Firms To Watch: EU, competition and distribution

Launched in September 2021, Addleshaw Goddard‘s competition practice is led by former Ashurst LLP partner Michaël Cousin, who brings extensive experience in merger filings, competition litigation (including follow-on damages claims) and state aid to the firm, as well as regulatory expertise in the energy and railway sectors.
Aude Guyon, who joined the firm as a partner in January 2022 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, leads the competition, distribution and foreign investment department at Fiducial Legal by Lamy, which handles contentious and non-contentious matters including merger control, cartel and abuse of dominance cases, and state aid.
Led by Frédéric Pradelles, who joined from Latham & Watkins in September 2021, and Jacques Buhart, McDermott Will & Emery AARPI’s competition practice handles cross-border matters including merger control, with recent work involving clearance by the European Commission and authorities of other jurisdictions, and an international automotive cartel investigation. The team also handles investigations by the French authorities and the competition aspects of restructuring and investments.
PDGB’s competition practice was created through the hire of new practice head Virginie Coursière-Pluntz from CMS Francis Lefebvre in September 2021. Since Coursière-Pluntz’s arrival, the firm has taken on antitrust litigation and merger control matters, which often have a cross-border element.
Stephenson Harwood established a competition practice in March 2021 following the arrival of Jean-Julien Lemonnier from White & Case. The group handles investigations work as well as compliance issues with a competition angle. It counts major financial institutions among its clients
Founded by former Cabinet Renaudier partner Karine Turbeaux in October 2022, Trust Avocats specialises in competition and distribution law, assisting clients with the drafting of commercial contracts and appearing in litigation before the courts and competition authorities.

Firms in the Spotlight EU, competition and distribution

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES logo

A FULL-EXPERTISE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW FIRM   Founded in 1987, Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) is one of the main French law firms whose activity is exclusively dedicated to employment law and all other legal areas related to human resources management (insurance law, tax law…).

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Vivien & Associés

Vivien & Associés logo

Vivien & Associés offers competitive legal services and representation across a broad range of key practice areas:

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EU, competition and distribution in France

BDGS Associés

BDGS Associés‘ wide-ranging practice covers merger control, antitrust litigation and investigations and state aid, particularly for retail and transportation clients but also for financial institutions, with the firm representing seven banks in litigation against the Single Resolution Board and European Central Bank. The firm counts Engie as a key client, advising the energy company on both M&A and state aid. In the M&A sphere, the team covers cross-border M&A deals, which involve notifying competition authorities in multiple jurisdictions including the European Commission and obtaining clearance decisions; co-head Maria Trabucchi is a key name in this area. In the antitrust litigation and investigations space, Trabucchi and fellow co-head Antoine Gosset-Grainville assist with FCA investigations as well as representing press alliance APIG in an abuse of dominance complaint against Google. Gosset-Grainville and Mathilde Damon work on state aid matters, acting for both government agencies and recipients of the aid, including advising the French State Shareholding Agency on emergency measures in favour of Air France, while Jérôme Fabre advises on anticompetitive practices, including proceedings before the FCA.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Gosset-Grainville; Maria Trabucchi


Other key lawyers:

Mathilde Damon; Jérôme Fabre


Key clients

Carrefour


ENGIE


Safran


CMA CGM


French State Shareholding Agency


Thales


La Poste / La Banque Postale


Publicis


SNCF


OpenGate Capital


BPCE


Crédit Mutuel


Société Générale


Crédit Agricole


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole Assurances/Predica


Campofrío


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Fédération du Commerce et de la Distribution


Séché Environnement


Alliance de la Presse d’Information Générale (APIG)


Bpifrance Investissement


Sagard


Work highlights


  • Advised ENGIE in the context of the sale of its €12bn revenue worth multi-technical services business (Equans) to Bouygues. Assisting in securing antitrust clearance for the transaction from the European Commission, the US Federal Trade Commission, the UK Competition and Markets Authority and several other antitrust authorities worldwide.
  • Advising the French Shareholding Agency (Agence des Participations de l’État – APE) on the different measures put in place by the French state in favour of Air France in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, including (i) two emergency measures for a total amount of €7bn and (ii) the French subscription to a capital increase for an amount up to €1bn and, most recently, (iii) another capital increase (with pre-emptive rights for existing shareholders) to which the French state participated.
  • Advising APIG, the alliance of the French national and regional generalist press, as claimant in the highly publicised abuse of dominance proceedings against Google for its non-compliance with the French transposition of the EU copyright directive.

Bredin Prat

Bredin Prat’s five-partner team oversees the merger control aspects of high-value acquisitions. In a recent highlight, it was co-counsel to Suez on its €13bn cross-border takeover by Veolia where it strategically deployed competition law against an originally hostile takeover. Olivier Billard and Igor Simic gain clearance for acquisitions before both the European Commission and FCA. Antitrust litigation is another strong area for the firm, including abuse of dominance cases, cartel fines, unfair competition proceedings and follow-on damages claims. Litigation is frequently taken on by Yelena Trifounovitch and Marie-Cécile Rameau; they are supported in this area by Arthur Helfer (who was promoted to partner in January 2023) and counsel Yohann Chevalier, who worked on abuse of dominance litigation regarding an acquisition. FCA investigations are also covered. Pierre Honoré handles M&A and antitrust investigations; he divides his time between Paris and Brussels. The firm also takes on billion-dollar state aid cases for the French state and state-owned or private companies.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Billard; Igor Simic; Marie-Cécile Rameau; Yelena Trifounovitch; Pierre Honoré


Other key lawyers:

Arthur Helfer, Yohann Chevalier


Testimonials

‘We have enjoyed working with Igor Simic on a number of matters covering different aspects of competition law and have appreciated his professional skills. Igor Simic is dedicated to his clients and provides strategic and pragmatic advice.’

‘Pierre Honoré is knowledgeable and responsive.’

‘Yelena Trifounovitch is dedicated, rigorous and focused.’

‘Excellent skills, responsiveness, availability, friendly.’

‘Yelena Trifounovith (Partner): excellence and humanity, simplicity.’

‘Expertise and great pragmatism.’

‘Bredin’s team is probably one of the best competition law teams in Paris. The technical skills, the proposals in terms of strategy, the quality of the work, the reactivity and the links maintained with the competition authorities make it essential.’

‘Yelena Trifounovitch is unquestionably one of the best practising lawyers.’

Key clients

Airbus


Air Liquide


Amaury Group


Apple


La Banque Postale


beIN Sports


Casino


Coca-Cola


DAF


Danone


Edenred


EDF


Fnac Darty


France Télévisions


Google


Iliad


JCDecaux


Lactalis


Legrand


LVMH


Meta


Schneider Electric


Sodexo


Sonatrach


Stellantis (formerly PSA Peugeot Citroën)


Suez


TDF


Uber


Unilever


Work highlights


  • Advising Suez in relation to all EU and international merger control aspects of its €13bn landmark takeover by Veolia.
  • Advising French furniture retailer But (Mobilux Group) on its acquisition of rival Conforama and securing unconditional clearance for the deal in France’s first-ever successful case of failing firm defence after an in-depth (Phase 2) investigation.
  • Advising TDF before the European Court of Justice in a landmark request for a preliminary ruling relating to the application of the ECJ’s nearly 50-year-old Continental Can case law to its 2016 below-thresholds acquisition of rival ITAS, which has been challenged by Towercast as an abuse of dominance.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

The competition team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton handles complex merger control matters concerning high-value M&A; two key examples are the firm’s work for Vivendi on its acquisition of sole control over Lagardère and acting as co-counsel for Veolia on its acquisition of Suez, both cross-border and billion-euro mandates, with the latter requiring clearance by the authorities of 18 jurisdictions. Séverine Schrameck, who co-led on both matters, also acted for a client involved in a major FCA investigation into the food and beverage industry, aided by senior attorney Stéphanie Patureau, who joined from Linklaters in 2021. Frédéric De Bure covers much of the firm’s FCA work, taking on litigation against the authority for major tech clients. Antoine Winckler and François-Charles Laprévote, who divide their time between Paris and Brussels, also head the team. The firm also covers follow-on damages claims.


Practice head(s):

Frédéric de Bure; Séverine Schrameck; François-Charles Laprévote; Antoine Winckler


Other key lawyers:

Stéphanie Patureau


Testimonials

‘Frédéric de Bure has a smart approach to cases and constantly takes into account business constraints/functioning to give pragmatic legal advice. Frédéric de Bure is reliable, available for his clients, and takes care to answer the client’s needs in terms of final output.’

‘Diversity of the team, great availability and amazing quality of work.’

‘Availability and outstanding quality of work. François-Charles Laprévote, Victoria Blanc and David Pérez de Lamo are fantastic lawyers.’

Key clients

Vivendi


The French State


JC Decaux


GlobalFoundries


My Money Group (Cerberus)


Lactalis


Veolia Environnement


Canal +


Google


Tech Data


Whirlpool


Airbus


Ortec


Latour Capital


Ryanair


Valeo


Elsan


Saint Louis Sucre


Work highlights


  • Representing Vivendi in connection with the merger control aspects of its proposed acquisition of sole control over Lagardère.
  • Representing a multinational beverage company in an FCA investigation in respect of certain conduct relating to the manufacture and sale of food products in food containers that may contain or may have contained bisphenol A (“BPA”) or BPA-substitutes.
  • Representing Veolia Environnement in the merger control aspects related to the acquisition of Suez by Veolia, including the implementation of the set of remedies agreed with the European Commission and the creation of the second world player in the utilities sector, named New Suez.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance is lauded for its 'extensive knowledge of merger control processes, and successfully delivers challenging, large-scale multi-jurisdictional antitrust projects'. David Tayar advised on Hitachi’s billion-euro acquisition of Thales, requiring filings in multiple jurisdictions, and Katrin Schallenberg is a key name for aviation sector clients. The team frequently handles the foreign direct investment elements of acquisitions, assisted by counsel Emily Xueref-Poviac, who has expertise in this area. Counsel Amélie Lavenir, Tayar also works on antitrust investigations and litigation, with experience handling investigations before the European Commission investigations. Of counsel Michel Petite is experienced in state aid matters, both defending and intervening on behalf of clients in litigation involving the European Commission.

Practice head(s):

David Tayar; Katrin Schallenberg


Testimonials

‘Katrin Schallenberg has good relationships with clients, she is responsive and provides practical advice.’

‘The entire Clifford Chance team (David Tayar, Clémence Carlier, Amélie Lavenir, Antoine Réco, Nivi Balaji, Sophie Scholl) is exceptional in every regard – they quickly understand competition dynamics in a highly complex industry, they have extensive knowledge of merger control processes, and they successfully deliver challenging, large-scale multi-jurisdictional antitrust projects.’

‘Team members work closely together, they work fast and are highly efficient, and they constantly produce excellent work and advice.’

‘They offer world-class competition/antitrust expertise, and they’re great to work with.’

‘David Tayar and his team truly master strategic argumentation! They’re excellent lawyers, they’ve been a pleasure to work with and will certainly be at the top of my list for the next transaction!’

‘Unparalleled intellectual horsepower, world-class competition/antitrust expertise, client-oriented, excellent communication and project management, great to work with.’

‘Outstanding individuals – David Tayar (partner), Amélie Lavenir, Clémence Carlier, Antoine Réco, Nivi Balaji, Sophie Scholl.’

‘Clifford Chance’s antitrust team is very dedicated and acts as a transaction facilitator, especially when transactions become more complex. Great proximity with customers, allowing to move forward faster, a real plus in the files.’

Key clients

Ardian


Axa


Hitachi


Permira


Sephora


Sibanye Stillwater Limited


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


Adobe


Airbus


Amundi


Ariane Group


Arkema


BNP Paribas


Carrefour


Crédit Agricole/CACEIS


Crédit Mutuel


DGEC


Electrolux


Engie


Europcar


General Electric


Hearst


Ivanhoé Cambridge


Ligue de Football Professionnel


L’Oréal


Manpower


Oracle


Rexel


Sandoz


Shell


Starbucks


Tereos


Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries


TotalEnergies


Work highlights


  • Advising Hitachi Rail on the merger control and FDI aspects of its acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business, concluded for over €1.5bn.
  • Advising General Electric on the complex antitrust issues of the $30bn sale of its aircraft leasing business to AerCap.
  • Advising Teva on all EU antitrust investigations concerning it, both with respect to allegations of abuse of dominance and anti-competitive agreements, which are currently pending before the Commission or the EU courts.

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier

Didier Théophile at Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier 'combines indisputable technical expertise with a keen sense of strategy'; he acts for clients in cross-border billion-euro transactions, advising on merger control matters before the European Commission and in multiple other jurisdictions. Théophile also co-leads on follow-on damages actions with the firm’s litigation partners - he was part of a team representing Daimler in actions due to the trucks cartel sanction - and also handles state aid matters and advises clients on FCA investigations and litigation. Guillaume Aubron, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, also takes on key matters. Counsel Constance Bocket often assists Théophile in M&A and FCA matters.

Practice head(s):

Didier Théophile


Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Aubron; Constance Bocket


Testimonials

‘Very well organised team able to handle heavy files.’

‘Didier Theophile: responsive, persevering and always available.’

‘The European law, competition and distribution team of Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier is distinguished by the adequate involvement of partner Didier Théophile and the perfect coordination of the team around him and Constance Bocket. The relationship is simple and the team is oriented towards a fast and concrete treatment of the subjects. We feel a real cohesion and all levels of service are efficient in their own tasks. The flow of information within the team is never faulted.’

‘Didier Théophile combines indisputable technical expertise with a keen sense of strategy and a high sensitivity for business issues. Constance Bocket has a perfect command of competition rules and procedures. She knows how to conduct difficult procedures with an excellent sense of contact. She knows how to find arbitration proposals for the most difficult questions to solve.’

‘Guillaume Aubron: smart, hardworking, grasps the bigger picture while being on top of the details.’

Key clients

Accor


Amazon


Bouygues / Bouygues Telecom


Carrefour


Daimler


Docaposte


EDF


Korian


Lagardère


Lov Group Invest


Société Générale / ALD


Suez


Vivendi


Work highlights


  • Advising Société Générale and ALD in the context of ALD’s acquisition of LeasePlan.
  • Representing Tech Data in the context of an appeal before the Paris Court of Appeals following the FCA’s decision to fine Apple, Tech Data and Ingram Micro a total of €1.24bn.
  • Defending Daimler in multiple actions brought before French courts by alleged victims of the trucks cartel, which was sanctioned by the Commission in 2016.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei covers antitrust litigation for a range of clients, with particular recent experience in the transport and tourism sectors. For transport clients, the firm advises on follow-on damages after the trucks cartel sanctions and works on abuse of dominant position litigation, while tourism work includes litigation before the FCA and EU competition authorities. Heading the practice with distribution expert Barbara Levy, Philippe Guibert co-leads much of the firm’s recent work, working with recently promoted partner Laëtitia Gavoty Tolot on FCA matters such as advising on an FCA fine for food and beverage clients. The team also covers FCA and European Commission filings relating to M&A, often working with corporate colleagues on cross-border deals; counsel Sofia El Hariri frequently provides support in this area. Alexandre Eberhardt was promoted to the partnership in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Guibert; Barbara Levy


Testimonials

‘Excellent team: on a technical level and very pleasant to cooperate with them.’

