Firms in the Spotlight EU and competition

Anne O'Connell Solicitors

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Anne O’Connell Solicitors (AOC Solicitors) is a leading and award-winning Irish specialist Employment Law firm which was established in 2017 by our Principal, Anne O’Connell.

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EU and competition in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP is at the pinnacle of the EU and competition field. It has three top practitioners in the unparalleled Vincent Power, leading merger control and damages action expert Alan McCarthy, and Anna-Marie Curran, noted for her formidable experience in procurement. The firm has continued to earn accolades, including for its advice to NatWest on the closure of Ulster Bank in Ireland. It remains at the forefront of merger control including Phase 2 Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) investigations and notifications to the European Commission. The firm also stands out in the full range of EU, competition and procurement law matters, and has expanded its presence in foreign investment control and foreign subsidies. Lorna McLoughlin is an impressive senior associate.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Power


Other key lawyers:

Alan McCarthy; Anna-Marie Curran; Lorna McLoughlin


Testimonials

‘This team is extremely dedicated to their clients and adds value by going that extra mile. They are approachable, responsive and willing to engage to understand the full picture from the business perspective to inform their advice fully. You feel you are in a safe pair of hands, whether they are steering their client through the merger filing process or advising on points of compliance.’

‘Alan McCarthy is experienced and knowledgeable, genuinely enthusiastic, and also a very humble individual. He is always a pleasure to deal with and an excellent sounding board for ideas and concerns. Lorna McLoughlin is an excellent addition to the A&L competition team, with a forensic mind and approach to advising and problem-solving. You want Lorna in your corner!’

Key clients

Eircom (UK) Limited / eir


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


Nursing Homes Ireland


Eircom Limited (Eir)


MAN SE and MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH (ultimately part of the VW Group)


Pernod Ricard (owner of Irish Distillers)


NatWest / Ulster Bank (sale of Ulster Bank in Ireland)


Electricity Supply Board (ESB)


Irish Ferries (part of Irish Continental Group plc listed on the London and Dublin Stock Exchanges)


Timisoara International Airport – Romania


Eircom Limited (Eir)


Vitol


McBurney


Various London Law Firms (names are confidential)


Tazbell / Park Rite


daa


Work highlights


  • Acted for eircom (UK) Limited, in proceedings against the Commission for Communications Regulation in relation to its decision D11/21 titled “Regulated Wholesale Fixed Access Charges: Review of the Access Network Model”.
  • Acted for Ulster Bank and NatWest on the withdrawal of Ulster from the Irish banking market.
  • Advised eir on its joint venture with InfraVia, involving EU merger control, Irish merger control matters and Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) matters as well as all other regulatory aspects.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox is building its standing in the EU and competition market, particularly in the merger control space. It has a further strong presence in investigations, including those into the motor insurance and event ticketing industries, along with competition litigation, especially follow-on damage actions. Moreover, it has an established reputation in the state aid field. The team has a breadth of sectoral knowledge, most notably in the financial services area. Richard Ryan, who leads the competition and regulated markets group, continues to win accolades for his work in investigations, merger control and state aid. Patrick Horan is another prominent figure in merger control, market studies and follow-on damages actions. Of counsel Ronan Scanlan and senior associate Simon Breen are also key members of the team.


Practice head(s):

Richard Ryan


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Horan; Ronan Scanlan; Simon Breen


Testimonials

‘Arthur Cox is a standout team in the competition law market in Dublin. They are excellent. We have used them on a number of matters across a wide range of areas. They are professional, efficient and very easy to deal with. ’

‘Patrick is one of the leading practitioners in the Irish market. Simon is excellent and very effective. ’

‘The AC Competition Team has a good understanding of the business and is readily available as needed.’

‘Overall a good rounded team. A “steady pair of hands”.’

‘Richard Ryan is both clever and sensible and knows when an issue is likely to cause significant problems.’

‘They are very bright and capable, and their advice is always well-considered.’

‘Richard Ryan is excellent. You always know he is prepared, has thought about his advice, and is practical.’

Key clients

Permanent TSB


Sector Alarm Group


InfraVia Capital Partners


Allianz plc


CRH plc


Irish Cement Limited


Roadstone Limited


Flutter Entertainment plc


KBC Group N.V.


