card complete (Visa)
BAT British American Tobacco
Nichicon
Sky
BAWAG
Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists
Raiffeisen Holding Niederösterreich-Wien
Immofinanz
Otis
Colgate
Eaton
První novinová společnost a.s. (formerly Mediaservis)
Work highlights
- Representation and strategic counselling of RWA-Group in all merger control and antitrust matters worldwide.
- Representation of MAN in relation to all antitrust damage claims in Austria.
Cerha Hempel
Cerha Hempel acts for domestic and multinational clients in EU and international merger control proceedings, foreign direct investments, cartel proceedings, and state aid matters. As part of the firm’s wider CEE competition practice group‚ the team headed by Bernhard Kofler-Senoner is well equipped to advise clients on cross-border questions. The private enforcement of damage claims constitutes another strength of the practice. Kofler-Senoner acts for high-profile clients in cartel cases and merger proceedings while ‘superb lawyer‘ Anna Wolf-Posch is involved in a variety of matters at a domestic and EU level.
Practice head(s):
Bernhard Kofler-Senoner
Other key lawyers:
Anna Wolf-Posch; Michael Mayer
Testimonials
‘Business oriented and practical advice, very responsive and great to work with.’
‘Bernhard Kofler: outstanding lawyer and great to work with.’
‘Very strong competition law practice. They are very familiar with the Austrian Federal Competition Authority, where they have good relationships.’
‘Anna Wolf-Posch is a superb lawyer–always impressive, insightful, and authoritative. Organized, reliable, and precise, she is one of the finest lawyers I have encountered in Austria.’
‘Very reliable team. Always a pleasure to work with them especially on merger control issues.’
‘Anna Wolf-Posch is clearly the rising star in Austria. She is smart, business oriented, efficient and has a great knowledge of the way the Austrian competition authority will react in all situations. I would recommend her without any doubt to anyone that faces merger control or antitrust issues in Austria.’
Key clients
Wendel Group
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.
B&C Industrieholding GmbH
OMV AG
Advance Publications, Inc.
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR)
Attestor Capital LLP
Marni (OTB Group)
Pittel + Brausewetter Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Investindustrial Group Holdings S.A.
Talend SA
Amphenol Corporation
Semperit AG
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
San Pacific Investment Pte. Ltd. and San Venture Biotech Pte. Ltd.
City of Vienna (Stadt Wien)
WIENER STADTWERKE
KTM AG
Hain Celestial Group
Mohrenbrauerei Vertriebs KG
STRABAG
SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG
RHI Magnesita GmbH
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Isovolta AG
Austrian Power Grid
Samsung Electronics Austria GmbH
Republic of Austria
ÖBAG
Work highlights
- Advising B&C Industrieholding GmbH on its acquisition of 80% of the shares in Schur Flexibles Holding GmbH.
- Advised OMV AG (“OMV”) as transaction counsel on the sale of OMV’s filling station business in Germany to the British EG Group.
E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH
E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH excels in the full spectrum of EU and competition related matters, particularly through its focus on the digital industry, where the firm advises a range of global tech companies in matters including antitrust proceedings. Other areas of expertise are cartel proceedings and merger control as well as state aid. Dieter Thalhammer is the leading partner with extensive experience in national and European competition law. The intersection with IP/IT and the digital sphere is covered by Andreas Zellhofer. Judith Feldner who ‘is not only a legal expert in her field but also digs into the business related questions in order to provide practical advise and solutions’ is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Dieter Thalhammer
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Zellhofer, Judith Feldner
Testimonials
‘The team is pragmatic and responsive.’
‘Dieter Thalhammer and Judith Feldner stand out.’
‘Judith Feldner is doing a fantastic job. She is not only a legal expert in her field but also digs into the business related question in order to provide practical advise and solutions. She is very reliable and always ready to work.’
‘Judith Feldner – outstanding effort and engagement’
‘Dr. Thalhammer has perfect contacts with competition authorities.’
‘Proactive approach and a really good connection during the pandemic with using technical tools.’
‘Focus on solving complex matter in a professional way. Good international contact and a perfect reputation with other law firms. Perfect knowledge about the business.’
‘The team offers cutting-edge expertise in antitrust related compliance matters. I can always rely on them at any time. Instructing EH means being in good hands.’