‘Philippe Guibert is clearly the star of the team.’

‘Top-notch lawyers with great knowledge of EU and French procedure and very commercial.’

‘Quality and speed of services.’

‘Team with one of the best expertise in competition and distribution law in Paris. Works on the most complex cases and knows perfectly how the authorities operate.’

‘Philippe Guibert is an essential lawyer in competition law – one of the very best, certainly. In addition to his technical knowledge, he is endowed with a rare political sense and strategic flair.’

‘Laetitia Gavoty Tolot: Very quick understanding of economic issues.’

Key clients

RATP


SNCF


SONEPAR


MAN / Traton Trucks


ALTICE


ARCELOR MITTAL


GROUPE DERICHEBOURG


ALLIANZ GROUP


ARKEMA


PIERRE & VACANCES


Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits


SIEMENS HEALTH CARE


VINCI GROUP


GROUPE BERNARD HAYOT (GBH)


Group BELL AG / Group COOP


ALTAREA


INFOVISTA


BOUYGUES IMMOBILIER


COSIMO (Eastpak)


CREDIT AGRICOLE


QUADIENT NEOPOST


CNP ASSURANCES


CIC-CREDIT MUTUEL


SOCIETE GENERALE


MALAKOFF MEDERIC


GROUPE SOUFFLET


AXA


LASTMINUTE


ROBERT BOSCH


VICTORIA’S SECRET


OUTSIDE LIVING INDUSTRIES FRANCE (OLIN)


GRANITI FIANDRE


Work highlights


  • Assisting a leading distribution company in a very complex case where there is a parallel jurisdiction of FCA and a criminal judge regarding alleged anti-competition practices.
  • Assisting SEPM (French press magazines union) before the FCA regarding the non-compliance by Google of FCA’s interim measures decision relating to press magazines’ IP neighbouring rights.
  • Assisting Soufflet Group’s shareholders with the sale of 100% of Soufflet Group’s capital to InVivo Group, a player in the cereals and wheat sector.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. frequently handles the antitrust elements of acquisitions, with Dimitri Dimitrov working on a rare pharmaceutical merger to be assessed by the FCA; he is supported by associate Charles Terdjman. Another strength of the firm is in follow-on damages claims, overseen by Franck Audran and Laura Castex. The agroindustry is a key sector for the firm, with Audran, Castex and members of the Brussels team defending multiple clients against an FCA statement of objections, while FCA investigations is another area of experience. Emmanuel Reille is another key name. Associate Elizabeth Gautier provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Reille; Franck Audran; Laura Castex; Dimitri Dimitrov


Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Gautier; Charles Terdjman; Ghislaine Lemoyne


Testimonials

‘Good availability. The team came up with a solution to each of the topics discussed. Very good follow-up through to the end of the case.’

‘Gide’s competition law practice is of high quality. The team has a remarkable ability to absorb and understand the stakes involved in the case from every angle – regulatory, industrial and commercial. It very quickly identifies the risks and will seek to circumvent them by any means, which it does with great success.’

‘The team led by Emmanuel Reille is exemplary in the way it approaches cases. They are facilitators who have high levels of expertise and know-how in all areas of competition law.’

‘Great professionalism, unfailing availability, and empathy for the client.’

‘Laura Castex is remarkable.’

‘We worked together in a very integrated way, with competent lawyers who are available and eager to understand the challenges for the company in France while highlighting them with the global perspective of an international group. The team was proactive and provided sound advice both during consultations with the Competition Council and during contract negotiations.’

‘I appreciated the pragmatic and constructive approach of Franck Audran and his team, who always listen to the client. This allows them to deal with cases quickly and gives them agility in a very active and fast-moving area of law.’

‘Working with Gide is very comfortable: the quality of the legal work is matched by the quality of the supporting services.’

Key clients

Savencia (Bongrain)


Phoenix Pharma


NRJ Group


Reworld Media


HIG / Time Manufacturing


BMW


Levis


LVMH


Bonduelle


Viasat


Association Famille Mulliez


CNP Assurances


Legrand


Sonepar


Gares & Connexions


Nuxe


Etam


Mediaset


Barentz (Cinven fund)


Michelin


SNCF


Vinci


Société Générale


Crédit Agricole


L’Oreal


Saria


VM Building / Fedrus


Keolis


Sisley


Eiffage


Roquette Frères


Coca Cola


Velux


CR Hansen


Ajinomoto


Stihl


Nemera


Tate and Lyle


Fnac-Darty


Unibail-Rodamco-Westfields


Caisse des dépôts et des consignations


Maus Frères SA / Lacoste


Cosmetics Europe


Petit Bateau


Groupe Rocher


Apple EMEIA, Apple Inc.


Avril


Groupe Castel


FEBEA


FIAC (can industry)


Eurosport / Discovery


Nintendo


Iveco


UHR, Faghit (hotel industry)


Accor


Paris 2024 (organization of Paris’ Olympic Games)


GNI (hotel industry)


Total


Pernod Ricard


BlackFin


BC Partners


Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins’ Paris competition team works closely with its Brussels office, particularly for multinational client Orange, which the Paris and Brussels teams advised recently on antitrust clearance. Practice head Jacques-Philippe Gunther also worked with the Brussels team to advise Saur on its €190m acquisition of Veolia’s European Mobile Water Services Division. The life sciences and automotive industries are also key sectors for the firm. The team also covers FCA investigations into abuse of dominant position, an area where Adrien Giraud is active. Mathilde Saltiel is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Jacques-Philippe Gunther


Other key lawyers:

Adrien Giraud; Mathilde Saltiel


Testimonials

‘It is a team with a wide range of skills in competition law (advice/litigation, abuse, anti-competitive practices, state aid). A team that is quite capable of adapting to different customer profiles on invoicing and deliverables.’

‘Adrien Giraud: very involved in the files, shows pragmatism in the recommendations, has a very varied experience in terms of types of files and types of clients.’

‘Knowledge of the environment and its workings both in France and internationally. Very sharp expertise. Strong responsiveness and understanding of customer needs.’

‘Jacques Philippe Gunther: exceptional. Mathilde Saltiel: very good responsiveness, technicality and sense of result.’

‘Jacques-Philippe Gunther is directly involved in the file, on a daily basis. The exchanges are fluid, constructive and thanks to his very strong expertise, we have been able to build a long-term strategy. The team works very effectively with collaborators from other jurisdictions (especially in Brussels) who are very involved and real relays.’

‘Jacques-Philippe Gunther: an excellent professional in his field, in France and in other jurisdictions. Innovative, suggesting solutions but also an offensive strategy to achieve the objectives.’

‘Top-notch team led by Adrien Giraud.’

‘Adrien Giraud: Outstanding knowledge and understanding of our industry, to-the-point advice, does not shy away from taking a bit of risk, utmost availability.’

Key clients

Orange


GRAIL


EssilorLuxottica


CMA CGM


Worldline


SAUR


TDF


Ingram Micro


Michelin


Thales


Work highlights


  • Advised SAUR, a leading innovator and service provider in the global water sector, on its agreement to acquire Veolia’s European Mobile Water Services division, one of the main mobile water players in Europe, as part of the commitments made by Veolia to address the European Commission’s competition concerns following its acquisition of Suez.
  • Advising Orange regarding antitrust issues for the creation of a joint venture with MasMovil to combine their Spanish businesses, from the negotiation of a complex agreement to the filing of the case and obtaining approval before the relevant antitrust authorities.
  • Advising GRAIL on its US$8bn acquisition by Illumina, a transaction which closed with a “hold separate” in August 2021. The transaction is the first to have been referred to the European Commission following its new interpretation of Art 22 EUMR.

Linklaters

Linklaters’ strength is in its cross-border merger control work, with the Paris team working with multiple offices in Europe and globally to advise GrandVision on its €7.2bn takeover by EssilorLuxottica, led by Pierre Zelenko and global vertical restrictions head Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson. Anne Wachsmann is also active in this space as well as cartels, which is another area of strength generally for the practice. With partners in the French team often co-leading with those from other offices or the corporate practice, the team frequently advises on gaining clearance from the European Commission for acquisitions, and Thomas Elkins covers much of the firm’s international M&A, aided by recently promoted counsel Matthieu Blayney. Healthcare is a key sector for the firm, which provides antitrust advice on sales of business and acquisitions of stakes in joint ventures, as well as representing clients in follow-on damages litigation. Counsel Nicolas Zacharie provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Anne Wachsmann; Pierre Zelenko; Thomas Elkins; Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson


Other key lawyers:

Matthieu Blayney; Nicolas Zacharie


Testimonials

‘Thomas Elkins has extensive expertise and availability in matters relating to competition law.’

‘Availability of teams and skills.’

‘Thomas Elkins: Perfect customer approach. High availability – pragmatic approach and always looking for a suitable solution.’

‘The Linklaters team has recognised expertise in competition law which it makes available to its clients in the context of the cases it handles for them but also through efficient knowledge tools and management which make it possible to keep informed of the subjects which evolve in this matter.’

‘Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson is an excellent practitioner, appreciated for her expertise, know-how, her human qualities and her involvement in cases.’

‘The firm is very methodical in the management of long, unpublished and complex cases involving a very large number of documents.’

‘Thomas Elkins is very pedagogical; which is very significant for this complex and very subtle branch of law.’

‘The competition team is characterised by very great technical skills and advisory capacity to address extremely sensitive subjects and which could have major damaging consequences. The great availability of the team is also to be noted.’

Key clients

Nestlé


Grand Vision


Intermarché


ENGIE


BNP Paribas


Plastic Omnium


Société Générale


Carrier Global Corporation


GIP


LG Electronics


Stellantis


Saint Gobain


Sanofi


DP World Limited


McKesson


Samsung BioLogics


Groupe Bel


Gaz Transport & Technigaz


Tarkett


CSTB


White Label Alliance (ex Idemia G+D NXP)


Tate and Lyle


CPPIB


Work highlights


  • Advised GrandVision in EssilorLuxottica’s high-profile takeover creating a leading global eyecare and eyewear company.
  • Advised Intermarché – the fourth largest French retail group – on the acquisition of 90 Mestdagh SA points of sale, a Belgian retail group, from an investment company and a subsidiary of the Carrefour Group.
  • Advised ENGIE in the context of a complaint filed against EDF, the French national electricity incumbent, before the FCA for abusing its dominant position.

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés

Merger filings before the European Commission and FCA form the backbone of Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés’ work; with former practice head Olivier de Juvigny leaving the bar in October 2022, new practice heads Ning-Ly Seng and Thibault Reymond handle clearance for acquisitions and takeovers with a particular focus on the retail market. Key work for the firm includes advising on Vivendi’s €2bn takeover of Lagardère and acting as co-counsel for Veolia in its €13bn cross-border takeover of Suez. The team also covers FCA and European Commission antitrust investigations. Associate Thomas Bardusco provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Thibault Reymond; Ning-Ly Seng


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Bardusco


Testimonials

‘Tenacity and in-depth knowledge.’

‘Ning-Ly Seng is a solid and tenacious lawyer, leading cases with combativeness while being available and pleasant.’

‘Capable of managing complex cases at European level, in conjunction with other firms. Great listening and great responsiveness.’

‘Ning-Ly Seng demonstrates a high quality of listening skills and understanding of complex issues, particularly at European level, in complex technological sectors and involving multiple players.’

‘Highly specialised team with a skill that places them at the head of competition lawyers. In addition to a diversified practice in their speciality, a remarkable level of knowledge of public interlocutors, they have a real science of anticipation which has allowed remarkable results on the files of our group.’

‘Thibault Reymond: essential in his speciality, exceptional availability, listening and understanding.’

‘From an administrative point of view, everything has always been very fluid, which is not always the case with other firms, especially for invoicing.’

‘Thibault Reymond is available and responsive. He is very direct in his approach. His expertise in mergers is remarkable.’

Key clients

Casino (including Monoprix and C-Discount)


Bolloré


VINCI


Vivendi


Canal +


VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT


BNP Paribas


Servier


Boehringer Ingelhiem


Orpéa


Caisse des dépôts


Fiducial


Lactalis


Lindab


Prunay Group


Compagnie des Alpes


Séché Environment


Energizer


Baring Private Equity Asia


Tikehau Ace Capital


Groupe Duval


Snetor


Work highlights


  • Advised Vivendi on its strategic takeover bid over Lagardère.
  • Represents Veolia Environnement in its takeover bid over Suez. Initially hostile, the takeover met a strong opposition of Suez which implemented several legal defensive actions to prevent and block the takeover.
  • Advised BNP Paribas in the multilateral interchange fees case against the French Competition Authority.

Vogel & Vogel

Co-founder Joseph Vogel oversees every competition matter handled by Vogel & Vogel’s team, which is highly experienced in antitrust litigation. With experience in cartel litigation, the firm defends clients against claims of anti-competitive behaviour made by French authorities, represents clients in follow-on damages actions and brings private actions against companies for anti-competitive practices. The Bouygues Group is a noted client, with the firm covering litigation for its telecoms branch, cartel litigation for its construction division and M&A for its media sector. Antitrust investigations are an additional area of strength, with senior associate Anais Hirszowski part of a team representing clients before the FCA and Polynesian Competition Authority investigations. Juliette Blouet specialises in antitrust work for telecoms companies, Laurence Boudailliez often works on the merger control aspects of acquisitions, Pétronille Noël handles litigation and Fernanda De Abreu defends clients in investigations and litigation. Retail is a sector of specialism, with Cécile Assémat handling an investigation into a retail client by the European Commission. Julia Coste left the firm in September 2021.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Vogel


Other key lawyers:

Louis Vogel; Laurence Boudailliez; Fernanda de Abreu; Cécile Assémat; Juliette Blouet; Mathieu Pagnoux; Pétronille Noël; Anais Hirszowski; Stéphanie Boudin; Charles Fahrner; Sylvain Corvol; Hubert Delval; Bénédicte Simonneau; Virginie Oziol


Testimonials

‘Excellent team: great responsiveness, relevance of the analysis in relation to the expectations of the competition authority, anticipation of possible questions and pitfalls to avoid. Detailed and relevant analysis of the points of difficulty and the elements allowing our company to make the right choices.’

‘Team composed of Laurence Boudailliez and Audrey Billecard. Very reactive team, acquired a fine experience of the sector in which our company evolves.’

‘Excellent subject matter expertise.’

‘Pragmatic, pleasant and efficient, at the service of its customers with an excellent knowledge of the field.’

‘Vogel & Vogel is not only a technically excellent law firm, it is a law firm with a highly economic and industrial vision of business projects and acts as a strong business partner.’

‘Joseph Vogel is not only an excellent practitioner but also a true legal strategist. Extremely focused on his clients’ needs, Joseph finds tailor-made, creative and reliable solutions. We have also worked with some senior associates of the team, Juliette Blouet, Pétronille Noël and Fernanda de Abreu, whose technical skills, unparalleled responsiveness and acute sense of efficiency we were able to appreciate.’

‘Vogel & Vogel have excellent knowledge in competition law, their turnaround is fast and their reply is comprehensive and to the point.’

