EU and competition in Czech Republic

HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., attorneys at law

HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., attorneys at law’s established EU and competition practice is active in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with offices across both jurisdictions. Working in close cooperation with the Czech National Competition Authority, as well as various other competition authorities, the firm routinely advises on dawn raids, abuse of dominant position, cartel agreements, and bid riggings. Acting for an array of clients including T-Mobile Czech Republic and Nestlé, the group also boasts a state aid practice, and frequently represents local authorities in procedures before the authorities. Expert Robert Neruda spearheads the team and also specialises in significant market power cases. Other key practitioners include Petr Kadlec, who advises on public procurements, Lenka Gachová, who often represents clients in court proceedings, and Roman Svetnicky, who focuses on competition assessments of M&A transactions.

Practice head(s):

Robert Neruda


Other key lawyers:

Petr Kadlec; Lenka Gachova; Roman Svetnicky


Testimonials

‘We appreciate the extent to which the competition law lawyers are familiar with our business. They are able to propose solutions that are extremely beneficial to us because they do not just focus on the legal part of the matter, but always try to assess as far as possible the impact of the proposed solution on our business.’

‘Robert Neruda is a true professional.’

‘The EU & competition team was very professional and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend them to anyone who, like us, dealt with matters related to competition law, though their erudition is at a high level in other areas of law as well.

Key clients

ORLEN Unipetrol RPA


T-Mobile Czech Republic


Česká pošta


OSA – Ochranný svaz autorský pro práva k dílům hudebním


Albert Česká republika


Z – TRADE


Ministry of Industry and Trade


Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-Cilag


Nestlé


L’ORÉAL Česká republika


Letiště Praha


Capital City of Prague


VELKÁ PECKA


Philip Morris ČR


City of Ostrava


Innofreight Transportlogistik


Stock Spirits Group


Sudop Group


Asseco Central Europe


Work highlights


  • Advising ORLEN Unipetrol RPA (PKN Orlen Group) in relation to the full range of competition activity.
  • Successfully represented OSA – Ochranný svaz autorský pro práva k dílům hudebním in court proceedings against the decision of the Czech NCA concerning an alleged abuse of dominant position.
  • Successfully represented T-Mobile Czech Republic before the Supreme Administrative Court in proceedings concerning interconnection agreements.

Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář

Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář is recognised for its extensive know-how in all areas of EU and competition law. The department primarily handles cases relating to resale price maintenance, restricted practices, major cartel investigations, and private competition litigation. The firm frequently represents clients in front of the Czech Office for Protection of Competition. Elsewhere, the group showcases expertise in M&A related competition advice, as well as advising governmental entities on state aid and public procurement law concerns. The practice is co-led by Karel Muzikář and Jiri Kindl, a leading antitrust lawyer. Martin Kramář is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Karel Muzikář; Jiří Kindl


Other key lawyers:

Martin Kramář


Testimonials

‘I would like to mention Karel Muzikar, Martin Kramar, and Jiri Kindl that are leading their respective teams and are viewed by us as people who ensure the overall quality and act as the closest advisors on the most important and sensitive matters. It also needs to be mentioned that we very much value the personal insight and direct involvement of these partners of Skils in our matters, which is truly extraordinary and highly exceeds the standard approach of other firms. Unlike the usual practice of other firms, these partners of Skils really care about the individual cases.’

‘Highest expertise of Jiri Kindl and members of his team. We are very happy to work with them and they offer balanced and reasonable solutions.’

‘We appreciate the team’s intelligence, expertise, and full dedication.’

Key clients

MONETA Money Bank


Fortuna Game


Plzensky Prazdroj/Pilsner Urquell


Ceske drahy (Czech Railways)


Severoceske doly


CHAPS


CETIN (formerly Ceska telekomunikacni infrastruktura)


CEZ Group / Elevion Group


Asahi Breweries


Via FAOC


FAST ČR


Sodexo Pass CR


Baby Direkt


GARLAND distributor


Ceska sporitelna (Czech Savings Bank)


Beryko


Strima Czech


Work highlights


  • Advising Ceske drahy (Czech Railways) in proceedings before the European Commission initiated in Autumn 2016 regarding alleged abuse of dominant position by predatory pricing in connection with entry of new competitors to the Czech Railway market.
  • Representing CETIN in proceedings before the European Commission regarding alleged anti-competitive behaviour relating to the provision of mobile communication services in the European Union.
  • Advising Baby Direkt s.r.o. in a case before the Czech Office for Protection of Competition and in following judicial review proceedings concerning alleged restrictive vertical agreements practices.