Key clients
Wiener Stadtwerke
Austrian Airlines
Volvo Trucks
Toyota
UBM Development AG
OMV AG
Styria
Rail Cargo Austria / ÖBB
Bregal
Work highlights
- Represented Rail Cargo Austria (ÖBB) in cartel proceedings before the European Commission. ÖBB received full immunity, thereby avoiding an aggregate fine of EUR 37 million.
- Represented Austrian Airlines in state aid proceedings before the European Commission and the General Court; the Court considered the state aid to be compatible with the internal market.
- Represent Volvo Trucks in private enforcement proceedings regarding damage claims related to the trucks cartel before the Austrian courts.
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) ‘benefits from an excellent reputation, experienced and reliable team and is well experienced in communicating with the Austrian competition authority.' With an office in Brussels, the firm is able to seamlessly advise clients on national and EU matters, most notably merger control filings and compliance programmes. Christoph Haid leads the team from Vienna, while Volker Weiss focuses on EU and competition law out of the Brussels office. Franz Urlesberger and Stefanie Stegbauer are other key contacts within the team.
Practice head(s):
Christoph Haid
Other key lawyers:
Volker Weiss; Franz Urlesberger; Stefanie Stegbauer
Testimonials
‘Excellent cooperation in various highly complex projects. Very well reputed firm. Excellent lawyers. Broad team. Ability to assist in complex cross-border cases, including with offices in Eastern Europe (i.e. also beyond Austria).’
‘Franz Urlesberger and Stefanie Stegbauer and their team have never failed to deliver high quality results no matter the complexity of a case.’
‘They benefit from an excellent reputation, experienced and reliable team and are well experienced in communicating with the Austrian competition authority.’
‘Schoenherr has a broad international background and therefore particularly excel in cross-border issues.’
‘They offer good value for money and have a reliable budgeting. We have never had any issues with regard to delivery to budget.’
‘They were particularly successful in cooperating during the various lockdowns and there was no issue of time sensitivity or non-responsiveness.’
‘Schönherr are the #1 competition law firm in Austria. They can handle any competition law matter and have a broad experience of all major industries.’
‘Christoph Haid is an outstanding lawyer. He is extremely responsive and easy to work with. Schönherr’s fees are moderate, considering the quality they deliver.’
Key clients
Greiner AG
Voith Group
Daimler AG
FUNKE Österreich Holding GmbH and WAZ Ausland Holding GmbH
VERBUND AG
Central European Gas Hub AG
Cerba HealthCare
Deutsche Post DHL Group
Österreichische Post AG
OMV
KONE
AGRANA
UNIQA
Silgan Holding
ORF
Herba Chemosan
Heineken Group / Brau Union Österreich
Work highlights
- Retained by Greiner in its take-over process of listed company Recticel.
- Acting as claimant counsel for companies that may have suffered damages from the construction cartel, and also with regard to related public procurement questions.
- Advised French diagnostic centre group Cerba HealthCare on the FDI-related aspects of its acquisition of the Lifebrain Group.
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH 's team is ‘very responsive and always target-oriented, with the ability to think outside the box’. Led by Bernt Elsner and Dieter Zandler, the practice covers the whole range of competition matters, ranging from merger control and private enforcement to compliance and claims proceedings. With growing importance for the Austrian market, foreign direct investment is another area of focus of the department. Elsner is particularly knowledgeable in relation to bid rigging, while Zandler regularly represents clients in proceedings before Austrian and European authorities.
Practice head(s):
Bernt Elsner; Dieter Zandler
Testimonials
‘Very experienced team which is able to provide high quality legal service also in cross border transactions. Very responsive and always target oriented, with the ability to think out side the box.’
‘Dieter Zandler is always a pleasure to work with. Very experienced and well connected to colleagues in the other CMS offices. 24/7 availability and very responsive. Exceptional legal service.’
‘There are two major advantages of the CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Vienna team: they combine an open-minded and supportive spirit with a deep network in South and South East Europe.’
‘There is a quick grasp and understanding of the psychology of medium-sized cases and family-owned business groups. They support in all stages of international takeovers and care for all issues when targets are spread all over South East Europe and in very special cultures. Their never-ending courtesy is a help in tricky situations.’
Key clients
Equitix
Oaktree
Shell
Modine Manufacturing Company
A1 Telekom Austria AG (A1)
Plastic Omnium
Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB)
Bechtle AG
Robel Holding
Dürr Aktiengesellschaft
Atlas Copco
Allianz Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advising Shell on its acquisition of Next Kraftwerke.