Kerry Group plc


AstraZeneca plc


Orsted


Gilead Sciences


Ryanair


Land Development Agency


Intel


Stripe


Davy


Greencore Group plc


Greenergy International


LN-Gaiety Holdings


Allied Irish Banks plc


Department of Finance


National Treasury Management Agency


Mediahuis N.V. and Mediahuis Ireland


Insurance Ireland


Applegreen


Accenture


Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation


MCD Productions


Volvo and Renault Trucks


Glanbia plc


Dole plc


Brookfield


National Broadband Ireland


Bank of Ireland


Verizon Communications, Inc.


The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.


Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company


Johnson Controls International plc


Kennedy Wilson


Dawn Meats


Compass Group plc


DFDS A/S


John Laing Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Flutter on its €1.9bn acquisition of Sisal, a betting, gaming and lottery operator primarily active in Italy.
  • Represented Ryanair in various High Court proceedings against Skyscanner, Vola.ro, Ypsilon.net, Flightbox, and Booking.com for alleged involvement in screen scraping activities concerning Ryanair’s website and offering Ryanair products or services for sale outside of Ryanair’s website.
  • Advised John Laing Group on its €1bn acquisition of a portfolio of assets comprising Towercom, the Dublin Convention Centre and Valley Healthcare from AMP Capital.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP continues to stand out for its abilities in merger control, including headline mergers requiring notification at a national and EU level. In this regard, the firm has made a particular impression in media sector mergers, along with those in the energy and technology industries, especially US tech businesses. The group frequently advises private equity houses on merger control and other competition matters. It is also unique in having an economist at partner level in Michael Madden. Beyond merger control, it has a thriving practice in competition law enforcement, including investigations into the ticketing and motor insurance sectors. Competition litigation is another forte. Tara Kelly leads the team, which includes Dorit McCann, who joined from Beauchamps LLP in March 2023. Laura Durning and Liam Heylin are also key partners.

Practice head(s):

Tara Kelly


Other key lawyers:

Michael Madden; Liam Heylin; Laura Durning; Dorit McCann


Testimonials

‘Unique cross-over from competition, state aid and technology providing full service from advisory to litigation. Sought after for experience in developing area of administrative fines for breaches of EU law. Enviable client roster of US tech and data clients based in Ireland making them market leader in these sectors.’

‘Dorit McCann – new partner hire who is a stand-out competition adviser in Ireland, with practice rights in Northern Ireland and London experience.’

‘Michael Madden is a firm favourite for telecoms matters and tech expertise.’

‘Dorit McCann has outstanding procurement and competition expertise. Michael Madden has excellent telecoms and competition expertise.’ 

I was impressed with their overall project plan and approach to what was an usual engagement. The partner I was dealing with also explained that other specialities within the firm were available at any time.’

‘I was very impressed with Liam Heylin’s attention to detail and his grasp of the brief.’

‘What makes Mason Hayes & Curran the great organisation that it is, is the diversity of the skillsets of its staff. If you have any concerns or issues they will forward your query to the person best able to assist.’

‘Liam Haylin has been excellent and very professional. He also completed a workshop for all of the crisis management team on site.’

Key clients

FBD Insurance Plc


Meta Platforms Inc.


The Carlyle Group


Assa Abloy AB


Fane Valley Co-operative Society Limited


Clayton Dubilier & Rice


Equinor ASA


Statkraft


Science Foundation Ireland


Canada Pension Plan Investment Board


Work highlights


  • Acted for FBD in the CCPC’s long-running investigation into alleged price signalling in the motor insurance sector.
  • Advised Meta on the potential implications of competition law and emerging digital regulation on its data processing operations and GDPR compliance.
  • Advised a global healthcare company on a competition law counterclaim arising out of IP patent infringement proceedings against a competing pharmaceutical company before the Irish Courts.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP has a fully rounded EU and competition practice, driven by a fervent pipeline of merger control matters, competition investigations, state aid cases, and competition litigation, including the headline trucks case. The team has worked on a series of Phase 2 merger assessments by the CCPC and is especially noted for media sector merger cases. It has landed key roles in all recent CCPC market investigations, including motor insurance, ticketing and fuel price. The team features three experienced partners including department head Niall Collins, an experienced figure in merger control, having practised in both London and Dublin. Kate McKenna and Calum Warren are also highly rated partners, with extensive experience in and outside Ireland. Simon Shinkwin is a rising star.