Dentons

Dentons’ antitrust and competition practice counts FDI control, merger clearance, compliance work, and notifications and complaints to the EU Commission within its scope of work. Acting for clients from various regulated industries including tech, retail, and energy, the firm also handles M&A related competition work, as well as various distribution issues. Benefitting from a network of international offices, the group is well-placed to advise on cross-border mandates, particularly across the CEE region. Petr Zákoucký leads the team and frequently assists with dawn raids and competition audits. Senior associate Adam Přerovský is a notable member of the department and has extensive experience in advising clients in antitrust proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Petr Zákoucký


Other key lawyers:

Adam Přerovský


Testimonials

‘Extremely responsive, experienced, and focused on the commercial aspects of the deal.’

‘Adam Přerovský is a very experienced and smart associate – he delivers solutions to his clients.’

‘A one-stop-shop with international resources, and a deep pool of professionals across different practice areas.’

‘We appreciate their attention-to-detail and professional approach.’

Key clients

BPD partners / Draslovka Holding


Sev.en Energy


MND/KKCG


Pražská energetika


Emma Capital


Zentiva


Imperial Brands


Tatra Trucks


Farmak


Meopta


Vestar / Kingś Casino group


Kocián Šolc Balaštík

Kocián Šolc Balaštík’s extensive EU and competition practice operates across the IT, food and catering, retail, and agricultural sectors. The team routinely advises clients on significant merger proceedings on the Czech market, often in front of the Czech Competition Authority as well as domestic administrative courts. The group also offers guidance on state aid-related competition concerns and cases connected to the abuse of dominant market positions. Elsewhere, the firm is recognised for its experienced compliance training team, which entails coordinating dawn raid work. The department is co-led by Pavel Dejl, who frequently handles merger and antitrust proceedings before the European Commission, and Sylvie Sobolová, who primarily provides competition law advice in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Practice head(s):

Pavel Dejl; Sylvie Sobolová


Other key lawyers:

Martin Vráb


Testimonials

‘Excellent communication. The team operates well and has great success in disputes.’

‘Pavel Dejl has achieved significant victories and is well-regarded for his extensive experience in competition law. In addition to his expertise in high-profile merger proceedings, he is well-recognised for handling matters concerning abuse of dominance investigations and appeals against fines imposed by the Czech Competition Authority.

‘Partners are well qualified, easy to reach and offer great value for money.’

‘Sylvie Sobolová has great experience and know-how in the field, with the ability to assess potential business consequences.’

Key clients

JTZE (J&T Zemědělství a Ekologie)


Seyfor


Sandberg Capital


Asiana Transport


Aramark


O2 Czech Republic


Skanska Czech Republic


Agrofert


INTERGRAM


Leo Express Global


Work highlights


  • Representing JTZE in merger control proceedings before the Czech Competition Authority regarding an acquisition of the Czech and Slovak agricultural portfolio of the Spearhead Group.
  • Representing Seyfor in several significant merger control proceedings before the Czech Competition Authority.
  • Representing Asiana in court proceedings against a competitor for damages caused to the client by the competitor’s anticompetitive behaviour on the market of personal bus transport.

ROWAN LEGAL

The fully rounded EU and competition practice at ROWAN LEGAL advises on a broad range of issues, such as the private enforcement of competition law, abuses of significant market power, cartels, and the competition elements of mergers. The group frequently represents state agencies and corporations in front of the Czech Competition Authority, European Commission, and other domestic courts, and has recently been increasingly active handling the competition aspects of data. The team is under the joint guidance of Michal Nulícek, who primarily covers IT and data-related mandates, and Jan Měkota, a specialist in the field who also assists clients with dawn raids. Vilém Podešva is a notable member of the department and handles energy-related competition projects, whilst the recent arrival of Marcela Káňová strengthens the practice through her experience with public procurement cases.

Practice head(s):

Michal Nulíček; Jan Měkota


Other key lawyers:

Vilém Podešva; Marcela Káňová


Testimonials

‘Rowan Legal is a trusted law firm with a deep knowledge of competition law and dispute resolution. They have great communication skills and are prompt with their answers to our inquiries.’

‘Jan Měkota has great communication skills, organisational talent, and knowledge in competition law.’

‘The team is large and professional, EU & competition law is one of their strong capabilities. Rowan Legal helped us a lot in many ways, and we were successful on all fronts.’

‘Flexible and dynamic.’