- Advising A1 Telekom Austria AG on the acquisition of the Alcatel-Lucent Voice Business from NTT Austria.
- Advising a major Austrian construction company on the biggest antitrust and bid-rigging investigation in Austria.
Reidlinger Schatzmann Rechtsanwälte GmbH
The EU and competition practice at Reidlinger Schatzmann Rechtsanwälte GmbH supports clients in a variety of matters including merger control, antitrust proceedings and state aid law. The group also advises on complex international cases due to its far-reaching network. Axel Reidlinger heads the team and has experience in dealings with the Austrian competition authorities, the European Commission and European courts. Franz Stenitzer is well versed in issues regarding cartels, merger control and other competition restrictions. Both partners also regularly represent clients against private claims.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Exceptional team in terms of knowledge of the law and quality and practicability of advice.’
‘Axel Reidlinger – an exceptional partner leading the team and notable for an ability to profoundly understand all the nuances of the law of other jurisdictions, excellent coordination, case administration and team management skills, availability and promptness of reaction to queries.’
‘This practice draws on the vast experience of Mr Axel Reidlinger who is one of the doyen’s of Austrian antitrust lawyers. He is very well supported by his younger colleagues.’
‘Mr Reidlinger is very well connected throughout the whole of the CEE region and his practice covers the whole region, not just Austria.’
‘Mr Reidlinger is unique in his experience, quickness of thought and rapidity in absorbing relevant facts. He is commercially minded and creative.’
‘Axel Reidlinger is extremely knowledgeable and very versatile in strategy. He cooperates very well with his team and with local counsel. He is always up to date and always ready to discuss issues outside a direct client relationship. I work with him for many years now and hope that this co-operation continues.’
‘The team’s expertise in competition matters is outstanding. They have extensive experience in advising on competition matters in automotive industry. They are reliable, thoughtful, insightful, and strategic.’
‘The credit goes to Axel Reidlinger, whose experience in the CEE region is really impressive. His personal engagement makes a huge difference compared to what larger firms can offer.’
Key clients
Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG
Österreichische Post AG (Austrian Post)
Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Styria Media Group AG
Interseroh Austria GmbH
ENEL Green Power S.p.A.
Österreichische Fussball-Bundesliga (Austrian Football League)
VAMED AG
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Moser Holding AG
Kustomer, Inc.
Hitthaller & Trixl Baugesellschaft m.b.H.
Work highlights
- Advising Mayr-Melnhoft Karton AG on merger control aspects of the acquisitions of two cartonboard producers active worldwide, namely Kotkamills, based in Finland, and International Paper (Kwidzyn), based in Poland.
- Advising on merger control aspects of the sale of Mayr-Melnhof’s carton board mills in Eerbeek, the Netherlands, and Baiersbronn, Germany to Oaktree.
- Defending Österreichische Post in abuse of dominance proceedings before the Austrian Cartel Court and Supreme Court.
Wolf Theiss
Merger control, antirust and cartel matters and contentious work are among the services offered by Wolf Theiss to its domestic and international clients. The firm has particular industry focuses on retail, consumer products, financial services, pharmaceuticals, construction, transport, chemicals, as well as TMT. Practice head Guenter Bauer ‘shows an exceptional understanding of the Austrian competition system and is very well connected with all involved players’. Abuse of dominance, private enforcement and distribution cases falls into Robert Wagner‘s areas of expertise.
Practice head(s):
Guenter Bauer
Other key lawyers:
Robert Wagner
Testimonials
‘Huge knowledge applied in a very pragmatic form.’
‘Günter Bauer doesn’t do “black and white” assessments but also tries to find appropriate solutions which fit the client’s needs.’
‘Günter Bauer and team are first rate – responsive, efficient and strategic.’
‘Top knowledge, high responsiveness.’
‘Günter Bauer shows an exceptional understanding of the Austrian competition system and is very well connected with all involved players.’
Key clients
ALSO
PORR
XXXLutz Group
Deutsche Telekom/Magenta
Henkel
Siemens
KKR
ALSO
PORR
XXXLutz Group
Deutsche Telekom/Magenta
Henkel
Siemens
KKR
Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG
The antitrust and competition practice group at Baker McKenzie Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG handles matters spanning the entire spectrum of competition law, with specialisms in regulated industries as well as competition litigation. The team’s competencies include issues pertaining to merger control, abuse of dominance, distribution and licensing, and state aid. Practice head Andreas Traugott frequently represents national and international clients before Austrian and European competition authorities.