Practice head(s):

Niall Collins


Other key lawyers:

Kate McKenna; Calum Warren; Simon Shinkwin


Testimonials

‘Excellent alignment with in-house team with sound practical advice. In-depth knowledge of the regulator. Excellent response times and availability. Very good to deal with. ’

‘Kate McKenna is excellent. Knowledge is excellent, but also applies it in a very practical way that can be applied within the business. Calum Warren is excellent, with very timely turnarounds on advice. Gives sound, workable solutions.’

‘Niall Collins is the leading antitrust lawyer in Ireland at the moment. Clients really like him, he is easy to work with and very knowledgeable of the Irish regime. Calum Warren is a rising star in the team, he is a very solid pair of hands for Irish merger control matters.’

‘Niall Collins is an excellent competition partner. He provides commercial and pragmatic advice and takes initiative in anticipating client needs.’

‘Simon Shinkwin is an exceptional associate who is thorough, responsive and a pleasure to work with.’

‘The Matheson team has a strong reputation for antitrust matters and is also now providing good advice relating to the imminent Irish foreign investment screening regime. They are our go-to firm for advice on these matters. Other Irish law firms don’t offer the same bench strength or international perspectives in these matters.’

‘Calum Warren has worked in Brussels, the UK and Dublin, all in the top competition firms and within the European Commission and his breadth of experience is exceptional. I have seen him engage with competition enforcers in the UK, Ireland and from the European Commission and he is highly respected. Kate McKenna and Niall Collins are also excellent.’

‘Over the last several years Matheson has invested in the next generation of top-tier competition lawyers and their practice is now the gold standard, handling the most critical and complex cases in Ireland. It’s a diverse team with unmatched contacts with enforcers across Europe.’

Key clients

Bauer Media Group


Blackrock Health


CLdN CARGO Ireland


Gilead


Grain Management


Insurance Ireland


Le Creuset


Macquarie


MTM Packaging


Smurfit Kappa Group


Ticketmaster


Adevinta


AMP Capital


Bank of Ireland


Three Ireland (and its parent CK Hutchison)


Link Group


Parma Investments Limited, and its parent Goodman Group


Daily Mail / DMGT plc


Discovery


Enterprise Ireland


ASL Aviation


Brokers Ireland


Orpea S.A


Ornua


Speed Fibre Group (enet, Airspeed and Magnet) and its parent AMP Capital


SSE


Irish Distillers and its parent, Pernod Ricard


AIB


An Post


Fexco


Abtran


Aramark


Bord Na Mona


Boskalis


College Proteins


Commercial Mushrooms Producers Co-Operative Society (CMP)


Carr Communications


Chapel Gate


Commscope


Discovery


Department for Energy


daa plc


Disney


Energia


FitBit


Top Oil


JPI Media plc


Microsoft


Monument Re


Monaghan Mushrooms


Newsbrands


Nicholl (Fuel Oils) Ltd


Nomad Foods


Oaktree


Opel


Post Office Limited


Saint Gobain


Sky Ireland


Sport Ireland


TINE


TripActions


Irish Life


Waystone (Ireland) Ltd


Iveco SpA


Linnaeus Veterinary Ireland Ltd


Vermilion Energy Inc


Vodafone Ireland Ltd


Worldwide Flight Services (WFS)


Carne Global Financial Services Ltd


Royal Bank of Canada


Supersapiens


Shares.io


Alibaba.com


Aer-Rianta International cpt


Fresenius Medical Care (Ireland) Ltd


Wellster Healthtech Group GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Bank of Ireland on its acquisition of the Irish assets of the Belgian bank KBC, which is leaving the Irish market.
  • Advised Bauer Media Audio, Europe’s leading commercial radio and audio operator and part of Europe’s largest privately owned media conglomerate Bauer Media Group, on a series of acquisitions in the media sector to extend its leading position in Ireland.
  • Advised daa plc on several complex regulatory issues, including an ongoing High Court litigation against the regulator, Aer Lingus and Ryanair regarding airport charges.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP has an impressive history in the EU and competition field, including merger control matters, along with anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance and state aid advice. It has extensive experience in cartel investigations and competition litigation, including follow-on damages actions. Following the retirement of long-time department head Philip Andrews, it promoted Amy Brick to partner in May 2023 and has expanded the ranks below partner level. Laura Treacy now leads the team, which includes litigators Rosaleen Byrne and Catherine Derrig, who both have specialist expertise in competition cases, such as representing DAF Trucks in follow-on damages claims in Ireland.