‘A professional, fast and dynamic legal office, with an unrivalled overview in our industry.’

‘Jan Měkota is the best of the best.’

Key clients

O2 Czech Republic


EGEM


UP Česká republika


AVE CZ


AŽD Praha


Heureka Group


Natland Group


Automotoklub Most


Česká pošta (Czech Post)


Ministry of Industry and Trade


Hospodářská komora České republiky


Technologie hlavního města Prahy


Škoda Auto a.s.


Work highlights


  • Represented Heureka Group in a hearing before the Grand Chamber of the CJEU in a preliminary preference procedure related to a claim for damages against Google.
  • Assisted ČESKÁ POŠTA with a procedural review of the state aid notification procedure regarding the universal postal service net costs remuneration.
  • Represented Tescoma in resale price maintenance proceedings before the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition.

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelář’s antitrust and competition department’s roster of clients comprises local and global corporations from various industries, including e-commerce, tech, digital markets, and financial services. The firm advises on a broad range of issues such as merger filings, abuse of dominant position, cartel investigations, and state aid matters, often representing clients in front of the Czech and Slovak Antimonopoly Offices. Recently, the firm has represented Google LLC in a multi-billion Czech dollar case brought by Seznam.cz. Renowned antitrust lawyer Ivo Janda leads the department and primarily handles investigations and disputes. Magda Olyšarová is recognised for her activity in merger filing work with EU and domestic competition authorities.

Practice head(s):

Ivo Janda


Other key lawyers:

Magda Olyšarová


Testimonials

‘Oriented in procedural issues, the team also possesses strong knowledge of local specifics and the ability to understand the technical aspects of the business.’

‘Diligent and flexible.’

‘Magda Olyšarová is precise, very communicative and has the ability to embrace new topics.’

‘White and Case EU and competition team always provides top services I can rely on with confidence. The team has wide experience both with local competition office practice and with the European Commission.’

Key clients

Avast Software


Google LLC


PPF Group


JPMorgan Chase Bank


KLEPIERRE CZ s.r.o.


České Radiokomunikace a.s.


Česká asociace pojišťoven (The Czech Insurance Association)


Czech Banking Association


JUDR. JIRINA LUZOVA (insolvency trustee of Sberbank CZ, a.s)


Toyota Industries Corporation


The Carlyle Group


Work highlights


  • Representing Google LLC and Alphabet Inc in litigation with Seznam.cz in a case concerning breached competition law.
  • Successfully advised four Czech banks on a high-profile matter have successfully advised four Czech banks on a high-profile matter, assisting with the competition-law aspects of their contemplated ATM pooling arrangement.
  • Representing the Czech Insurance Association in a complex complaint to the European Commission on a breach of EU law by the Czech government in connection with the new Czech legislation on insurance of foreigners.

Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy primarily focuses on cartel defence work, behavioural investigations, merger controls, and investigations in front of the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition. Representing multinational corporations and leading Czech businesses from sectors such as TMT, energy, retail, and life sciences, the firm also advises on regulations within the agricultural and food industry. Recently, the group has seen increased rates of work relating to foreign direct investment control. The practice is co-led by Marta Sendrowicz and senior associate Ivana Halamová Dobíšková, who has considerable experience with merger clearance procedures before the European Commission.

Practice head(s):

Marta Sendrowicz; Ivana Halamová Dobíšková


Testimonials

‘The team at Allen & Overy always try to find a solution that matches their client’s business needs.’

‘Ivana Halamová Dobíšková is a real expert in her field. She understands the regulatory law and monitors the decisions of authorities. She speaks clearly, is professional, communicates well, and is always helpful. She finds business-oriented solutions, and we appreciate her cooperation.’

Key clients

W.A.G payment solutions plc


Potysz health, investiční fond s proměnným základním kapitálem, a.s.


LeasePlan Corporation N.V.


Open Text Corporation


Scania


A.P. Møller Holding A/S


Českomoravský cement, a.s.


A producer of feed mixtures, supplements and feed for farm and domestic animals


Work highlights


  • Advised Open Text Corporation about the acquisition of Micro Focus, including a Czech company.
  • Advised Potysz health, investiční fond s proměnným základním kapitálem, a.s. on the competition aspects of its acquisition of 55% share in Chronicare Group a.s. by PHF Senatorium a.s. from Medica Healthworld a.s.
  • Advised LeasePlan Corporation N.V. in connection with its integration with ALD Automotive.