Practice head(s):
Andreas Traugott
Testimonials
‘They are a well-coordinated team that is unparalleled in its field of law and offers flexible and impeccable support in all matters.’
‘Good reputation.’
‘Andreas Traugott has great knowledge and vast experience.’
‘Transnational connectedness, high degree of specialization, self-conception as one of the top law firms in the field of antitrust law.’
‘I am certain that Andreas Traugott is one of the top antitrust lawyers in Austria. His knowledge of jurisprudence as well as his practical experience are truly outstanding.’
Key clients
Schindler Elevator and Escalator Group
MSD
Roland Music Group
SIX Austria (formerly Paylife Bank)
Glaxo Smith Kline
Eckes Granini
Zodiac
FCC Group
LafargeHolcim
Embracer
Work highlights
- Representation of MSD in an investigation by the European Commission and the Austrian Federal Competition Authority and follow-on proceedings before the Austrian Cartel Court.
- Defence of Schindler Elevator and Escalator Group against private enforcement claims in Austrian and European courts.
- Representing a major Austrian waste management company in an ongoing cartel investigation concerning the Austrian competition authority.
Barnert Egermann Illigasch Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Barnert Egermann Illigasch Rechtsanwälte GmbH has recently added FDI-screening matters to its service portfolio within the EU and competition practice group, which is headed by Isabella Hartung. The firm is active in a range of sectors including media and entertainment, healthcare, logistics and energy. Hartung is well versed in handling advisory work and contentious matters including cartel proceedings for domestic and international corporations.
Practice head(s):
Isabella Hartung
Testimonials
‘Isabella Hartung: quick, capable, unpretentious, nice to work with.’
Key clients
PORR
EVN AG / Netz Niederösterreich
Bertelsmann / RTL Group
Amann Girrbach
De’Longhi
Triton
Curium Pharma
AerCap
Work highlights
- Acted for RTL in the Austrian merger control proceedings required for RTL’s acquisition of Disney’s 50%-share in Super RTL.
- Obtained Austrian merger clearance for a cooperation between Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) regarding national print advertisements.
- Obtained approval under the Austrian foreign direct investment rules regarding Curium Pharma’s acquisition of the IASON-Group.
DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Cartels, merger control proceedings, investigations by the authorities and abuse of dominant market positions are the core focus areas of DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach’s EU and competition practice. Claudine Vartian leads the practice, handling litigation matters as well as advising on dawn raids and on-site inspections. The practice also excels in cross-border matters where it is ale to work with the firm’s network of offices globally. Counsel Nicole Daniel has particular expertise in regards to international large-scale competition proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Claudine Vartian
Other key lawyers:
Nicole Daniel
Key clients
BASF SE
Gazprom
Wipro Limited
Conair LLC
Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
Ultra Clean Holdings
GMM Pfaudler Limited
Bearing Point GmbH
The Carlyle Group Inc
Mondelez Europe Services GmbH-Zweigniederlassung Österreich
Work highlights
- Advised BASF on cross-border merger control issues concerning the purchase of 49,5 percent in the Dutch Hollandse Kust Zuid wind park from Vattenfall.
- Advising Gazprom Export OOO on the EU and national merger control aspects of the acquisition of Centrex Europe Energy & Gas AG.
- Advised Wipro Limited (India) on the merger control aspects of its direct and indirect acquisition of all shares in various companies that together form the Capco Group.
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH is ‘fully connected to authorities and regulators and therefore gets information first-hand.’ The firm has recently been involved in advising clients on Covid-19 support measures, which it is well placed for considering state aid schemes in regulated industries constitutes one of the firm’s focus areas. Clients are from sectors including healthcare, energy, transport, media and engineering. Practice head Heinrich Kühnert’s expertise includes merger control, antitrust, abuse and follow-on damages.
Practice head(s):
Heinrich Kühnert
Testimonials
‘Quick, flexible, pragmatic.’
‘Main contact is Heinrich Kühnert. The qualities “quick, flexible, pragmatic” especially relate to him.’
‘Always approachable, on-time advice, very professional and high quality legal advice.’