‘Joseph Vogel is an outstanding expert in competition law, he thinks one step ahead and is an excellent sparring partner for in-house counsels.’

Key clients

ASTRE


ACCOR


AREAS


AUDI


ALCYON


BANETTE


BEAUMANOIR


BIOLANDES


BIRKENSTOCK


BMW


BOLLE BRANDS


BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION & BOUYGUES ENERGIE & SERVICES


BOUYGUES IMMOBILIER


BOUYGUES SA


BOUYGUES TELECOM


BOUYGUES TRAVAUX PUBLICS


BUGATTI


BUT


CAFES RICHARD


CHEVROLET


CHRISTIAN DIOR


CLEAR CHANNEL


CLUB MED


COLAS


COMITE NATIONAL OLYMPIQUE


DAIMLER AG


DAF TRUCKS


DAIMLER TRUCKS


DASSAULT SYSTEMS


DIGICEL


ENGIE


EURO DISNEY


EUROFINS


EVOBUS


FORBO


FORD


GALLIANCE


GENERAL MOTORS


HYUNDAI


ILEC


ISEKI


KIA


LIGIER


L’OREAL


LOTUS


MATTEL


MERCEDES BENZ FRANCE


MIELE


OPEL


PETER HENNEN


PIERER E-BIKES


PIERRE CARDIN


POMONA


PORSCHE


PRIMAGAZ


RAPIDO


RENAULT


RTE


SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC FRANCE


STELLANTIS


STADE DE FRANCE


STAKO


TERRENA


TEMSA


TF1


TOYOTA


TWITTER


VAILLANT GROUP


VEOLIA


VOLKSWAGEN


VOLKSWAGEN BANK


YAMAHA


Work highlights


  • Advised Schneider Electric France on a vertical agreement inquiry undertaken by the French Competition Authority which led to dawn raids and hearings in co-ordination with the French criminal authorities.
  • Advised Bouygues Group on the merger of TF1 with M6 Group and the takeover of the new entity by the Bouygues Group before the French Competition Authority.
  • Advised Beaumanoir Group on the acquisition of sole control of Caroll International.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP’s practice head Florence Ninane and senior associate Roxane Hicheri act for Google in a high-profile abuse of dominance case before the FCA, a highlight for its focus on France’s new neighbouring rights legislation. The firm often handles investigations by public authorities, as well as defending clients against private abuse of dominance actions brought by competitors. Ninane and Hicheri also work with colleagues in other departments to advise on the competition aspects of M&A.

Practice head(s):

Florence Ninane


Other key lawyers:

Roxane Hicheri


Testimonials

‘Efficient crew that knows how to communicate the files to the people at the forefront in the team and the most able to provide the appropriate answers!’

‘Florence Ninane is a sharp and very efficient lawyer, able to provide answers quickly!’

‘Florence Ninane is an excellent lawyer, very efficient, clear and very business focused.’

Key clients

Assa Abloy


Ipsen Pharma


Samsung Electronics


TripAdvisor


Webedia


Google


Work highlights


  • Assists Google in the context of a landmark abuse of dominance case before the French Competition Authority (FCA), following complaints launched by news publishers and agencies for the payment of their newly created neighbouring rights.
  • Defending Webedia in litigation initiated by the Institut Français de Formation for alleged abuse of dominance.
  • Assisting Samsung Electronics France in the context of an investigation of the French Competition Authority in the white goods sector.

Ashurst LLP

Christophe Lemaire leads the competition team at Ashurst LLP, which is a popular choice for major domestic clients. The firm is representing SNCF in a follow-on damages action before the Paris Court of Appeal, while the firm’s work for Engie is an example of its experience in state aid; the team advises the client on state aid notifications before the European Commission and European Court of Justice for two renewable energy projects each worth billions of euros. The firm also takes on merger control for tech acquisitions alongside corporate colleagues and those in other offices. Senior associate Guillaume Vatin joined from Bredin Prat in April 2022. Michaël Cousin left the firm in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Christophe Lemaire


Testimonials

‘Christophe Lemaire has undeniable expertise in his field, through his experience, which serves the interests of his clients.’

‘Very great expertise, with a global understanding of business, even financial, beyond just legal issues.’

‘Very complete and very business oriented presentation of legal memos in an accessible format for operational staff; always executive summaries facilitating rapid decision-making.’

Key clients

SNCF and various subsidiaries (Ouibus, VSC, Oui.SNCF, Sferis)


ENGIE and various subsidiaries (former GDF SUEZ)


Storengy


Geomethane


Total


Schindler


BPI France


Microport/Sorin


Imperial Tobacco


Bosch and Coup France (subsidiary)


Aqualung


Babcock


Autodesk


Echosens


Alfalfa


Carbone Savoie


Corsair


Mitsui


Conseil national du notariat européen


Optovue


AREVA


Work highlights


  • Advised SNCF in the context of the renegotiation of the commitments made mandatory by Decision n° 14-D-11 of 2 October 2014.
  • Advised ENGIE and Eoliennes en Mer Yeu Normoutier and Eolienne Dieppe Le Treport in relation to state aid notification of two renewable projects to the Commission and represented them before the Court of Justice in relation to the pending appeal against these decisions.
  • Advised SYNNEX in the context of its merger with Tech Data on both merger control and foreign direct investment control aspects.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie advises on the merger control aspects of cross-border acquisitions; the competition team assisted corporate colleagues with the FCA notification for video game manufacturer Embracer’s €2.75bn acquisition of Asmodee Group, while practice head Léna Sersiron took the lead on advising Wonderbox ahead of its acquisition of a competitor, aided by senior associate Olivia Chriqui-Guiot, who joined from Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier in October 2021. The group also has strength representing clients in damages litigation, FCA investigations - with particular expertise in dawn raids - and assisting with compliance with competition regulations. Alex Dowding handles distribution networks and agreements. Romain Travade left the firm in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Léna Sersiron


Testimonials

‘Remarkable lawyer: Léna Sersiron – Energy, innovative approach, political sense.’

‘A very responsive and up-to-date team that knows how to listen to the needs of the client. What makes the difference: in-depth knowledge and experience. An exceptional level of preparation of the files which installed a great confidence and relieved the internal teams.’

‘Léna Sersiron is an extremely competent and pragmatic partner. We appreciated her perfect knowledge of the file and of both French and European case law. We also greatly appreciated her involvement in the various networks of lawyers and working groups, which allowed us to have a precise vision of current topics in competition law and the upcoming evolution of certain laws. Personally, I was also sensitive to her strength of character and her human side. This has been very useful in managing difficult and conflicting relations between shareholders.’

Key clients

Embracer


Wonderbox


LVMH


Trivium


CNIEL


TDF


Crédit Agricole


Snacking Services (DAUNAT)


Demeco


Vinci


Fédération Nationale de la Production des Semences de Maïs et de Sorgho


Huissiers de Justice Parisiens


Lubrizol


Adient


CGI


Nyrstar


Avis Budget


SWAROVSKI


Mutualité de La Réunion


Work highlights


  • Advising Embracer in the context of its strategic acquisition of Asmodee Group, one of the world’s leading independent players in the board game market, for an estimated €2.75bn.
  • Acting for Wonderbox on merger control in the context of the envisaged acquisition by Wonderbox of a competing operator.
  • Assisting TDF in a dispute relating to a price hike.

Dechert LLP

Dechert LLP’s expertise is in the life sciences sector, with a strong pharmaceutical client base; Mélanie Thill-Tayara, who is co-head of the firm’s global life sciences practice, represented Roche before the Paris Court of Appeal in an appeal against an FCA sanction for alleged abuse of dominant position. The firm’s recent work has focused on antitrust litigation, particularly appeals against FCA sanctions and follow-on actions regarding cartels – including the alleged commodity chemicals and dairy products cartels – as well as advice on FCA investigations. Laurence Bary and Marion Provost have recently handled the appeal of a fine before the FCA.

Practice head(s):

Mélanie Thill-Tayara


Other key lawyers:

Laurence Bary; Marion Provost


Testimonials

‘Serious innovation.’

‘Complete team with extensive experience in French and European competition law; tactical, strategic, in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical market and its regulation which impacts a “simple” application of competition law.’

‘Mélanie Thill-Tayara: remarkable for finesse in competition law, knows how to surround herself with the best and highlight their specificities. Great proximity to the client, perfect knowledge of the authorities, of the system, deep-dive in the impressive market. Marion Provost: excellent collaborator.’

‘Outstandingly excellent support in complex antitrust matters. Melanie Thill-Tayara and Laurence Bary are extremely efficient, hard working and organised and controlled end-to-end complex case management, fact-finding and defence strategy to perfection. Excellent strategic and pragmatic advice. The excellence and dedication justifies the fee.’

‘Melanie Thill-Tayara: very sharp strategic advice in complex antitrust matters. Very respected by the judges and the authorities, very persuasive. Laurence Bary: does all the heavy lifting in complex case management, manages a small team of associates and maintains excellent relationship with and attention to the client. Very knowledgeable with a pragmatic approach, self-confident and very convincing.’

Key clients

Apple


Archimed


Cora and Supermarchés Match


Deutsche Bahn AG


IBM


Roche


Virbac Santé Animale


Work highlights


  • Represents Roche in a case before the French Competition Authority relating to an alleged abuse of collective dominance with Novartis concerning the ‘off label use’ of Roche’s drug Avastin in the ophthalmic field where Novartis markets blockbuster Lucentis.
  • Representing Deutsche Bahn before the French courts in the context of both (i) public enforcement proceedings in the commodity chemicals cartel, and (ii) private enforcement claims for damages.
  • Handled merger control and FDI filings for French investment fund Archimed in the context of its acquisition of Carso.

Fréget Glaser & Associés

Fréget Glaser & Associés’ practice focuses on antitrust litigation, representing clients in appeals against FCA fines, private actions brought against competitors for anticompetitive behaviour and challenges against FCA authorisation of mergers. Practice heads Olivier Fréget and Liliana Eskenazi are active in representing clients in appeals against FCA fines. As well as advising the pharmaceutical and energy sectors, the firm also frequently acts for telecoms sector clients in unfair competition litigation brought against competitors. Associate Elsa Thauvin provides support in litigation before the FCA and Paris courts, including damages actions, and Antoine Labaeye, who made partner in January 2023, is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Fréget; Liliana Eskenazi


Other key lawyers:

Antoine Labaeye; Elsa Thauvin


Testimonials

‘Efficient team and very high level. Customer service always present. “Blue ribbon level”. High technical level.’

‘Olivier Freget among the best and constitutes a real reference.’

‘Olivier Fréget is a very good lawyer, Liliana Eskenazi too. They are both totally involved in their cases. Their strengths are their large amount of work, as well as the rigour and quality of the productions (conclusions or legal notes).’

‘Best firm in competition law, EU law and public law. Olivier Freget’s expertise in competition law and union law is unique and certainly makes him the best expert in the field in Paris.’

‘Rigorous reasoning, very advanced capacity for expertise, very great work force and conviction while avoiding dogmatic positions, this firm is geared towards the permanent search for the most optimal solutions for its clients.

‘A firm at the forefront of all competition issues affecting liberalised sectors, in particular energy. Exceptional work by Olivier Fréget and his team.’

‘Olivier Fréget is a combative lawyer who is close to his clients. He has an unparalleled knowledge of the competitive issues of energy. Antoine Labaeye is a partner to follow closely.’

Key clients

TOTALENERGIES


ILIAD/FREE/FREE MOBILE


BAYER


AUDIENS


GOOGLE


PMU


JOHNSON & JOHNSON


GROUPE CANAL PLUS


NOVARTIS


FRANCAISE DE L’ENERGIE


TRANSATLANTIS II FUND


GROUPE RENAULT


LEEM (Pharma trade association)


OCTOPLUS


LABEXA


Work highlights


  • Advised Total Direct Energie (now TotalEnergies) in a litigation against EDF to obtain the recognition of its right to activate the hardship clause (force majeure) in its contract for regulated access to historical nuclear electricity during the Covid-19 pandemic, and to obtain the reparation of the damages.
  • Advising Novartis in its appeal before the Paris Court of Appeal. Among the (many) key legal issues being challenged are the FCA’s application of the concept of ‘collective dominance abuse’ and the interaction between pharma regulation and antitrust.
  • Co-advising Google (together with Slaughter & May) on the implementation of the commitments taken by Google in the context of the French Competition Authority (FCA)’s decision of 7 June 2021.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP’s strength is in merger control and foreign direct investment work, gaining European Commission and FCA clearance for billion-euro acquisitions. Eric Paroche is frequently aided by counsel Victor Levy in acting for investment funds on the competition aspects of acquisitions, with senior associate Céline Verney providing further support; the team works closely with the firm's private equity practice in this area. The team also handles antitrust proceedings before the FCA.

Practice head(s):

Eric Paroche


Other key lawyers:

Victor Levy; Céline Verney


Testimonials

‘Victor Levy has extensive industry knowledge and insight.’

Key clients

EDF


CNP


Veolia Environnement


SNCF


GMP / Eurofos


ID Logistics


San Marina


Towerbrook


Tikehau


Chequers Capital


Hivest Capital Partners


Chevrillon


IDI


Work highlights


  • Obtained an unconditional clearance of the merger of the women’s shoe brands San Marina and Minelli, combining more than 400 retail stores in France, without divestiture of any stores despite market shares above 50% in 13 medium-sized cities.
  • Advised the investment fund Tikehau Capital on merger control and foreign investment control filings in relation to its acquisition of exclusive control of the French-based engineering group Egis.
  • Obtained the European Commission’s merger control clearance in relation to the acquisition by the investment fund TowerBrook of exclusive control of Bruneau Group, an online distributor of office supplies operating in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Jones Day

Much of Jones Day’s work in the competition sphere is cross-border, with the Paris team often working with other offices. Practice head Eric Barbier de la Serre led a team including Italian colleagues to successfully appeal Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance’s fine by the Italian Competition Authority, while the Brussels team, headed by Brussels-based Charlotte Breuvart, acted for French client EDF in numerous acquisitions and joint ventures, gaining clearance from global competition authorities such as the European Commission, FCA and Polish and Chinese authorities. With a practice covering merger control and representation in cartel cases, the firm also covers state aid. Counsel Eileen Lagathu is also noted.


Practice head(s):

Eric Barbier de la Serre


Other key lawyers:

Eileen Lagathu; Charlotte Breuvart


Testimonials

‘Very competent and always available team.’

‘The people I have worked with are very reliable and professional.’

Key clients

EDF


DHL / Deutsche Post


Suez


Renault


Pisto


Sanofi


Ligue Nationale de Rugby


Teréga


IFPEN


ENEDIS


Orange


Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance


Work highlights


  • Obtained a definitive victory for Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance (CACF) and FCA Bank before the Italian Council of State, securing the rare outcome of an annulment of a decision by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM).
  • Advising Sanofi on the carve out that created EUROAPI, a leading European company dedicated to the development, production and marketing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
  • Advised the EDF group on a broad range of antitrust matters, including (i) the acquisition of Essent Belgium by Luminus and (ii) the acquisition by EDF of a 50% equity interest in Orange Concessions.