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář’s antitrust, competition, and compliance practice operates across both the Czech and Slovak markets and leverages its international network of offices to advise on cross-border work. The team handles transactional advisory work, cases regarding horizontal and vertical agreements, merger filings, and cartel investigations. The firm also assists domestic and foreign clients with private litigation. The group is jointly led by Alexandr César, who frequently advises on M&A-related competition issues, and Kateřina Schenková, who focuses on distribution models and cases involving abuse of dominance position. Associate Michal Malkovský is a key contact within the department.

Practice head(s):

Alexandr César; Kateřina Schenková


Other key lawyers:

Michal Malkovský


Testimonials

‘Kateřina Schenková stands out in her ability to advise a number of jurisdictions, with a special focus on competition law in the pharmaceutical industry.’

‘Baker McKenzie’s team assisted us with merger issues related to divestment of assets and operations in bankruptcies. I find them very excellent, efficient, and knowledgeable.’

‘Alexandr César is very skillful and efficient in driving merger filings and advising on competition issues. He possesses deep knowledge, is capable of finding solutions with the Czech Competition Office, and always provides business-oriented advice.’

Key clients

Adient


Asociace inovativního farmaceutického průmyslu


CITIC Group


GI International


Grundfos


Moulins de Kleinbettingen


Schreiber International


SIKA


SPIE


Trustee of Sberbank CZ


Zumtobel


Work highlights


  • Assisted the trustee of the bankrupt bank Sberbank CZ with the sale of its loan portfolio to Česká Spořitelna and related merger clearance.
  • Provided complex legal advisory services to the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry on various compliance, regulatory and competition law matters relating to marketing, distribution and advertising of pharmaceuticals and public tenders.
  • Advised CITIC Group on various competition matters, including reviews, assessments and recommendations relating to acquisitions and restructuring in the Czech Republic.

Eversheds Sutherland Dvorák Hager, advokátní kancelár, s.r.o.

Eversheds Sutherland Dvorák Hager, advokátní kancelár, s.r.o.'s EU and competition team acts for a client roster which includes numerous high-profile international corporations and banks. With demonstrable experience in representing clients in proceedings before the national competition authorities in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the firm primarily handles cases relating to merger control, cartels, and bid riggings. Recently, the group has extended their scope of work to include advising on unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply sectors. Michal Hrabovský heads the practice and focuses on all elements of antitrust law. Stanislav Dvořák is a key contact within the department.

Practice head(s):

Michal Hrabovský


Other key lawyers:

Stanislav Dvořák


Testimonials

‘A very experienced and knowledgeable team with an ability to appreciate the bigger picture. Their advice always helps to solve our problem.’

‘It’s a pleasure to work with Michal Hrabovský and his team. Every time we ask for some advice, they accept it with a joy of a new challenge, and it is really refreshing to feel that people on the other side enjoy their work.’

Key clients

McDonald’s


ArcelorMittal


MVV Energie


Komerční banka (Essox)


EMOS


TSR


Bonver Win


Hartenberg Capital


Korado


Trek Bikes


Bestsport


Work highlights


  • Represented ASE in a cartel case held before the Czech competition authority.
  • Represented Bonver Win in a case before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
  • Advised Hartenberg Capital on merger control filings to the European Commission and several national competition authorities.

Kinstellar

The Prague-based competition and state aid practice at Kinstellar offers guidance to clientele from a variety of industries, including life sciences, IT, energy, and finance. With expertise in handling cross-border work, often in relation to merger controls, the team is led by Tomáš Čihula, who focuses primarily on public procurement work. At the associate level, Adam Němec is a notable member of the group, and frequently covers M&A-related competition work, as is Michal Forýtek, who advises on competition matters within the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Tomáš Čihula


Other key lawyers:

Adam Němec; Michal Forýtek


Testimonials

‘A great team for any antitrust work in the CEE region. Impressive geographic coverage. Swift and responsive lawyers.’

‘Tomáš Čihula is an extraordinary lawyer with a unique business acumen. Very experienced in the field of merger control.’

‘Tomáš Čihula leads an excellent team. Very commercial, has great experience working with international clients and strong technical capabilities.’

‘Tomáš Čihula is one of the top antitrust lawyers in Eastern Europe. Great client management, a strong advocate, very organised and timely in delivery.’

‘The team is responsive, and the advice provided was concise.’

‘Strong practice with a very good understanding of Czech competition law and how it relates to broader EU legal issues and trends.’