Practice head(s):

Laura Treacy


Other key lawyers:

Rosaleen Byrne; Catherine Derrig; Louise O’Callaghan; Amy Brick; Beverley Williamson; Stephen Ryan


Testimonials

‘This team is extremely professional, thorough and capable. In an area that does not lend itself to simple or straightforward advice, they will set out the analysis in very clear terms and set out their view.’

‘Laura Treacy is an outstanding lawyer. She can absorb complex fact structures and see straight through to the core legal issues. She also provides her advice with a very commercial slant.’

‘Senior associate Stephen Ryan is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. He is hardworking, conscientious, clever, easy to work with, and most importantly intellectually honest in every piece of advice and legal work that he does.’

‘Stephen Ryan speaks confidently and clearly in public events and lectures and was often sought out for speaking engagements. He has an excellent attitude about work and was always available to assist his colleagues on competition law questions. Stephen is one of the best lawyers that I have ever worked with and I give him the highest rating possible.’

‘McCann FitzGerald has a great competition practice and all of the associates and partners are very knowledgeable and trustworthy. There is very good attention to detail and they take the time to get to know what it is you need and provide sound advice.’

‘Beverley Williamson is a great addition to the team. She is very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and responsive to client needs.’

‘Stephen Ryan stands out. He is absolutely brilliant: ferociously intelligent, indefatigable, absolutely committed to a case, superb judgment and a joy to work with.’

‘McCanns’s lawyers are experts in Irish and EU competition law. They can seamlessly combine expertise across practice areas, such as energy and competition, which helps provide valuable and efficient advice to clients.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Coillte Teoranta (the state-owned commercial forestry business)


ESB (Ireland’s foremost energy company)


ComReg (the Irish Telecoms Regulator)


VHI (the State-owned, leading supplier of private healthcare insurance in Ireland)


DAF Trucks


National Transport Authority


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


Diageo Ireland


NaviCorp


Work highlights


  • Advised NaviCorp on notification to the CCPC of its proposed sale to Uniphar.
  • Advised AIB on its acquisition of performing residential tracker mortgages from Ulster Bank.
  • Acted for DAF Trucks in follow-on damages claims in Ireland arising from a Commission decision containing a finding of infringement of competition law rules.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP has an established EU and competition practice, achieving further prominence in merger control cases and is noted for its experience in negotiating remedies with the CCPC. The firm also has a significant presence in CCPC and European Commission investigations and follow-on damages actions. Moreover, it has extensive knowledge of state aid, public procurement, trade and regulatory issues. The team has three partners at the helm. Cormac Little SC is one of the top names in the EU and competition field in Ireland, while Claire Waterson is at the forefront of state aid, public procurement and regulatory matters. Sheila Tormey is further noted for merger control and regulatory issues.


Practice head(s):

Cormac Little SC


Other key lawyers:

Claire Waterson; Sheila Tormey


Testimonials

‘William Fry is the go-to firm in Ireland and has earned this title for many years in all fields of antitrust. They are pragmatic, efficient and solution-oriented.’

‘ I would like to mention Sheila Tormey. who has led major Phase 2 remedies merger control cases in the last year. She is a market leader in merger control.’

‘This is a very good practice, led by the extremely capable Cormac Little SC and the resourceful and focused Claire Waterson amongst others. They have now become statespersons in the competition world.’

‘Cormac Little SC and Claire Waterson would be stand-out in any jurisdiction. They possess huge intellectual capital and client-facing capabilities.’

‘They give user-friendly, timely advice – have been impressed by them’

‘Cormac Little SC is my go-to competition lawyer in Ireland – in my mind the number one in the country. He gives really good advice — both practical and commercial.’

Key clients

Coimisiún na Meán


Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications


FUJIFILM


Glanbia Co-Operative Society


EirGrid plc


Davy


Uniphar plc


Enterprise Ireland


Partners Group


DCC plc/Flogas/Emo Oil


Phoenix Group Holdings


SOLAS


Uniphar plc


A high profile multi-national tech company


Irish Rugby Football Union


Phoenix Group Holdings plc


A major truck manufacturer


Irish Life Group


East Cork Oil


Valero (Energy) Ireland Limited


Cardinal Carlyle Ireland Fund (CCIF) and The City Bin Co


DFDS


Six mussel producers (Loch Garman Harbour Mussels Limited, TL Mussels Limited, Crescent Seafood Limited, River Bank Mussels Limited, WD Shellfish Limited and Fjord Fresh Mussels Limited)


Aurivo


Tesco Ireland


Dense Air Ireland


A number of leading multinational tech clients (confidential)


Work highlights


  • Advised Uniphar plc on merger control aspects of its acquisition of McCauley Chemist and on its proposed acquisition of NaviCorp, both remedies cases.
  • Advised Irish Life Group on the creation of a joint venture between Irish Life Wellbeing Limited and Centric Health Primary Care Limited (EUMR unconditional Phase 1 approval).
  • Advised CCIF / The City Bin Co on the sale of The City Bin Co to Thorntons Recycling, a Phase 2 remedies case.