Mayer Brown

Well-known for its experience in cartel cases, Mayer Brown‘s team has recently advised clients on cartel investigations by French and Polynesian authorities, with European antitrust practice co-head Nathalie Jalabert-Doury, who is an expert in dawn raids, leading on work in this space. The group has also handled litigation before the European Court of Justice and has expertise in high-value merger control work. Jean-Maxime Blutel, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, co-leads with partners from other offices and departments on multi-jurisdictional merger control filings for acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Nathalie Jalabert-Doury


Other key lawyers:

Jean-Maxime Blutel


Testimonials

‘The Mayer Brown team is particularly active and rigorous. Their work is recognised as being of excellent quality.’

‘The investment of Nathalie Jalabert Doury, who heads the competition team of the firm Mayer Brown, is total and demanding. Its collaborators are called upon to give the best of themselves and invited to show as much rigour and imagination as their reference partner. Ms. Jalabert Doury has an excellent knowledge of competition law in all its richness and subtlety.’

‘It is an excellent team which is top of class.’

‘Nathalie Jalabert Doury is clear, succinct and to the point. She has an excellent temperament that makes working easy but importantly guides clients very well.’

Key clients

AGPM


Cummins


ENEDIS (EDF)


European Federation of Retail Perfumers (“EFPD”) & Fédération Française de la Parfumerie Sélective (“FFPS”)


Vinci Construction


GeoPost/DPDgroup (La Poste group)


Intermarché / Les Mousquetaires


La Française des Jeux


Mediawan


Neftys Pharma


Pernod Ricard


Veolia


Work highlights


  • Advising Intermarché / Les Mousquetaires in the actions lodged before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the EU in relation to the inspections carried out by the European Commission in the companies’ premises.
  • Part of the team that assisted Veolia with the merger control aspects of its acquisition of Suez, a major transaction which resulted in the creation of a French-based global champion in the water, waste and energy management solutions sector.
  • Advising Cummins in relation to its acquisition of Meritor, in the co-ordination and handling of all necessary filings before the relevant merger control and FDI screening authorities in a number of jurisdictions across the world.

Cabinet Renaudier

Cabinet Renaudier specialises exclusively in competition and distribution law, with particular experience in the retail sector, where it is active in claims of unfair restrictive practices and updating supplier contracts. The firm takes on clearance for acquisitions from the EU and French authorities, with founding partner Richard Renaudier a key name in this area. A unique area of experience is competition work in New Caledonia; the team advised a healthcare client on gaining authorisation from the New Caledonian Competition Authority, while Muriel Perrier and Violaine Ayrole took on abuse of dominant position litigation before the French and New Caledonian courts on behalf of a New Caledonian telecoms company. Karine Turbeaux and Marianne Le Moullec left the firm in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Richard Renaudier; Muriel Perrier; Violaine Ayrole


Testimonials

‘The team is particularly reactive and committed, with very qualitative contributions.’

‘A “tailor-made” approach essential to complex issues.’

‘Muriel Perrier and Aurore Buquet’s investment gives us total satisfaction.’

Key clients

Alain Afflelou


But


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)


Coopérative U Enseigne


Derichebourg


Kingfisher / Brico Dépôt / Castorama


La Croissanterie


Noriap


OCDP group (New Caledonia)


OPT-NC


Oxyane


Philips Domestic appliances


Rougnon


TP Vision


Work highlights


  • Advised the Posts and Telecommunications Office of New Caledonia (OPT-NC) in proceedings before the New Caledonian Competition Authority, Paris Court of Appeal and the French Supreme Court, initiated by a new competitor which is challenging the legal monopoly of OPT-NC and alleging abuse of a dominant position (including the interim measures request from the complaining party).
  • Advising Derichebourg on its planned acquisition of its main competitor, Ecore Group.
  • Acting for Système U in proceedings before the French Competition Authority concerning its alleged participation in a large cartel concerning the communication on the absence of Bisphenol-A in food products containers.

Viguié Schmidt & Associés

Viguié Schmidt & Associés has seen an uptick in antitrust litigation and investigation work, including follow-on damages claims. Iñaki Saint-Esteben has recently been active in a case concerning vertical restraint in a recent acquisition and also brought an abuse of dominant position action for food and beverage suppliers before the Polynesian and French authorities and courts. The team also covers investigations by the FCA and European Commission, while Virginie Viallard oversees merger control advice on acquisitions, often collaborating with the corporate team.

Practice head(s):

Iñaki Saint-Esteben; Virginie Viallard


Testimonials

‘Team very available and responsive in search of solutions.’

‘Virginie Viallard: availability, responsiveness, search for solutions.’

‘This firm is distinguished by the total involvement of Virginie Viallard in our cases. This allows him to make the link between the activities of the group and current affairs.’

‘This direct and personal involvement in our activity and our files. An excellent knowledge of banking issues in competition law and extensive experience with the group.’

‘A responsive team that is familiar with the legal environment of the subjects and who are attentive. Good advice in general.’

Key clients

Epsys


Mirova/Natixis


Valade


Faurecia / Parrot


Bandai Namco


Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté France


Domino’s Pizza France


Vinci Construction France


Vinci Energies


Groupe M6


Le Figaro


Galeries Lafayette


NextStage


Sibelco


Work highlights


  • Advised Valade on an investigation led by the FCA regarding an alleged anti-competitive agreement and on an appeal against the FCA’s decision.
  • Advising beverage suppliers Brasserie du Pacifique and Société de distribution de Polynésie before the Paris Court of Appeal.
  • Advising Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté Franc regarding a private damages claim filed by Carrefour against the client following a decision rendered by the FCA with respect to the home and personal care products industry.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP’s January 2021 hire Jérémie Marthan handles merger control for billion-euro acquisitions where he works closely with the firm’s corporate team and is assisted by senior associate Rahel Wendebourg. Practice head Yann Utzschneider takes on European Commission and FCA investigations, as well as litigation brought by authorities and competitors, including follow-on damages actions. Counsels Mickaël Rivollier, who represents clients in litigation into anticompetitive practices; Costanza Mussi, who was promoted in January 2021; and Estelle Jégou are other key names.

Practice head(s):

Yann Utzschneider


Other key lawyers:

Jérémie Marthan; Estelle Jégou; Mickaël Rivollier; Costanza Mussi; Rahel Wendebourg


Testimonials

‘The White & Case competition practice provided a fantastic service across the whole spectrum of competition law, which is remarkable in France. Jeremie Marthan is one of our go-to people when it comes to handling complex antitrust issues or merger control cases.’

‘Jérémie Marthan stands out among partners for his creativity and his expertise of both merger control and antitrust matters. We greatly appreciate his dedication, availability, responsiveness, and efficiency in handling our matters. Rahel Wendebourg is also excellent.’

‘The competition law practice of White & Case is characterised by outstanding competition law expertise, excellent communication skills, creativity, dedication and thoroughness.’

‘All competition lawyers that we have worked with have a very good understanding of the dynamics of our industry. They address questions and comments from our side with great diligence and patience and have always been ready to explore new avenues.’

‘Top-notch competition law advice is costly, and budget constraints mean that it has been necessary to agree on detailed cost and activity reporting, and on “price tags” for individual work packages. White & Case have been open to such arrangements and we feel that they understand our concerns and constraints in this regard.’

‘Yann Utzschneider has vast expertise in antitrust law matters and a sharp insight into the intricacies of the proceedings of the French Competition Authority. He is not only a highly accomplished lawyer, but also an outstanding and powerful public speaker. His contacts – with public officials, leading economists and with the academic world – are impressive and have been very helpful to our case.’

‘Estelle Jégou is an excellent antitrust lawyer with in-depth knowledge of French and EU substantive and procedural law. We are very happy with her highly responsive and thoughtful approach and her extreme commitment to our case.’

Key clients

Casino


RTL Group


BPCE


Aema Groupe


Crédit Agricole


Dyson


ALD Automotive


Macquarie


Nestlé / Nespresso


Federation Bancaire Française


BSH Electroménager


Vindemia


ATOL


NTN


Air Austral


Meta


Free Mobile


Vivescia


Groupement Les Mousquetaires / Intermarché


Work highlights


  • Assisting RTL Group in the merger control process before the French Competition Authority of the merger between Groupe TF1 and Groupe M6.
  • Representing Inca-a, the joint purchasing venture between Casino and Intermarché, before the General Court of the European Union.
  • Representing BSH Electroménager in relation to complex antitrust proceedings before the French Competition Authority that started in October 2013 and involves 15 companies in the domestic appliances sector.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Merger control for cross-border acquisitions forms the core of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s competition practice, particularly for deals by private equity firms such as regular client PAI Partners, which the firm recently advised on four acquisitions. Faustine Viala often works with the corporate team to gain clearance from the European Commission, FCA and authorities around the world. The firm also covers state aid and antitrust litigation including follow-on actions. Brussels-based counsel David Kupka and senior associate Sylvain Petit provide assistance, with Kupka frequently advising private equity clients and Petit taking on complex merger control work.


Practice head(s):

Faustine Viala


Other key lawyers:

David Kupka; Sylvain Petit


Testimonials

‘Perfect technical mastery and ability to find constructive and effective solutions.’

‘Faustine Viala perfectly masters the workings of this complex law while being able to provide practical solutions to the problems encountered.’

‘The Willkie Farr competition team is a high-quality team. Provides clients with the benefit of their expertise. Innovative and pragmatic solutions.’

‘Highly competent and available team, with excellent knowledge of merger control practices (European Commission/Competition Authority).’

‘Faustine Viala: competent, organised and pragmatic, Faustine knows how to find solutions for her clients in complex merger control cases, which require mastery of relations with the competition authorities.’

‘The team is highly client focused and solid in strategic advice in complex competition law cases.’

‘Faustine Viala has unique negotiation and strategic skills. She is approachable and able to provide tangible legal advice.’

‘The Willkie EU competition practice, particularly owing to a cross-border team working in Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt, has a comprehensive knowledge base and deep understanding of both the legal regimes and the future outlook. They provide thoughtful guidance on complex transactions and the service is top notch.’

Key clients

KKR


ICG


Ethypharm


Air France-KLM


CDC


Ardian


Bel Group


Bpifrance


CMA CGM


Elior Group


Arkema


Casino


PAI Partners


Kuehne + Nagel


Lagardère Group


Latour Capital


Materne


Naval group


IK Investment Partners


Dalkia


Webhelp


Oaktree Capital


CVC Capital Partners


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Cérélia


Mecachrome


Opengate Capital


Montefiore Investment


Insight Partners


Bureau Veritas


Waterland Private Equity


Work highlights


  • Advised CMA CGM in relation to the acquisition of sole control over GEFCO, a French-based company active in the freight forwarding and contract logistics markets.
  • Advised PAI Partners with regards to the $3.3bn acquisition of the juice manufacturing business of PepsiCo, consisting in particular of the exclusive brands including Tropicana and Naked.
  • Acted for Ardian in lodging an appeal, against the FCA decision which prohibited the acquisition of sole control by Ardian over Société du Pipeline Rhône-Méditerranée (SPMR), before the French Administrative Supreme Court (Conseil d’Etat).

AYACHE

Frédéric Fuchs at AYACHE handles antitrust litigation which often relates to cartels, such as the trucks and meal voucher cartels; it is pursuing a follow-on damages action for investment fund TransAtlantis and represents third-party participants in litigation before the Paris Court of Appeal, respectively. The firm also oversees FCA notifications for acquisitions, particularly for investment funds, and provides day-to-day competition advice Counsel Sébastien Dominguez left the firm in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Frédéric Fuchs


Key clients

TransAtlantis


Towerbrook Capital Partners


Intermediate Group Capital (ICG)


TDF


Syndicat National de l’Edition (SNE)


Groupe All


Work highlights


  • Advises TransAtlantis in the scope of its litigation against the main EU trucks manufacturers before the Commercial Court of Lyon.
  • Advised Montefiore Investment on the notification to the French Competition Authority of its acquisition of sole control over Groupe Open, active in the IT services. The authority cleared the operation by a decision dated 3 March 2022.
  • Advised ten bailiffs’ offices as defendants before the French Competition Authority in the course of proceedings that gave rise to the French Competition Authority’s decision of 13 January 2022.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner launched a competition practice with the hire of Julie Catala Marty and her team from Franklin in April 2020. Often taking on cross-border matters, the firm has particular experience in the TMT sector, handling litigation which covers anticompetitive practices, distribution disputes and follow-on damages actions, as well as merger control procedures. Catala Marty covers FCA investigations, including into cartels, with the assistance of counsel Rémi Beydon, in addition to advising on state aid, risk prevention and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Julie Catala Marty


Other key lawyers:

Rémi Beydon


Testimonials

‘Team with extensive expertise in antitrust, particularly in the media and telecoms sectors, as well as in distribution. Very responsive and efficient team.’

‘Pragmatism and efficiency.’

‘Julie Catala Marty: Competence – Perfect customer approach – pragmatic approach – availability.’

CMS Francis Lefebvre

A highlight of CMS Francis Lefebvre’s competition practice is its strength in distribution law, with distribution expert Nathalie Pétrignet recently handling litigation in this space and Denis Redon gaining FCA clearance for acquisitions of distribution companies. The team covers merger notifications before the French and other European authorities and represents clients in litigation, including acting for Paris Saint Germain in an appeal against a sanction and bringing a follow-on damages action after an FCA cartel fine. EU law specialist Claire Vannini handles state aid issues. Olivier Leroy assists with competition issues during commercial negotiations.

Practice head(s):

Nathalie Petrignet; Claire Vannini; Denis Redon; Olivier Leroy


Other key lawyers:

Eleni Moraitou


Testimonials

‘CMS-FL is distinguished in particular by its very high technicality: we choose the European law and competition law team headed by Claire Vannini for cases with high added value.’

‘Claire Vannini (partner) and Eleni Moraitou (counsel) show a very high technical level on subjects which are generally not as well mastered by most of their competitors, such as questions of state aid, substantive European law, etc. They are both also very available, even in an emergency.’

‘The CMS team has an excellent command of competition law and in particular merger control and the regulations relating to state aid.’

‘Claire Vannini – excellent knowledge of state aid regulations and the practice of DG Comp; pragmatic approach, in listening to the needs of the client and in the search for solutions. Eleni Moraitou – rigorous analysis and effective support in terms of state aid, availability and responsiveness.’

‘Good technical knowledge. Rigorous work.’

‘Very reactive. Very relevant in answers.’

Key clients

NGE


CEGOS SA


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) / Air Austral


Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE)


General Electric Energy Products France


Paris Saint Germain (PSG)


Bolton Solitaire


Trigano


SFS Group


Work highlights


  • Represented NGE before the French Competition Authority for obtaining clearance for the acquisition by Montefiore (private equity fund) of a controlling stake in its capital.
  • Advised Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) in state aid matters related to the refinancing and rescue aid authorised by the EU Commission and granted by the French state to Air Austral.
  • Advised PSG (Paris St Germain football club) in challenging the results of investigations made by the Ministry of Economy and subsequent penalties imposed for breaching payment terms.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper has a wealth of experience in merger control, including cross-border transactions. Practice head Edouard Sarrazin gained clearance for numerous acquisitions and joint ventures from the FCA, European Commission and French Polynesian Authority, for a client base including domestic and global corporates as well as investment funds. Counsel Céline Espesson assists with the antitrust litigation and investigations side of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Edouard Sarrazin


Other key lawyers:

Céline Espesson


Testimonials

‘Edouard Sarrazin is business oriented and available for clients.’