‘Heinrich Kühnert – great business focused approach; able to advise and guide through economic analysis in competition law matters; single point of contact for competition law matters; able to discuss and explain to business the issues; able to provide advice on a short time-frame; high quality advice.’
‘We have found Heinrich Kühnert and his team very smart, responsive, hard-working. Turned around high quality submissions very quickly. They regularly keep us informed about developments, proactively anticipating developments and flagging possible implications.’
‘What impressed me the most is the fact that they are fully connected to authorities and regulators and therefore get information first hand. The whole team is available and ready to jump in at any time. All in all excellent law firm.’
‘Excellent support, great knowledge and very approachable team.’
‘Heinrich Kühnert stands out and his personal approach, knowledge and skills is the reason why we are using DORDA for competition law topics.’
Key clients
Nichicon Corporation
Miba AG
Capvis AG
BENE GmbH
Greiner AG
Silhouette International Schmied AG
Novartis Pharma Austria
Sandoz
Bayer Austria GmbH
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
SAZKA Group
Easypark A.B.
Bose GmbH
Canal+ (former M7 Group SA)
Rail Cargo Austria AG
ÖBB Holding AG
Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz, Section Vienna
Kapsch Group
ZKW Group
Work highlights
- Advising Novartis and Sandoz on competition law issues.
- Advising ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railway Company) on competition law issues.
- Acting for Nichicon in an action for annulment of the fine imposed by the European Commission before the EU General Court.
Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm)
Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) supports clients in antitrust proceedings, cartel investigations and compliance matters, among other areas. The firm has a presence in Brussels, where it has a dedicated antitrust office and practice head Christina Hummer splits her time between Vienna and Brussels. Hummer is well versed in questions of cartel investigations, merger filings, and cases regarding abuse of dominant position and state aid, in addition to compliance matters. Markus Fellner is specialised in competition law, particularly pertaining to competition disputes. Wolfgang Lauss completes the partner bench.
Practice head(s):
Christina Hummer
Other key lawyers:
Markus Fellner; Wolfgang Lauss
Testimonials
‘Ability to quickly dive into (non legal) industry-expertise relevant to understanding legal implications, passionate and goal oriented.’
‘Always available, focused on problem solving. Highly responsive.’
‘High identification with the daily business of the client.’
‘Partners are very responsive, support excellently in short times when necessary. Do not hesitate in reviewing other law firms’ opinions and give straight answers. It seems to me that they very well understand in-house legal challenges thus support adequately.’
‘Reliability and excellent work ethics of Markus Fellner. Making my problem his problem to be solved together. Personal integrity.’
‘Markus P. Fellner: very good merger clearance lawyer.’
‘I especially appreciate the special attention the team gives to keeping me informed in a timely and comprehensive manner and responding to difficult questions with quality and speed. The team seems to work together seamlessly and everyone is very dedicated. Markus Fellner is always (even when on vacation) available for urgent cases. I am very pleased with the results.’
‘Mr. Fellner: I have full confidence in his comprehensive advice and especially appreciate his particularly careful execution of the merger applications. His great attention to detail is crucial for this case. Especially once a filing has to be done in several countries at the same time.’
Key clients
HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbaugesellschaft m.b.H.
Energie AG Oberösterreich Umweltservice GmbH
Energie AG Oberösterreich
dm-drogerie markt Verwaltungs GmbH
Employees of Kaefer Isoliertechnik GmbH
Hofer KG
KTM AG / Pierer Mobility AG
Pierer Industrie AG, PALFINGER AG, FSS Vermögensverwaltung GmbH
Baumit GmbH and Austrotherm GmbH
Pankl Racing Systems AG
Pierer Industrie AG
PBS Holding AG
Unimarkt Gruppe
Invest Unternehmensbeteiliungs AG
Work highlights
- Representing HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbaugesellschaft in ongoing Austrian antitrust proceedings.
- Representing dm-drogerie markt Verwaltungs GmbH, general partner of Germany’s largest drugstore retailer, in a long-running case which was subject to an Austrian Supreme Court’s landmark judgment clarifying the concept of “intergroup exemption”.
- Advising three major Austrian companies – Pierer Industrie AG, Palfinger AG, FSS Vermögensverwaltung – on the multijurisdictional competition law analysis of their joint acquisition of a majority stake in Jetfly Airline.
Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Involvement in FDI control, merger filings, on-site inspections, and immunity applications are part of the caseload for the competition team at Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH. The team acts for domestic and international level in contentious and non-contentious matters with a focus on the energy, media, tourism and automotive industries. Healthcare also constitutes an increasing proportion of the team’s activities. Christian Mayer is the key contact and is frequently involved in merger control cases and multi-jurisdictional merger filings.
Practice head(s):
Christian Mayer
Key clients
Mediaprint Zeitungs- und Zeitschriftenverlag GmbH & Co KG
Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH
Montana Tech Components AG
Association of Austrian Hoteliers
Frimeco Productions GmbH
OE Service GmbH
Snow Space Salzburg Bergbahnen Aktiengesellschaft
ICON plc
Work highlights
- Represented Icon plc in the Austrian merger control and FDI proceedings for the $12bn acquisition of PRA Health Sciences, Inc.
- Advising a network operator in ICC arbitrations on the validity of long-term contracts, in particular regarding competition, energy regulatory and civil law aspects.
Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH
The competition, EU and trade practice at Taylor Wessing enwc Rechtsanwälte GmbH covers a range of matters including antitrust, dawn raids, penalty proceedings and multi-jurisdictional merger filings. Clients also benefit from the firm’s ability to act on their behalf in cartel investigations and disputes. Most recently, the team has expanded its expertise within the area of whistleblowing. ‘Very experienced and pragmatic competition lawyer‘ Martin Eckel leads the practice and assists clients across the CEE region with competition law and compliance support.
Practice head(s):
Martin Eckel
Testimonials
‘The team is quite experienced.’
‘Martin Eckel stands out – very experienced and pragmatic competition lawyer.’
‘Martin Eckel has a very hands on approach. He offers sound advice and at the same time can convey complex issues in an intriguing communication style.’
‘Taylor Wessing’s EU and competition practice guarantees efficient and competent advice and excellent cooperation in cross-border projects.’
‘Good availability & profound expertise.’
‘The team covers all areas of competition law and, especially through Martin Eckel, brings an increasingly important link to compliance. The combination of professional knowledge and understanding of the needs of companies with regard to compliance is very rare.’
‘Thanks to his strong connections to the compliance community, Martin Eckel can bring a very strong practice-relevant focus to his advisory work.’
‘Pragmatic approach. Good understanding of our business specifics.’
Key clients
Schmid Metall GmbH
Fritsch BeteiligungsgmbH
Pharmig – Verband der pharmazeutischen Industrie Österreichs
REWE Group
LafargeHolcim Group
Österreichischer Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touring Club
Österreichische Apotheker-Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H.
Renate Schubries Beteiligungs GmbH
Tyrolit AG
Heinzel Group
Europapier Austria GmbH
Pernod Ricard Austria GmbH
grosso holding Gesellschaft mbH
Nestlé
Haberkorn
Kirchdorfer Industries Group
Julius Blum GmbH
“Ring” International Holding AG
Work highlights
- Represented ÖAMTC in merger control proceedings concerning the establishment of a joint venture together with ADAC.
- Advising Pharmig on the establishment of a platform for professional exchange on various topics between its member companies.
- Advising the Schubries family on the merger control aspects of the sale of its shares in Funke Mediengruppe to the Grotkamp family.
Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners
Merger proceedings, antitrust matters, and cartel and market abuse issues all feature in Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners’ team's competition workload. A specific strength of the team pertains to insolvency-related matters in addition to merger control issues and assistance with antitrust investigations. Lukas Flener heads the practice, which also advises clients on state aid and compliance.
Practice head(s):
Lukas Flener
Key clients
BAWAG Group
Kika/Leiner Group
UniCredit Leasing (Austria) GmbH
SORAVIA Group
Work highlights
- Advising the BAWAG Group, headquartered in Vienna, which intends to acquire the online brokerage and online banking services operated under the “Hello bank!” brand in Austria from BNP Paribas SA, headquartered in Paris, by way of an asset deal.
- Advised SORAVIA on the establishment of a cooperation and the transfer of the IMMO-CONTRACT companies from Volksbanken Group to SORAVIA.
- Advised Kika/Leiner group on joint filing of the acquisition of all the shares of Kika/Leiner group by the SIGNA group, with market shares above the dominance assumption and a highly concentrated market, including assistance with obtaining clearance.