‘Tomáš Čihula is smart, practical, and gives clear answers to help clients make decisions. He also has a good demeanour when working with clients.’

Key clients

Stada Arzneimittel


Johnson & Johnson / Janssen


Net4Gas


Mastercard


Whirlpool


LR Health & Beauty


Veolia


E.ON Česká republika


ČEZ


POC Sweden


Royal Canin


BioCryst Pharmaceuticals


Schoenherr Czech Republic

Schoenherr Czech Republic’s EU, competition, and foreign trade practice is recognised for its strong activity in non-contentious competition law cases. As well as assisting clients with Czech merger filings and mock dawn raids, the firm is regularly involved in local and global competition matters, particularly for clients within the transport, telecoms, tech, and energy industries. Recently, the team has demonstrated expertise in FDI-related work, most notably in relation to notifications and assessments. ‘Proactive’ Jan Kupčík heads the department and offers know-how on antitrust work and FDI filings.

Practice head(s):

Jan Kupčík


Testimonials

‘Schoenherr is our long-standing advisor. They are excellent and always prepared in compliance matters, and they understand the industry very well. They are also great in other areas, which makes them an all-around firm. They are prompt in responses and deliver outputs we need.’

‘Jan Kupčík is flexible, responsive and business-focused. He is an expert in competition law, and he delivers high-value services. He focuses on what we really need, and it is great to cooperate with him.’

‘Schoenherr’s competition practice combines a deep understanding of competition law with the ability to respond according to client needs. The team is quick and precise in advising, experienced, and looks for pragmatic solutions.’

‘Jan Kupčík is the go-to person for pragmatic competition law advice and in navigating in merger control and FDI regimes. He is diligent, always available and understands the business very well. In notification proceedings, his expertise is unique. We appreciate that he gives full attention to the matter, and he manages all the projects in a way it is very easy to work with him.’

‘We appreciate Jan Kupčík’ proactive and extremely competent approach, as well as his ‘hands-on’ mentality.’

‘Easy to work with and handled the matter well.’

‘The team speaks English well and understands how to approach the task properly.’

Key clients

Japan Industrial Partners Inc.


E& (Etisalat)


Carlyle


Metro AG


Cameco Corporation


Applied Materials Inc.


ComAp


Geberit


Association of Tyre Producers (Czech Republic)


Association of Tyre Producers in the Slovak Republic


Work highlights


  • Advising Carlyle on the acquisition of Meopta-optika, which included mandatory FDI and merger control filings.
  • Advising Japan Industrial Partners in relation to their acquisition of Japanese conglomerate Toshiba.
  • Advising e& in its recurring acquisition of shares in Vodafone, which included repeated mandatory FDI filings.

Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing Czech Republic assists clients from the industrial, retail, and consumer industries, on a variety of matters such as cartel investigations, abusive practices, merger control, and distribution agreements. Benefitting from a global network of 29 offices, the firm also handles FDI screenings, and merger notifications, often representing clients in front of national competition authorities. The offering is led by Markéta Deimelová, who offers advice on cross-border competition cases, particularly between the Czech Republic and Austria. Senior associate Maroš Podstavek is a key contact within the team and primarily focuses on state aid proceedings at administrative courts.

Practice head(s):

Markéta Deimelová


Other key lawyers:

Maroš Podstavek


Key clients

Trei Real Estate Czech Republic s.r.o


Work highlights


  • Advising Trei Real Estate Czech Republic s.r.o. on merger control requirements related to the contemplated divestment of its Czech and Slovak business including a portfolio of supermarkets and retail parks.

Weinhold Legal

Led by Daniel Weinhold, the EU and competition practice at Weinhold Legal has expertise in competition issues relating to acquisitions and disposals. Assisting clients from the telecoms, healthcare, IT, and insurance sectors, the firm routinely handles cases involving anti-monopoly clearances, the private enforcement of damages, and abuse of dominant position. Martin Lukáš is a key contact within the team and focuses on the nexus between M&A and competition concerns. Associate Tereza Hošková specialises in public procurement and GDPR matters.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Weinhold


Other key lawyers:

Martin Lukáš; Tereza Hoškov


Testimonials

‘Weinhold Legal has a very strong competition practice. They supported us in a number of litigation cases focused on the recovery of damages from competition law frauds and their performance was excellent.’

Key clients

Kancelář zdravotních pojišťoven


EGAP Export and Guarantee Insurance Company


WASTECH


Transdev


Lagardére Retail


LitFin


Lorenc logstics


Olomouc Municipality