‘Very good consideration of needs and great flexibility to offer a practical service in line with specific needs.’

‘Young, dynamic and efficient team. Business oriented and pragmatic.’

‘Edouard Sarrazin knows his subject well and is very available to his clients.’

Key clients

Doctolib


Guerbet


DERET


Cube


CRITEO


Ecolab


FORVIA


Groupe Louis Wane


Michelin


FORTRESS


FORTRESS


Société Générale


MEDTRONIC


ROLLS ROYCE


SODEXO


Work highlights


  • Advising Criteo regarding its complaint against Facebook in front of the FCA for anti-competitive practices in the online advertising sector.
  • Advising Doctolib in the context of the French Competition Authority’s investigation related to possible concerns of abuse of dominant position.
  • Advising Michelin in relation to the merger control aspects of the acquisition of sole control of Allopneus and its subsidiaries.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s client base features major multinational TMT clients, particularly for antitrust litigation, with practice head Jérôme Philippe defending clients in FCA proceedings resulting from claims of abuse of dominance or lack of clarity and objectivity. The firm frequently acts in appeals and follow-on claims following cartel decisions by the FCA, handling work regarding the meal vouchers, carbon and graphite products, dairy products and trucks cartels, with counsel Petya Katsarska part of the team handling this work. The group also covers merger control for high-value and international transactions. Counsel François Gordon provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Jérôme Philippe


Other key lawyers:

François Gordon; Petya Katsarska


Testimonials

‘Good technical and great customer service.’

Key clients

Sony Interactive Entertainment France


Meta (Facebook)


EDF


Phoenix Tower International


HSBC Continental Europe


Volkswagen


Mediapro Sport France


Natixis


Groupe Burrus and Siaci


SGL Carbon


General Mills Yoplait


Volvo Trucks / Renault Trucks


Work highlights


  • Advising Sony in the defence against a claim lodged before the French Competition Authority for allegations of abuse of dominance in relation to controllers for the PS4 console.
  • Advised EDF on its project to acquire part of GE Steam Power’s nuclear power activities.
  • Advising Meta in (i) its defence relating to ongoing proceedings conducted by the French Competition Authority following Criteo’s complaint against the alleged lack of clarity and objectivity in accessing Meta’s advertising services and (ii) in the negotiation of commitments with the French Competition Authority to settle the investigation.

Grall & Associés

Boutique firm Grall & Associés specialises in competition, distribution, consumer protection and commercial litigation, with particular experience in antitrust litigation, investigations and follow-on damages actions. Recently the firm acted for food and beverage producers in appealing their multimillion-euro fines by the FCA for alleged cartels, with Charles-Henri Calla and Thomas Lamy advising on the processed fruits cartel and co-founder Jean-Christophe Grall advising on the ham cartel. Calla and associate Patrice Boulkeroua also represented another food and beverage client before the FCA in a complaint of price discrimination. The group is also active in merger control for acquisitions and state aid.

Practice head(s):

Charles-Henri Calla; Jean-Christophe Grall; Thomas Lamy


Other key lawyers:

Patrice Boulkeroua


Testimonials

‘Very great involvement in the files, very in-depth analysis.’

‘Extremely advanced knowledge and expertise of European competition distribution law.’

‘Thomas Lamy: clarity, precision and responsiveness. Courtesy and involvement in defending the interests of his client.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a client in an abuse of dominant position case before the FCA and successfully obtained that the main concern alleged by the claimant – price discrimination – did not characterise an abuse of a dominant position insofar as it was not established that it created a competitive disadvantage.
  • Acting for two clients before the Paris Court of Appeal in the context of their respective appeals against the FCA’s decision to hand down a fine of up to €58.3m in total to the main fruit-compote manufacturers, for an alleged pricing agreement and alleged market sharing in the sector of processed fruits packaged in cups and pouches.
  • Representing a client in its appeal against the FCA’s decision which imposed a €93m fine on 12 groups operating in the ham and cold meats sector.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a strong background in merger control, advising on a breadth of recent acquisitions and joint ventures including multimillion-euro transactions and cross-border deals. The firm has a strong client base in the finance sector, as well as acting for energy and telecoms clients. Sergio Sorinas aids the corporate team in merger work, such as insurer Generali’s €435m acquisition of La Médicale, while leading work for United Group’s acquisition of a competitor in Greece, requiring European Commission clearance. Counsel Marie Louvet assists Sorinas in merger control work as well as in appeals for finance clients against FCA fines, including as part of the meal voucher cartel case.

Practice head(s):

Sergio Sorinas


Other key lawyers:

Marie Louvet


Testimonials

‘Herbert Smith’s competition team is the best team I have worked with. They are not only experts in their field but above all they have a business and practical approach to the questions they are asked. Their notes are clear, direct and suitable for management. The teams working on the files are limited to the needs and the partner in charge intimately involved in the operations. The invoices, compared to the work provided, are extremely reasonable and in line with the budget.’

‘We work with Sergio Sorinas who is an extremely brilliant partner. He is always available, he answers questions clearly and systematically accompanies his advice with clear recommendations and the procedure to follow in view of the situation. He has an equally exceptional team of collaborators.’

‘A very high quality team both in merger control and in competition litigation. The advice is always of very high quality, with rare responsiveness and availability.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Generali


Cellnex Telecom


Nexity


United Group


Groupe Up (ex “Chèque Déjeuner”)


Crédit Mutuel


HSBC


ENGIE


Infravia Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised BNP Paribas on the merger control aspects of its acquisition of Floa Bank (formerly Banque Casino), the consumer credit specialist of the Casino group and Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, and its long-term commercial partnership with Casino and Cdiscount.
  • Advised Generali on the merger aspects of its acquisition of La Médicale, Crédit Agricole Assurances’ insurance subsidiary for healthcare professionals. The transaction also includes the sale to Generali of the death coverage portfolio of Predica, a life insurance company fully owned by Crédit Agricole Assurances, marketed and managed by La Médicale.
  • Advised United Group, a major provider of telecoms and media services active in South East Europe, on the EU merger control aspects of its acquisition of rival Greek telecoms operator Wind Hellas.

Magenta

Competition, regulatory and public law specialist Magenta has a strong client base in the telecoms sector, counting SFR as a key client, as well as advising clients in other regulated sectors including transport, energy, and pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Sylvain Justier handles investigations by the FCA and follow-on damages claims, as well as cross-border work involving claims before the Papeete Commercial Court and Moroccan regulator ANRT. Vincent Jaunet oversees merger control work for the firm, gaining FCA clearance for acquisitions by private equity clients. Gael Hichri takes on private enforcement cases.

Practice head(s):

Sylvain Justier; Vincent Jaunet; Gaël Hichri


Key clients

SFR / Outremer Telecom


Candy Hoover Group


Asmodee


OPT / Vini


Carrefour


Ipsen


Bausch & Lomb


Organon


LEGO


Talan


Opella Healthcare


SPIE


Trainline


Work highlights


  • Assisting Groupe Candy Hoover in an antitrust probe opened by the FCA related to the distribution of white and brown goods in France.
  • Representing Carrefour in a landmark case related to the lawfulness of the sudden termination of established commercial relationships with a service provider based on the discovery that the campaigns/contracts were granted following bribery acts.
  • Representing SFR in a damage claim filed by Iliad and Free Mobile before the Paris commercial court following a gun-jumping decision issued by the FCA.

Racine

With a unique strength in state aid, Racine takes on high-value Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), particularly hydrogen projects; a highlight is acting for two participants in a huge hydrogen project, involving European Commission approval of state aid from 15 member states to 35 participants. Bastien Thomas works on all of the firm’s state aid matters while also covering merger control for cross-border acquisitions and joint ventures, regularly acting for automotive client Stellantis. Valérie Ledoux-Tömek focuses on antitrust litigation, representing clients in appeals against FCA fines or in private actions. Distribution specialist Sophie Pasquesoone, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, co-leads merger control and litigation advice. The firm focuses its sector expertise on the agrifood, energy and automotive industries. The team was further strengthened at partner level in March 2023 with the arrival of former Bredin Prat counsel Guillaume Fabre, an expert in contentious antitrust and state aid cases.

Practice head(s):

Bastien Thomas; Valérie Ledoux; Sophie Pasquesoone


Other key lawyers:

François Aubin; Estelle Leclerc; Guillaume Fabre


Testimonials

‘Racine’s competition team is an efficient team, available and demonstrating responsiveness and very high legal technicality.’

‘Bastien Thomas is an extremely competent lawyer on all subjects of competition law and knows how to combine pragmatism and great knowledge of the legal issues of the cases entrusted to him.’

‘One of the top competition law outfits in Paris.’

‘Proximity to customers, great availability and professionalism and expertise. They were able to adapt perfectly to our new invoicing tool.’

‘Qualities of listening and apprehension of specific sectors.’

‘Bastien Thomas and his team (François Aubin, Estelle Leclerc): responsiveness and attentiveness.’

‘Effective approach to competition law subjects in one or more complex and rapidly developing markets. Good understanding of needs and proactive use of previous files to facilitate the preparation of notifications.’

‘Bastien Thomas and his team have provided us with support at all times on very complex files and for which there are few precedents on the market. The clarity of the explanations provided also enabled the internal teams to fully understand the issues.’

Key clients

ACC


AG2R LA MONDIALE


ELOGEN (GTT)


KNAUF


MAÏSADOUR


MURATA


RATP


RX FRANCE


STELLANTIS


SUEZ


SYMBIO


TELEDYNE


TOTALENERGIES


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel of Mercedes-Benz AG, Stellantis and TotalEnergies in connection with Mercedes-Benz AG’s entry into the capital of Automotive Cells Company SE (ACC), a joint venture created in August 2020 between Stellantis and TotalEnergies (through its subsidiary Saft), dedicated to the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles in Europe.
  • Advised France-based Symbio, a Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen company, in connection with the European Commission’s approval of state aid totalling €5.4bn for an important project of common European interest (IPCEI) in the hydrogen sector.
  • Advised Groupe Perle du Nord and the main producers of endives in a complex procedure initiated by the €4m fine imposed by the FCA for having participated in anti-competitive practices over 14 years with the aim of maintaining minimum prices.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is highly active in merger control, predominately for investment funds but also including tech and retail clients. With Romain Ferla leading all matters, the firm advises on a range of acquisitions and sales, often gaining clearance from authorities in multiple jurisdictions. A highlight was the firm’s advice to investor CVC on the antitrust issues of its billion-euro investment. The practice also covers state aid issues, as well as working on FCA investigations and appeals, including an unusual request to lift a previous FCA injunction for Interflora.

Practice head(s):

Romain Ferla


Testimonials

‘Working with Mr Ferla is like working with a member of the team. Integrated into the issues, available and committed, his strength is his involvement alongside us. The firm’s in-depth expertise in its fields, accompanied by a dynamic, efficient and expert team, comforts and reassures in the management of disputes. Mr Ferla always offers original and effective solutions.’

‘Romain Ferla is our main contact. He is very knowledgeable and flexible.’

‘Very good team, available and efficient.’

‘The Weil team is very responsive and solution-oriented. Advice is to the point, practical. Billing agreements are clear, fair. I appreciate that they tell us if a cheaper option is available and they do not appear to be constantly trying to sell us new work.’

Key clients

Apax


Ardian


Bain Capital


Brookfield


C2S


Corsair


CVC


Evolution


Genstar Capital Partners LLC


FILMM


Infravia


Interflora


NJJ


Sagard


Sagesse / SRS


Work highlights


  • Advised and represented Bain in the merger control procedures relating to the acquisition of Inetum, a leading French provider of IT services (antitrust filing in the EU, Morocco and Columbia).
  • Represents Interflora in a procedure before the French Competition Authority (FCA) whose purpose is to request that certain injunctions imposed on Interflora in 2001 (for abuse of dominance) be lifted for the future.
  • Advised CVC in relation to the antitrust questions raised by its investment in a joint venture created by the French Football League (LFP).

Wilhelm & Associés

Strong in the media sector, Wilhelm & Associés is active for clients in defending multiple antitrust actions before the courts; it also has experience of pursuing abuse of dominance complaints and bringing follow-on damages cases. With assistance from Emilie Dumur in almost all matters, founder and managing partner Pascal Wilhelm takes on all of the firm’s competition work, including significant merger control cases, such as acting for Veolia in the pre-litigation and European Commission phase of its billion-euro acquisition of Suez and gaining European Commission clearance for media client Banijay’s high-value acquisition of Endemol Shine Group.

Practice head(s):

Pascal Wilhelm


Other key lawyers:

Emilie Dumur


Testimonials

‘Extensive experience in competition and distribution law. Competent and very involved team.’

‘Pascal Wilhelm and Emilie Dufour are excellent professionals, the first having extensive experience in competition law and having followed very large cases in which he has often won his case, thanks to his pugnacity and his intellectual audacity.’

‘Close-knit, available and efficient team.’

‘Pascal Wilhelm: thinks out of the box. Émilie Dumur: promising new partner.’

Key clients

CLAYTON, DUBILIER & RICE, WM HOLDING, BUT (MOBILUX)


BANIJAY GROUP


GROUPE CANAL +


BETCLIC


AMADEUS


FNAC DARTY +


ZADIG ET VOLTAIRE


NUXE


DOUGLAS


Work highlights


  • Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, WM Holding and BUT (Mobilux) on the acquisition of Conforama France before the French Competition Authority
  • Advised Veolia in its merger with Suez, especially in the pre-litigation phase and the first phase in making the notification to the European Commission of this merger deal.
  • Advised Banijay Group before the European Commission in the context of the acquisition by Banijay Group of sole control of Endemol Shine Groupe.

ADVANT Altana

ADVANT Altana handles merger control for mergers, co-operative agreements and joint ventures, often working on multi-jurisdictional matters. The team also acts for clients in antitrust litigation and advises on distribution issues. Frédéric Manin advises insurance clients on M&A and also covers the automotive, construction and healthcare sectors, frequently assisted by counsel Lucie Giret. Marie Hindré advises construction, infrastructure, tech and energy clients, as well as covering state aid matters.

Practice head(s):

Marie Hindré; Frédéric Manin


Other key lawyers:

Lucie Giret


Testimonials

‘Small team guaranteeing fluidity of exchanges, proactive follow-up and respect of deadlines.’

‘Great availability of the partner and his collaborator, strong business spirit, particularly attentive to the problems of the client.’

Key clients

AG2R LA MONDIALE


AXIANS


BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT


COVEA


CSRP (pharma wholesalers’ association)


DUCATI


EURAPHARMA


GROUPAMA


INTERFEL


MATMUT/MGEFI


RENAULT


SODICO


UGI Corporation/Antargaz Finagaz


VINCI GROUP


Aramis

Aramis’ practice head Aurelien Condomines regularly advises agri-food client InVivo and bank Natixis on competition matters, supported by associate Pierre Galmiche. For InVivo, the firm takes on merger control for multiple matters, including a cross-border acquisition which involved filings before 12 authorities. As well as overseeing other merger control work, the practice provides day-to-day distribution advice.