LK Shields Solicitors LLP

LK Shields Solicitors LLP continues to make a particular impression in competition litigation, especially antitrust damages actions; it represented Scania in connection with a damages action brought for alleged participation in a truck cartel. The team has also represented clients in a series of headline merger control engagements and is active in the state aid space. Marco Hickey is a hugely experienced EU and competition specialist, with decades of experience in Dublin, London and Brussels. Jill Callanan is head of litigation and dispute resolution and is a key partner on follow-on damages actions.


Practice head(s):

Marco Hickey


Other key lawyers:

Jill Callanan; Muireann Granville


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge of Irish and European competition law, contacts at all levels in the competition ecosystem, and innovative problem solving are all USPs for the competition practice in LKS.’

‘Marco Hickey’s level of responsiveness, willingness to problem solve and approachability are all key strengths. ’

‘Marco Hickey is very commercial in his approach and handholds his client through what can be an arduous process.’

‘Marco Hickey – a real authority on antitrust matters in Ireland.’

‘The quality and accuracy of the advice delivered in a timely and concise fashion. The interaction with team members is as pleasant as efficient.’

‘Marko Hickey has decades of experience in the area of M&A and competition law. He is pleasant to deal with and very knowledgeable.’

‘Local knowledge, flexibility, great people.’

‘Marco Hickey clearly has strong experience and depth of knowledge in Irish and European Competition law, with incredible attention to detail and good knowledge of caselaw and relevant factors – a safe pair of hands.’

Key clients

Boylesports


Centric Health


Development Capital


Egis International


Erisbeg


Foresight Group LLP


Formpress Publishing Limited


Gowan Group


Millstreet


Viagogo AG


Work highlights


  • Acted for Centric Health in the formation of Carepath Connect, a joint venture with Irish Life.
  • Acted for the Egis Group in its acquisition of Dublin-headquartered civil engineering business, JB Barry and Partners.
  • Acted for the Erisbeg Group in the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Eolas Recruitment Limited.

Philip Lee LLP

Philip Lee LLP remains best known for procurement work, alongside its growing presence in competition law enforcement actions, merger control and state aid matters. Ronan Dunne leads the EU, competition and state aid group, which includes executive chairman Philip Lee, a prominent name in public procurement. Kerri Crossen is also noted for procurement.

Practice head(s):

Ronan Dunne; Kerri Crossen


Other key lawyers:

Philip Lee; Patrick Kane


Testimonials

‘Ronan Dunne is committed to ensuring the best outcome and was an excellent sounding board about how to construct a new national laboratory contract through a competitive dialogue procurement approach. Always available when needed, invested in the outcome and a pleasure to work with.’

‘The knowledge and experience that Philip Lee has of EU procurement and associated legislative requirements is invaluable when procuring contracts as this minimises the risk to the procurement process. Philip Lee continues to push the procurement boundaries by leading collaborative contracting arrangements and looking to incorporate sustainability and efficiencies into the procurement and contractual processes.’

‘The individuals have extensive hands-on knowledge and experience in dealing with various issues and challenges that arise as part of a procurement process, allowing them to propose successful solutions. They provide advice and responses promptly, which supports the decision-making process and maintains momentum with procurement activities.’

‘The practice has a wide variety of skilled lawyers, the billing is always easy to follow, and they are accurate with narratives. Great collaboration between departments where multiple areas of knowledge are required.’

‘Kerri Crossen and Patrick Kane have expertly guided us through extremely technically complex EU public procurement procedures, all while managing risks throughout the successful delivery of multiple top quality tenders and contracts.’

Work highlights


Beauchamps LLP

Beauchamps LLP has a significant focus on EU and procurement, bringing in Áine Smith as head of department from Eversheds Sutherland in July 2023, following the departure of Dorit McCann. Smith’s arrival reinforces the firm’s standing in the public sector and utilities, particularly in relation to public procurement matters. The firm is also experienced in CCPC investigations, state aid and merger control issues. Consultant Mark Pery-Knox-Gore is another experienced procurement specialist, as is new partner Pat McInerney, who joined in May 2023 from Holmes O'Malley Sexton.