Practice head(s):

Aurélien Condomines


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Galmiche


Key clients

Grohe


XPO Logistics


Natixis


Hermes


Firmenich


Cromology


Primonial


Keolis


Henry Schein


Carrefour


Système U


InVivo


Hasbro


Fayat


Work highlights


  • Assisted InVivo, France’s biggest union of co-operatives, with the merger filing to the European Commission of its acquisition of Soufflet, a major actor in the agricultural and agri-food industries.
  • Assisted InVivo with the antitrust aspect of its merger of InVivo Retail with the SPAC 2MX Organic.
  • Assisted BPCE and Natixis with the antitrust aspect of its sale to Avril of Soufflet Alimentaire, following the acquisition of Soufflet in 2021.

August Debouzy

Boosting its team with the hire of senior counsel and EU expert Marc Mossé from Microsoft in June 2022, August Debouzy’s competition practice collaborates regularly with other departments, with Renaud Christol and Alexandra Berg-Moussa co-leading with corporate partners on cross-border M&A such as Lafarge Holcim’s multi-jurisdictional acquisition of PRB. As well as working with restructuring colleagues to gain state aid approval from the European Commission for Brittany Ferries, Christol acts as sole lead in a breadth of private enforcement actions, encompassing matters such as cartels, abuse of dominant position and anticompetitive agreements, while Berg-Moussa is experienced in distribution matters.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Berg-Moussa; Renaud Christol


Other key lawyers:

Marc Mossé


Testimonials

‘The August Debouzy team is distinguished by its pragmatism and its understanding of commercial issues and legal issues. Accessible and concrete advice from August Debouzy provides clear and unambiguous direction.’

Key clients

Microsoft


TotalEnergies


Nike


Orange


Colas and its subsidiaries


Costco Wholesale


DDB Omnicom


Sagemcom


Lafarge Holcim


Transcovo (Kapten/FreeNow)


Recommerce Solution


Petit Bateau


Becton Dickinson


Genvia


Havas


Bertelsmann


Caisse des dépôts et consignations


Brittany Ferries


Schlumberger


Work highlights


  • Advised Lafarge Holcim on the acquisition of PRB (turnover of €360m) before the French Competition Authority.
  • Advised Brittany Ferries on obtaining a major individual state aid of €61m before the European Commission.
  • Advised TotalEnergies on a merger filing in Africa before the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) in connection with the development of its activity in carbon sinks.

Borrel d’Arche

Competition and distribution boutique Borrel d’Arche has particular experience of advising companies in the agri-food sector but also advises aeronautic and automotive clients. With a focus on antitrust investigations and litigation, founding partner Laurence Borrel-Prat and Quitterie d’Arche handle inquiries initiated by the FCA and European Commission, litigation involving termination of contracts and unfair competition, and distribution matters.

Practice head(s):

Laurence Borrel-Prat, Quitterie d’Arche


Testimonials

‘Boutique law firm with great lawyers.’

‘Very flexible and responsive mode of co-operation. Team very attentive and very available, dividing up tasks intelligently and efficiently.’

‘Laurence Borrel-Prat: very efficient and with a very keen sense of customer interest, organisational and responsive flexibility combined with in-depth knowledge of the subject and an excellent network.’

‘A young and very dynamic team, with a good capacity for commercial and distribution litigation.’

‘Laurence Borrel-Prat is a well-known figure in the Paris competition law community and has a great sense of connection. Quitterie d’Arche, a young partner, is a very good and responsive technician.’

‘The team at Borrel d’Arche is well structured with clear areas of action. The firm has the necessary external contacts to call on highly specialised skills.’

‘Quitterie d’Arche: her availability and commitment were remarkable.’

‘Dynamic management with strategic vision on files.’

Dentons

At Dentons, Emmanuelle van den Broucke and associate Margaux Serra handle merger control matters for a range of cross-border M&A frequently working with the firm's corporate team. With sector experience in the consumer products, life sciences and automotive industries, the team focuses on merger control but also takes on investigations led by the DGCCRF and French authorities, into matters including cartels and product safety. Distribution issues are also covered, with the firm active for Gojo on negotiating distribution agreements, as well as state aid.


Practice head(s):

Emmanuelle van den Broucke


Other key lawyers:

Margaux Serra


Testimonials

‘Emmanuelle van den Broucke is characterised by her pragmatism and her excellent intuition.’

‘Availability, competence, speed, efficiency and kindness.’

Key clients

Avis


BNI


Bouchard Père & Fils


Gojo (Purell Group-USA)


Komatsu


LIMA, NATUURVOEDINGSBEDRIJF B.V.


Septodont


STEF


Zuru Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Gojo on the negotiations of all its distribution agreements (subcontracting, distribution agreements and annual framework agreements) and on competition law matters.

Deprez Guignot Associés

Deprez Guignot Associés counts Groupe M6 as a key client, acting as co-counsel in the high-profile media merger between the client and TF1. The firm also acts for Groupe M6 in other matters, including gaining FCA clearance for the creation of joint venture Salto between three TV channels and representing the client in multiple disputes before the courts, involving claims of anticompetitive practices, restrictive competition and merger law. Practice head Philippe Bonnet is experienced in acting for the distribution, retail and media sectors in litigation, as well as working on merger control. Founder Pierre Deprez often co-leads the practice’s work, which includes acting for household names in the digital and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Bonnet


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Deprez


Key clients

INTERMARCHÉ


GROUPE M6


MISTERAUTO


TEDIBER


GOOGLE


CAFEYN


BOULANGER


ASFA


Work highlights


  • Advising M6 on all antitrust aspects of the proposed merger between M6 and TF1, a major deal in the audio-visual sector which implies several issues of market power, relevant markets and competitive effects in relation to the digital economy.
  • Assisted United B. (Boulanger Electro Depot), a major player in specialised distribution, on its acquisition of Recommerce! which is specialised in refurbished products. The transaction involves vertical merger considerations and was accepted by the national competition authority (ADLC).
  • Advising Groupe M6 on a strategic merger called ‘SALTO’ which is the creation of a fully functional joint venture company between the three major TV channels in France approved by the Autorité de la concurrence (ADLC) and is now in the follow-up of remedies.

FIDAL

FIDAL‘s Philippe Vanni heads a very large competition team based in offices across the country, including Guillaume Pezzali, who has a wealth of recent distribution experience; Brussels-based Frédéric Puel, who takes on state aid matters; Boris Ruy, who handles competition litigation for the food and food retail industries; and Simon Hotte. The team represents clients in antitrust litigation, including appeals against FCA decisions and proceedings before the FCA regarding claims of anticompetitive practices, and handles both domestic and cross-border acquisitions. Litigation specialists Jean-Louis Fourgoux and Leyla Djavadi left the firm in December 2021.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Vanni


Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Pezzali; Frédéric Puel; Boris Ruy; Simon Hotte


Testimonials

‘Responsive to deadlines.’

Key clients

ENGIE


Perrigo


MAIF/SMACL ASSURANCES


COMMUNAUTE D’AGGLOMERATION DU BOULONNAIS (CAB)


ALLIANZ TRADE (EX EULER HERMES)


DERET


SOLVADIS


BONNA SABLA


ROULLIER


PepsiCo


Work highlights


  • Advising ENGIE on EDF’s claim that ENGIE had organised an unfair competition to access the domestic electric market. EDF was seeking €104m of damages. Paris Court of Appeal granted €190,000.
  • Advising Perrigo on the French Competition Authority’s claims that the client commercialised some healthcare products under a wrong regulatory status and therefore committed an unfair competition towards its competitors and a misleading practice toward consumers. .
  • Assisting Roullier before the Paris Court of Appeal in appealing the French Competition Authority’s decision to hand out fines worth €93m to a cartel in the ham and cold meats (charcuterie) sector.

HW&H

Led by Dominique Heintz with the assistance of Maria Bagate, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, HW&H specialises in advising German companies and their French subsidiaries. The practice has a focus on antitrust work, advising on FCA proceedings and decisions, such as acting for Kärcher and retailer Krys Group in separate FCA investigations into alleged retail price maintenance, which both resulted in the respective actions being dismissed. The practice also has a considerable amount of recent experience in distribution matters, and has also handled work concerning merger control. Counting telecoms, mass-market retail and consumer products businesses among its client list, the team handles litigation and alternative dispute resolution, as well as advising on compliance.

Practice head(s):

Dominique Heintz; Maria Bagate


Testimonials

‘Technical competence, sectoral competence, simplicity and courtesy.’

‘Extensive skills, particularly in German law, great rigour, creativity, strategy.’

‘The HWH team has a very rare and essential speciality in German law and the ability to intervene in German courts. Their other strong point is their expertise in competition law in the field of distribution.’

Key clients

Metro


Kärcher


Krys


La Française des jeux


Work highlights


  • Represented Kärcher in the framework of proceedings driven by the French Competition Authority for alleged RPM practices and obtained a decision dismissing the case and closing lengthy investigations.
  • Represented Krys Group in the framework of proceedings driven by the French Competition Authority for alleged RPM practices and distribution restrictions and obtained for the client a decision of dismissal.
  • Represented La Française des jeux (the historical operator in the field of lottery and games in France) in various consumer law cases before the French courts in the last 15 years.

Jeantet

Jeantet has particular strength in antitrust litigation; new practice head Florent Prunet advises clients on actions before the FCA and French courts, including follow-on private enforcement actions. Aided by litigation counsel Clarisse Moreno, Prunet represented Eni Gas & Power in actions before multiple courts, including the dispute resolution body of French energy regulator CRE and the French Supreme Court, regarding claims for an injunction and damages against the French distribution grid manager for natural gas. The practice also covers antitrust investigations and day-to-day advice on competition matters, including abuse of dominant position and compliance, and regulatory issues. Sector experience includes the food, automotive and sports industries. Former practice head Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié and Thomas Picot left the firm in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Florent Prunet


Other key lawyers:

Clarisse Moreno


Testimonials

‘Florent Prunet’s team is very available, modern, uses the new video tools, which is very comfortable for us. They are responsive, practical, understand our issues and have a good network.’

‘Florent Prunet: very affordable, available, and invested, and of course competent.’

‘This firm has been managing cases related to competition law and corporate since 2012 and has always given us satisfaction.’

‘Florent Prunet: availability, empathy, good knowledge of our business, ability to explain complex things simply.’

‘Availability. Ultra reactive. Balanced prices.’

Key clients

Eni Gas & Power


Joffe & Associés

Joffe & Associés’ practice head Olivier Cavezian has expertise in merger control, taking on notifications to the European and French competition authorities for a range of deals including cross-border transactions. The practice also covers FCA investigations and proceedings, including cartel matters; follow-on damages actions, for which it works with the litigation team; and distribution strategies. As well as acting for clients from the consumer goods, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, the firm also advises eco-organisations on antitrust issues, with a unique knowledge of extended producer responsibility.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Cavezian


Testimonials

‘They are extremely knowledgeable, to the point, effective and very service-oriented.’

‘They are not only excellent lawyers with perfect English skills, but also very good project managers ensuring that the client receives the output even when deadlines are tight.’

‘I can strongly recommend Olivier Cavezian which whom I have been working for a very long time. Apart from being a true competition law expert he is a very sympathetic person.’

KPMG Avocats, France

KPMG Avocats, France advises major French multinationals, including SNCF, and an array of clients from the automotive sector. The practice focuses on compliance, distribution and regulatory advice. Work also covers merger control, with the firm advising on FCA notifications, and power-purchase agreements. Practice head Emmanuel Tricot and senior managers Virginie Carvalho and Jean-Marc Tchernonog divide their time between Paris and Brussels, with Tricot and Carvalho heading the Brussels European law department.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Tricot, Virginie Carvalho, Jean-Marc Tchernonog


Key clients

ADAGP


Air Liquide E & C


Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance


EURELEC (centrale d’achat et de réferencement européenne des groupes E. Leclerc et Rewe)


Faurecia


Groupe Lempereur


Mobilians (ex CNPA)


Sodiaal / Yoplait


SIXT


SNCF Voyageurs


Work highlights


  • Advising SNCF Voyageurs in the context of the opening-up of high-speed train lines to competition in France and Italy.
  • Advising BMW Group in the context of its global transformation project of its car dealership network in France for all distribution and contractual issues at stake.
  • Advising the consortium of all car rental companies in their contractual negotiations with all French airports in the context of the consequences on their activities of the COVID-19 crisis.

Mermoz Avocats

Launched in January 2022, Mermoz Avocats established a competition practice following the arrivals of Leyla Djavadi and Jean-Louis Fourgoux from FIDAL. Djavadi and Fourgoux have a strong focus on antitrust litigation and private enforcement cases, including bringing a €500m damages action for tech client Euris and defending energy company GreenYellow and Canal+ against rare class actions brought by consumer associations. The team covers work before the French Supreme Court, in addition to appeals against FCA sanctions and cartel matters. Merger control is another strength.

Practice head(s):

Leyla Djavadi; Jean-Louis Fourgoux


Testimonials

‘Jean-Louis Fourgoux and Leyla Djavadi are recognised lawyers in distribution and consumer law and we have worked with them for many years.’

‘Jean-Louis Fourgoux and Leyla Djavadi have very specific expertise and knowledge of distribution and consumer law, as well as very in-depth experience in litigation.’

Key clients

EURIS


MOBOTIX


FREE


GREEN YELLOW


LIDL


MONYV


UCAR


COOPAGRI


CHAMBON


CANAL+


Work highlights


  • Represented EURIS before the FCA in a private enforcement claim against CEGEDIM and IQVIA, after the FCA’s sanction against CEGEDIM for abuse of dominant position.
  • Assisted Free in litigation against SFR, another mobile operator, on unfair practices (selling smartphones with the price of the phone included in the monthly rate of the service).
  • Assisting GreenYellow, a French electricity supplier and producer, in a class action initiated by CLCV (Consommation Logement Cadre de vie), a consumer association, for unfair competition and misleading practices.

Osborne Clarke

Combining the competition practice’s experience in antitrust litigation and the firm’s general specialism in the technology sector, Osborne Clarke's team represents ContextLogic (WISH) in the first delisting of a marketplace case, working on litigation and negotiation with the DGCCRF. Recent work also includes defending against claims of abrupt termination of commercial relationships and abuse of market dominance. Practice head Alexandre Glatz also covers distribution issues and dawn raids; he is aided by senior associate Thibaut Marcerou.

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Glatz


Other key lawyers:

Thibaut Marcerou


Key clients

CONTEXTLOGIC (WISH)


Union des marques


Autodesk


BMVirolle


TTDI


Work highlights


  • Advising, negotiating with the DGCCRF and litigating on behalf of online marketplace Wish on the first delisting of a marketplace case.
  • Successfully assisting Autodesk in its litigation against allegations of brutal termination of commercial relationships by longstanding retailers as well as for alleged abuse of market dominance, with all charges dismissed.

Paul Hastings LLP

Camille Paulhac takes on a range of merger control work at Paul Hastings LLP, with a strong practice in handling merger control filings for acquisitions by financial institutions. Much of Paulhac’s work involves advising US and European private equity and investment firms on cross-border deals, requiring merger control and foreign direct investment clearance from the FCA and European Commission as well as competition authorities around the world, such as in the US, Germany, Italy and China. The firm also covers abuse of dominance disputes, advising clients before the FCA and European Commission. Pierre Kirch divides his time between Paris and Brussels.

Practice head(s):

Pierre Kirch; Camille Paulhac


Testimonials

‘The Camille Paulhac team is reactive, expert and attentive to its customers. He analyses with finesse the operations entrusted to him, while maintaining an efficient cost structure.’

‘Camille Paulhac has remarkable expertise in all areas of competition law, combined with an in-depth knowledge of the practice of the authorities. Camille also knows how to demonstrate pedagogy to make the technicalities of his subject accessible to the layman. He becomes a true business partner for his clients.’

‘Camille Paulhac’s team is extremely available and responsive. She understands the challenges of our clients well.’

Key clients

Astorg


Keensight


Symphony Technology Group


Francisco Partners


Google


Providence Equity Partners


Ardian


Motion Equity Partners


Masimo


MoneyGram


Malakoff Humanis


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Galileo Global Education


Reed Smith

Reed Smith focuses on antitrust litigation, covering both private enforcement actions before the courts and public enforcement procedures by competition authorities. Headed by Marc Lévy and Natasha Tardif, the team often takes on cross-border work for multinational clients, working on cartels, anticompetitive practices and abuse of dominance matters. In addition, the firm also provides advice on distribution and consumer protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Marc Lévy; Natasha Tardif


Other key lawyers:

Lucile Chneiweiss


Testimonials

‘A very dedicated team that is able to apply a very targeted strategy to solve complex legal issues while keeping in mind the business/commercial consequences. Obtaining clear-cut legal analysis represents significant added value for us.’

‘Expert, available, efficient.’

‘Natasha Tardiff and Lucile Chneiweiss are particularly distinguished by their ability to respond effectively to a request for support on specific subjects. They are both capable of understanding and translating operational files to defend them effectively before various competition authorities and to direct the client towards favorable business solutions.’

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons’ Paris office has a strong client base in the life sciences sector which is reflected in the firm's competition practice. In recent work, the team advised Cooper Consumer Health on EU Commission referrals and the FDI regime during the client’s acquisition of Lashilé Beauty, as well as acting for multiple other pharmaceutical clients. Heading the firm’s EU competition practice, Ombline Ancelin covers both competition and distribution law, frequently advising on distribution networks with the aid of managing associate Florent Barbu. Ancelin also acts as sole lead in litigation; he recently defended a prominent food and beverage client in an unfair competition claim before the French courts, as well as collaborating with other teams, such as funds, corporate and litigation, to advise on merger control for joint ventures and antitrust litigation.

Practice head(s):

Ombline Ancelin


Other key lawyers:

Florent Barbu


Testimonials

‘Collective spirit, rigour and practical spirit.’

Key clients

SANDOZ


UPSA


Work highlights


  • Assisted a food company in a dispute lodged by a professional association representing the meat industry, regarding alleged unfair competition and unfair commercial practices in the production and supply of meat-like plant products.
  • Advised Enagas, SNAM and GRTGaz on their agreement to launch a joint initiative to accelerate the development of the hydrogen sector.
  • Advised Cooper Consumer Health on the acquisition of Lashilé Beauty, a market leading nutricosmetic laboratory for food supplements known as ‘gummies’.

Tactics

Tactics was founded in January 2022 by a group of partners who were previously with Jeantet; the group has strength in antitrust investigations and follow-on damages claims, with additional merger control work. The team recently handled investigations by the FCA for multiple clients, including bailiffs bureau SCM 93 and distributors BE IP and Config. In the litigation sphere, Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié and Florent Vever both defend and bring claims for clients regarding the dairy products and road signs cartels and represent Umicore in a private enforcement action following its sanction for abuse of a dominant position. The firm also oversees matters involving the Moroccan competition and regulatory authorities, with Thomas Picot overseeing Newrest Group’s notification for an acquisition and co-leading advice to IAM Maroc Telecom on a regulatory investigation.

Practice head(s):

Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié; Thomas Picot; Florent Vever


Testimonials

‘The lawyers of the Cabinet Tactics, in particular Maîtres Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié and Florent Vever, have recognised expertise in competition law, always very available, fast and remarkably efficient in the analysis and presentation of cases. Our company is extremely satisfied and reassured to be advised by Tactics.’

‘We appreciate the quality of analysis of this team, its wise advice and its ability to find appropriate solutions on complex subjects.’

‘We especially know Maître Thomas Picot who has been following our cases for many years. His in-depth understanding of our files and his wise advice are invaluable for our company.’

Key clients

Lactalis


Umicore


Lidl


Biogroup


Alten


SNEF


Colas / Aximum


IAM (Itissalat Al Maghrib)


Action Logement Services and Action Logement Immobilier


Systra


Brasserie de Tahiti


BE IP (Also)


FCA


Descours & Cabaud


Plastic Omnium


Value Relail


Veolia


Dalkia


Trainline


Pellegrin


Brandt


SKF


Contrôle général des armées


Staedtler France


Entreprises du Voyage (EDV)


Candilidis


Alma


Work highlights


  • Advised Umicore concerning an action for damages brought by a competitor following the decision dated June 23, 2016 of the French Competition Authority.
  • Advised IAM (Maroc Telecom) in connection with an investigation by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) concerning compliance with the unbundling injunctions set out in the ANRT’s decision of January 17, 2020.
  • Advised Lactalis concerning an action for damages brought by a distributor following the decision dated March 12, 2015 of the French Competition Authority.

UGGC Avocats

Corinne Khayat at UGGC Avocats recently served as co-counsel to Veolia, along with other firms, on its notification to the Moroccan Competition Council regarding its high-profile acquisition of Suez, showcasing the firm’s expertise in Moroccan competition law. Khayat and Michel Ponsard oversee much of the firm’s work, with Khayat taking on appeals against sanctions by the FCA, and Ponsard covering merger control, litigation and distribution, including handling FCA clearance. Malka Marcinkowski focuses on the healthcare sector, working on antitrust investigations, competition issues in marketing and distribution, while Benjamin De Sevin has experience in contesting measures to transpose the 2019 Single-Use Plastics Directive.

Practice head(s):

Michel Ponsard; Corinne Khayat; Malka Marcinkowski


Other key lawyers:

Benjamin de Sevin


Testimonials

‘Experienced, knowledgeable, accessible, good to work with.’

‘Michel Ponsard: outstanding experience, broad knowledge, extremely reactive.’

‘Malka Marcinkowski: diligent, great analytical skills.’

‘Technical skills, customer knowledge.’

‘The team is very united and extremely prepared. They also have very pleasant personal characteristics that make working together enjoyable.’

‘I have worked with Michel Ponsard and Malka Marcinkoski and have found them both to be excellent lawyers.’

‘Exceptional knowledge of competition law, and regulatory and control bodies related to French competition law (DGCCRF, Competition Authority) and Europe. Multidisciplinary skills around competition practice (trade mark law, business law) to deal with all facets of the file. Ability to package by being focused on the result.’

‘Proactive and very available team. Was able to propose constructive solutions.’

Key clients

SEIU


Veolia


SODEXO Pass France


RelevanC (casino subsidiary)


Solinest / Nature Innovation


Fedep’s


Savencia Group (formerly Bongrain)


Buesa


CA Animation


Kindred Group/Unibet


Seita-Imperial Tobacco


Mercedes-Benz


SODEXO France


Solinest / Nature Innovation


Unikalo


Work highlights


  • Investigated the practices implemented by McDonald’s within its franchise network in France, on behalf of SEIU.
  • Co-assisted Veolia Environnement S.A. in the merger control notification of its acquisition of exclusive control of certain assets and activities of Suez S.A. in Morocco to the Moroccan Competition Council, a transaction that has since been authorised.
  • Representing Sodexo Pass France in competition law matters.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird covers a range of competition work, including private enforcement actions, antitrust investigations and proceedings, merger control for acquisitions, compliance and distribution. Practice head Thomas Oster oversees all matters, including defending Rugby World Cup Ltd against litigation brought by media group M6 against the client’s award of broadcasting rights to a competitor, as well as handling merger control filings before the FCA and European Commission for acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, public sector and automotive sectors.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Oster


Testimonials

‘We appreciated the assistance of Thomas Oster who accompanied us in an efficient, reactive and very competent manner, by proposing pragmatic solutions and innovative tools.’

‘Risk analysis taking into account the environment and the associated market. The innovative approach is to be able to manage global issues with Bird and Bird Paris while relying on local branches or partners of the Bird and Bird network.’

‘The communication of Thomas Oster (Partner) is more accessible for employees in companies. The ability to adapt is an asset.’

‘I particularly appreciate the availability and contact with Thomas Oster and the team. The approach is very business-oriented and takes into account the specifics of the client’s activities.’

‘I greatly appreciate the competence combined with the responsiveness and availability of the firm’s team. Support very well suited to the needs of business management.’

‘In addition to his great technical skills in competition and distribution law, Thomas Oster has a very good understanding of economic issues.’

‘The team’s collaborators were very attentive, extremely responsive and pragmatic in their approach to our file. Anne Federle from the Brussels office and Thomas Oster from the Paris office were a remarkable duo.’

Key clients

Rugby World Cup Ltd.


Réseau Gaz de Strasbourg


Conserves France


Accenture


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


SOMFY


ByMyCar


Petzl


Carglass


Karl Lagerfeld


L’Oréal


SEB


R-GDS


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented Rugby World Cup Ltd in a challenge by M6 of the granting to TF1 of the broadcasting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France on the grounds of alleged abuse of dominant position.
  • Represents R-GDS in proceedings before the French Competition Authority in relation to alleged anti-competitive practices.
  • Represented ByMyCar in relation to the merger control notification of several acquisitions in the automotive sector.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés takes a cross-practice approach to competition work; matters are handled by specialists in IP/IT, pharmaceuticals, trademarks and public law, with Thierry Titone and Matthieu Dary overseeing the majority of work. The practice covers investigations by the FCA and other authorities, as well as merger control for transactions, distribution issues, state aid and day-to-day competition advice. Clients come from a range of sectors, including retail, media, health and energy.

Practice head(s):

Thierry Titone; Matthieu Dary


Testimonials

‘We have worked with Matthieu Dary and his team at De Gaulle Fleurance for many years. As an international business, we depend on De Gaulle Fleurance to advise on French consumer, advertising and pricing law in France. The lawyers have a commercial and compliant approach to advising businesses.’

‘Matthieu Dary is our go-to lawyer for advice on French consumer, pricing and advertising laws. He is knowledgeable and stays current on regulatory changes in France. He also writes articles on key legal and regulatory changes which are very informative. He is quick to respond to queries and is dependable in providing legal support.’

‘The team is extremely professional and always available.’

Key clients

Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Europe


Alstom


Andros


Belambra


Bosch Siemens Electromenager (BSH)


CAISSE D’EPARGNE ILE DE FRANCE


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


CED Media


Cegedim


Celio


CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES


Colgate


Culligan


Diamanta


Embryolisse


Groupe TF1


Lanvin


Meilleursagents.com (Group Axel Springer)


My Retail Box (Brands «Day by Day» and «le Grand Marché du Vrac»)


Nexity


Pearl


PIERRE FABRE


Robert Bosch


SIPA-Ouest France


Skechers


Teka


THOM (Histoire d’Or et Marc Orian)


TotalEnergies


DS Avocats

DS Avocats boosted its team in 2022 with the hire of Françoise Brunagel and Olivier Gauclère, who joined from VIGINTI and advise automotive clients on matters including litigation and distribution. A highlight of the practice’s work is Xavier Lacaze’s representation of Eiffage Infrastructures in a long-running follow-on damages case related to the trucks cartel, involving requesting the disclosure of documents from the European Commission. Lecaze also advises third parties on competitors’ antitrust investigations and mergers. Fabrice Van Cauwelaert‘s practice includes private enforcement actions and merger control issues.

Practice head(s):

Xavier Lacaze


Other key lawyers:

Françoise Brunagel; Olivier Gauclère; Fabrice Van Cauwelaert


Key clients

EIFFAGE INFRASTRUCTURES


ACTIS


AMP VISUAL TV


BIGMAT France


Work highlights


  • Advised EIFFAGE Infrastructures on gaining disclosure of documents from the European Commission regarding the trucks cartel, after suffering anti-competitive damage.
  • Advised ACTIS, a company specialised in thermal insulation, which considered itself to be the victim of practices to drive it out of the market of the thermal insulation of buildings.
  • Assisting with the competition aspects of AMP Visual TV’s takeover of the video-mobile activities of Euromedia.

DWF (France) AARPI

DWF (France) AARPI enhanced its competition practice following the hire of Emmanuel Durand from De Pardieu Brocas Maffei in February 2021 and Nicole Coutrelis from Coutrelis & Associés in June 2021; the duo head the team. Durand, who is an expert in competition matters in the sports sector, advises clients including the Organising Committee of Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and UEFA marketing agency CAA 11 on the competition aspects of contracts and tender processes respectively, while Coutrelis counts the European Commission as a client. The firm regularly handles merger control for acquisitions, as well as antitrust litigation before the FCA.

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Durand; Nicole Coutrelis


Testimonials

‘Emmanuel Durand: his knowledge of competition law and commercial rights of sports competitions.’

‘Emmanuel Durand is particularly distinguished: business friendly, competent and attentive, responsive.’

Key clients

Dr. Oetker France


Carrefour


Comité d’Organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de Paris 2024


Les Cinémas Pathé Gaumont


Eurokera


Ligue de Football Professionnel


Club Inter-Optiques


French Tennis Federation


TCL Europe


CAA Eleven


Ayolab


Dr. August Oetker (Germany)


European Commission


Interbev


Cofco international


Varenne Gastronomie


Dimitriaki


Eversheds Sutherland

Dan Roskis heads the practice at Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP, which focuses on compliance and day-to-day competition advice. Distribution is an additional key area of work, with the team advising on contracts and disputes. Retail is an area of specialism, with Roskis also covering e-commerce and media, and matters are often cross-border. Principal associate Thomas Strange provides support in merger control notifications before the European Commission, and associate Chloé Charbeaux is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Dan Roskis


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Strange; Chloé Charbeaux


Testimonials

‘Dan Roskis is an expert in the field and explains everything in an easy to understand format. He is diligent to follow up and works hard to ensure matters are handled professionally and efficiently.’

Key clients

Parker Hannifin


France Télévisions Publicité


Makor Securities


Wolverine Worldwide


Ricoh


Patagonia


Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher has particular experience in dawn raids. Practice head Anne-Laure-Hélène Des Ylouses is acting for clients in long-running FCA investigations and resultant proceedings, including litigation before the Supreme Court. The team also provides analysis of merger control for acquisitions as well as follow-on damages actions, compliance and regulations. Franck Veisse specialises in distribution, advising clients from the automotive, life sciences and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Anne-Laure-Hélène des Ylouses; Franck Veisse


Testimonials

‘Professional expertise and experience with an hands-on approach. Flexibility and speed of reaction. Good ability to consider company specificities and goals.’

Key clients

Akka Technologies


CNCJ (Section des Commissaires-Priseurs Judicaires)


Effy


Enedis


Hub One


Ibasis


IGN


My best pro


Qwant


Pharmasimple


Ordres départementaux des Chirurgiens-Dentistes


FTPA

FTPA’s growing competition team acts for international clients in matters including antitrust litigation, investigations by authorities including the European Commission and merger control for transactions, with notifications filed before authorities including the FCA. Highlights include the firm’s work for construction group Vinci, which it represents in an appeal against an FCA penalty for concerted practices. Lise Damelet, who has expertise in state aid matters, heads the practice, which also advises on distribution networks.

Practice head(s):

Lise Damelet


Other key lawyers:

Matthieu de Calbiac; Yann Davie


Testimonials

‘The team has all the skills required for the management of complex cases that a legal department must deal with. I can only recommend this team.’

‘A very reactive team, very present, with whom it is very pleasant to work, the exchanges are fluid.’

‘The main partner with whom I work is reactive, very fine in her approach to subjects, with innovative solution proposals. She defends the interests of her client in a very intelligent way, going beyond the high expectations already set. She is a person with whom it is not only very pleasant to work but also to exchange.’

‘The competition team within the firm FTPA is very competent, involved and made up of lawyers with varied profiles.’

‘Lise Damelet is particularly attentive to her clients and spends time and energy defending them. She is very involved in cases, shows audacity, pugnacity and intelligence. She is open to comments from her collaborators and to discussion in general.’

‘Very good services from Lise Damelet in competition law.’

‘Very good responsiveness and availability of Lise Damelet; good knowledge of the practices of the competition authorities, real added value in the drafting of the writing which made it possible to obtain a very satisfactory result.’

‘We worked with Lise Damelet (partner), Matthieu de Calbiac and Yann Davie (collaborators). I particularly appreciated their availability, mastery of legal issues and interest and knowledge of our company’s business sector.’

Key clients

AUCHAN


ALDERAN


ALSTOM


EULER HERMES


GROUPE DUBREUIL S.A.


GROUP PEBEO


GROUP VYV


K-WAY


MEISINGER


REMONDIS


SARIA


SNCF S.A.


SNCF VOYAGEURS


VALEO


VEOLIA / SEDE


VINCI S.A.


WARNER BROS.


WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES


Work highlights


  • Representing VINCI S.A. in its appeal against the French Competition Authority’s decision n°21-D-05.
  • Representing two clients in the context of the ongoing investigation by the FCA in relation to practices in the nuclear clean-up and decommissioning sector.
  • Represents a client in the context of a complaint before the FCA for abuse of dominant position.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP’s broad practice covers multiple merger control and antitrust litigation/investigation matters, often involving other EU jurisdictions. On the litigation side, work includes FCA and DGCCRF investigations, appeals against sanctions and follow-on damages actions. The team has been acting for Crédit Agricole SA and Le Crédit Lyonnais for over a decade in the cheque multilateral interbank fee case, involving an FCA investigation, appeals against a fine before the French Supreme Court and a follow-on damages claim against Crédit Agricole. European competition practice head Marco Plankensteiner handles merger control advice for joint ventures, acquisitions and investments, and Marie Davy brings experience in distribution agreements. Aided by litigation specialist Guillaume Forbin, the team also works on consumer protection and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Marco Plankensteiner; Marie Davy; Guillaume Forbin


Other key lawyers:

Mathilde Vergnaud


Testimonials

‘Marco Plankensteiner is a very good lawyer, serious, rigorous and pragmatic in his approach and the solutions he proposes.’

‘Marco Plankensteiner and his team combine excellent competition law skills and human qualities with relevant analysis of situations, understanding of operational issues and strategic thinking.’

‘Marco Plankensteiner is very involved in the files and knows perfectly the economic stakes of the companies. He brings a precise vision and very concrete advice to his clients. Mathilde Vergnaud is very reactive and efficient and brings remarkable support to the team.’

Key clients

Crédit Lyonnais – LCL


Crédit Agricole SA


Luxottica Group SpA


Hermione Peaole & Brands


Trodat / Trotec Group


Eiffage Construction SA


Infravia Capital Partner


EES – Clemessy


Eiffage Infrastructure


Flink


APRR


Voodoo


Sentinel Capital Partners


IK Ventes Privées


Crearity


Work highlights


  • Representing Crédit Agricole and its subsidiary in the proceedings relating to the cheque multilateral interbank fees which resulted in a more than €100m fine.
  • Representing LCL in a class action initiated by UFC Que Choisir in connection with insurance coverage in a loan agreement.
  • Advising Hermione People & Brands in merger control and competition law issues relating to the acquisition of the coffee roaster Legal.

Lext Avocats

Lext Avocats centres its work on distribution law and litigation regarding unfair termination of commercial relationships. Headed by Sylvain Beaumont, Anne Bourdu, Gaëlle Leroy and Pierre-Lucas Thirion, the practice covers disputes regarding anticompetitive practices and distribution issues, as well as advising on distribution, franchising, supply and commercial agency agreements. With industry expertise in the tobacco, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronic products and supermarket sectors, the team also provides consumer law and product regulation advice.

Practice head(s):

Sylvain Beaumont; Anne Bourdu; Gaëlle Leroy; Pierre-Lucas Thirion


Testimonials

‘The lawyers of the competition and distribution team are proactive, open minded and very well trained.’

‘Sylvain Beaumont is outstanding. He provides pragmatic advice on virtually any issue related to competition and distribution.’

‘The firm has completely adapted with a lot of reactivity for all the practices concerned with our company, its specificities, its invoicing rules, its training proposals dedicated to one or two employees only. We progressed much more quickly and efficiently, for much less than with the firms usually used in the group thanks to the time they initially took to get to know us and our functions.’

Maulin Avocats

Antitrust and competition boutique Maulin Avocats has a strength in merger control work, with founder Romain Maulin gaining clearance for clients' acquisitions and joint ventures before the FCA and European Commission. A highlight was its work for advertiser Publicis, which it acted for in the client’s joint venture with Orange Events, involving notification before the European Commission and Moroccan and Tunisian competition authorities. Additional strengths are the firm’s work in compliance programmes and its experience in the healthcare sector. The team also handles antitrust litigation, including advising on follow-on damages actions.


Practice head(s):

Romain Maulin


Key clients

Colgate-Palmolive


Publicis


Walden Group


PRB


Crédit Agricole


Essilor Luxottica / GrandVision


Rassemblement des Opticiens de France (ROF)


Comité français des plastiques en Agriculture (CPA)


Enercoop


Work highlights


  • Representing Publicis before the European Commission in the context of the notification of a full-function joint venture with Orange Events (wholly-owned subsidiary of Orange) in the virtual digital events sector.
  • Representing Walden Group before the FCA in the context of the notification of its acquisition of Relais Colis in the parcel delivery sector.
  • Representing Produits de Revêtement du Bâtiment (PRB) before the FCA in the context of its acquisition by Holcim-Lafarge.

Niddam-Drouas Avocats

Boutique law firm Niddam-Drouas Avocats is experienced in antitrust litigation and follow-on damages cases, representing clients in actions before the FCA, French Commercial Court and Paris Court of Appeal. Co-founder Marie De Drouas often acts for associations against major names, including appealing an FCA decision to reject a complaint against EDF on behalf of energy association Anode. The group has sector expertise in the energy, consumer goods and telecoms industries and also covers FCA filings for acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of joint control by multiple clients but also including a multi-jurisdictional matter which involved merger control work in Ukraine, Brazil, Turkey and Serbia.

Practice head(s):

Marie de Drouas


Key clients

Carrefour


AOTA (Association of Alternative Telecommunications Operators)


ANODE (National Association of Energy Retailers)


Ademe Investissement


Primeo Energie


Symrise


France LNG Shipping


Work highlights


  • Representing Carrefour in several follow-on damages actions before the French Commercial Court and the Paris Court of appeal against (i) several suppliers of personal care products and (ii) several fruit-compote manufacturers on the grounds of their anti-competitive behaviour.
  • Advising the National Association of Energy Retailers (ANODE) before the Paris Court of Appeal in relation to a decision of the FCA which rejected ANODE’s complaint and request for interim measures against the company Electricité de France (EDF) in the electricity sector for an abuse of dominant position.
  • Assisting Ademe Investissement regarding the filing before the FCA of the acquisition of a joint control alongside Storengy (Engie Group) and Rougeot Energie Invest over Dijon Métropole Smart Energhy, which is active in the hydrogen production sector.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Practice head Marta Giner Asins heads both the France and Morocco competition teams at Norton Rose Fulbright as well as the French life sciences practice, and is well-placed to advise major life sciences clients on the competition aspects of their partnerships with competitors. Giner Asins also has experience of joint ventures in the energy sector, with the practice advising Certas and Engie on gaining European Commission clearance for its joint venture. On the litigation side, the practice is active in cartel cases and, with the assistance of counsel Arnaud Sanz, takes on investigations by authorities such as the DIRECCTE and Competition Authority of New Caledonia. The firm also advises on foreign direct investment and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Marta Giner Asins


Testimonials

‘The German and French competition law teams, led by Dr. Tim Schaper and Marta Giner Asins, provide cutting-edge, spot-on and risk-based pragmatic advice on a varied range of matters, be it competition law due diligence, standardisation and other strategic co-operations or competition law compliance training and communication. Apart from their impeccable legal skills they differ from their competition in their depth of industry knowledge, commitment, approachability and their agreeable, constructive and co-operative manner in handling the client relationship.’

‘Availability of the competition team. Always looking for pragmatic, pro business solutions while minimising risks.’

Key clients

Pfizer


ENGIE


HSBC


Sanofi


Certas (DCC Group)


Hertz


Association Interprofessionnelle de la Betterave et du Sucre (AIBS)


Constellium


Shell


Carlsberg


Total Energies Marketing Services


Hertz France


Manitou


AptarGroup


Work highlights


  • Acting for HSBC in the Euribor cartel case since 2012 before the EC, the GC and before the ECJ.
  • Obtained the clearance of a joint venture by Certas and ENGIE, to build and operate a network of electric vehicle superchargers at Certas motorway service stations (operated under the ESSO brand) on motorways in France, from the European Commission in Phase 1 with no commitments.
  • Defended Medtronic in a competition procedure before the Competition Authority in charge of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia.

Osmose

Osmose concentrates on distribution matters, with a strong focus on day-to-day advice on negotiating and drafting distribution agreements with retailers and compliance with competition law, but also taking on pre-litigation strategy in disputes. Melanie Comert heads the practice and frequently collaborates with commercial and IP/IT colleagues to advise multinational clients and multiple food and beverage and consumer goods businesses.

Practice head(s):

Melanie Comert


Testimonials

‘Mélanie Comert: excellent expertise – top customer approach – availability – pragmatic approach.’

‘A multidisciplinary team, with partners who are all very efficient. A responsive and business-oriented team. Service and advice well above average.’

‘Mélanie Comert stands out very clearly, an exceptional lawyer, very available, very operational, of an unequaled level in distribution competition. Very aware of the news and always quick to advise. She is very personable and it has been a pleasure working with her for many, many years.’

Key clients

Anne & Valentin


Bel Group


Bledina


Bolton Food (Saupiquet)


Bolton Solitaire


Caudalie


Coca-Cola Europacific Partners


Danone Eaux France


Danone Produits Frais France


Nutricia Nutrition Clinique


SBM Life Sciences


Dim/Playtex/Wonderbra


Delpeyrat (Maïsadour Group)


Sony Interactive Entertainment France (Playstation)


Work highlights


  • Advising the different subsidiaries of Danone Groupe on their annual commercial negotiations with retailers.

Reinhart Marville Torre

Reinhart Marville Torre has expertise in antitrust and distribution litigation, particularly for clients in the media and food and beverage sectors. Alexandre Rios represents press syndicate SEPM in its claims brought against Google, including a request for interim measures and a resultant complaint for violation of the measures, and undertakes follow-on damages cases, such as defending a client against a damages claim following a European Commission sanction for cartel behaviour. Rios also covers merger control work, representing clients before the French competition authorities regarding co-operative projects and as a third parties in merger proceedings. Antoine Dérot focuses on litigation in the distribution sector, working on actions brought over termination of commercial relationships, resales and parasitism.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Dérot; Alexandre Rios


Testimonials

‘The team provided very comprehensive and pragmatic services. In particular, the team knows very well how to manage the requirements of the groups and the particularities linked to French legislation.’

‘Alexandre Rios is particularly daring, inventive, determined and rigorous. He wants to win cases, so he is very motivated and focused on his goals.’

‘Alexandre Rios – a newcomer to the Paris competition law market and already one of the most promising talents of his generation.’

‘Alexandre Rios is an exceptional lawyer. Excellent quality of writing, great sense of strategy and remarkable litigator. He is one of the “rising stars” of the Parisian market.’

‘Excellence technique.’

‘This is a modern team that knows the needs of clients and co-counsel on files. The work is efficient and of a very high standard.’

‘I work with Alexandre Rios who is an excellent lawyer: a very good lawyer but above all a strategist who knows how to anticipate.’

‘Alexandre Rios is very competent and responsive. He has great business acumen in addition to his sharp legal skills.’

Key clients

GROUPAMA Groupama


PACIFICA (Crédit Agricole)


Syndicat des Editeurs de la Presse Magazine


BONDUELLE


NRJ GROUP


HEINEKEN


ADVENS Group


INDIGO


MOBIVIA


SMOVENGO


CERELIA


LIDL


Mr BRICOLAGE


LABORATOIRES VIVACY


Work highlights


  • Representing the Syndicat des Editeurs de la Presse Magazine in the context of (i) a complaint for abuse of a dominant position and (ii) a request for interim measures lodged against Google before the FCA (the so-called ‘neighbouring rights case’ or the ‘pay for content case’).
  • Advising Groupama and Pacifica (Crédit Agricole’s subsidiary in the insurance sector) on their co-reinsurance pool project in the French agricultural sector.
  • Representing a company in the food industry regarding a cartel damages claim brought by a large French retailer before the Paris commercial court.

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing’s competition practice has a core focus on distribution work, with the team negotiating contracts and providing day-to-day advice on distribution and franchise networks. Grégoire Toulouse handles franchising issues for a hotel chain and food and beverage clients. Evelyne Friedel negotiates commercial, licensing and supplier agreements, but also handles merger control and litigation relating to anticompetitive practices. Working with the corporate team and aided by Axel Ferly, who was promoted to counsel in May 2022, Friedel recently advised on the merger control aspects of acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Evelyne Friedel; Grégoire Toulouse


Other key lawyers:

Axel Ferly


Key clients

ALTRAD


BANQUE DE FRANCE


DATADOG


DUNKIN’ DONUTS


ENCAVIS


EUROPCAR


FRANS BONHOMME


ITSU LTD


LABORATOIRES THEA


LADUREE


ROCHE BOBOIS


TOMMY HILFIGER


Work highlights


  • Advised Altrad on the notification of the acquisition of Endel sold by ENGIE to the FCA.
  • Provided merger control assistance to Encavis in the course of its acquisition of five wind farms.
  • Assisted Ladurée in the international expansion of its network.