Practice head(s):

Áine Smith


Other key lawyers:

Mark Pery-Knox-Gore; Pat McInerney


Testimonials

‘Partner led advice at all times.’

‘Available and always supportive of our typically urgent advice requirements.’

 

Key clients

Aramark


The Arts Council


Avista CLG


Business Growth Fund


Central Statistics Office


Clúid


Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)


DPF Consultants Limited


Grafton Group plc


EP UK Investment


Ergo Group


Fingal County Council


KARE


Happy Pear


Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI)


Housing Agency


IDA Ireland


Inishoo Management Limited (Westport Estate)


InTouch Games Limited


Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC)


Nalac Limited


National Disability Authority


National Library of Ireland


Ordnance Survey Ireland/Tailte Eireann


Pobal


Rehab Group


Respond Housing Association


Special EU Programmes Body


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


Vet Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised and assisted the client and its local Irish operations on an investigation by the CCPC into allegations of “gun-jumping” in relation to a certain transaction.
  • Advised a regional authority in Ireland on a review of the procurement processes for three Designated Urban Centre Grant Schemes and a review of the call for expressions of interest document issued by Science Foundation Ireland for a scheme to set up research hubs aimed at speedier commercialisation of research.
  • Advised a group of independent wind energy developers and generators on the legality of the imposition of a price cap on the wholesale price paid to electricity generators introduced in Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854.

DAC Beachcroft Dublin

DAC Beachcroft Dublin is active in domestic and multi-jurisdictional merger control and continues to advise the CCPC on the implementation of the ECN+ Directive. It has an impressive array of public and private sector clients, which it assists with state aid matters, and provides regulatory advice to a number of telecoms multinationals. Joanne Finn has experience of practising in both Ireland and the UK, is noted for expertise in EU and Irish merger control, and has further expertise in public procurement and regulatory matters. Elaine Davis is a key senior associate.


Practice head(s):

Joanne Finn


Other key lawyers:

Elaine Davis


Testimonials

‘Great team with unrivalled knowledge of the Irish merger regime.’

‘Fantastic individuals at DAC Beachcroft, a pleasure to deal with and with excellent knowledge of the Irish merger regime.’

Key clients

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)


Fusion Connect Inc.


Wiggin LLP (AT&T, Warner Media, Visa Europe)


The Maxol Group


Viaro Energy Limited


AXA


Savills (UK and ROI)


Vogel & Vogel (Groupe BPCE)


Kapsch TrafficCom AG


Work highlights


  • Advised Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on the implementation of the ECN+ Directive in Ireland, and provided senior legal consultancy services to the Legal Services Division of the CCPC.
  • Advised Fusion Connect on the launch of its telecoms services across Europe and coordinating a multi-jurisdictional licensing process with local counsel in 16 EU jurisdictions.
  • Advised the Maxol Group on a full suite of EU, competition law and compliance matters.

DLA Piper Ireland LLP

DLA Piper Ireland LLP has cemented its position in the EU and competition space, advising a large number of multinationals and Irish businesses on vital competition issues, including those linked to mergers, joint-ventures, and commercial arrangements. The team is also active in competition and regulatory compliance engagements for multinational clients. Legal director Darach Connolly has both Brussels and Ireland experience.


Practice head(s):

Darach Connolly


Testimonials

‘Consistently delivered good standard of work and support.’

‘The team is highly responsive and smart. They have a good understanding of economic relationships and backgrounds.’

‘The individuals in the team have a broad experience and good contacts to the authorities.’

‘The team has great experience in Irish healthcare services.’

‘Darach Connolly looks for practical solutions.’

Key clients

Philip Morris International


PWC


Vodafone


Deutsche Lufthansa


Moco


Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)


Slate Asset Management


Bolt


RelateCare


PIB Group


Aurelius


European Leagues


Amazon


Work highlights


  • Advised Warner Bros Discovery on its complex sports TV joint venture between BT Sports / Eurosports.
  • Advised Aurelius on its €350m acquisition of SkyChefs, which triggered an Irish notification to the CCPC.
  • Advised Vhi, a major Irish health insurer, on a complex data sharing arrangement which raised issues of dominance.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland is a significant presence in merger filings and competition investigations in Ireland. The team is experienced in managing merger notifications, having worked on merger approvals requiring major remedies and commitments. It is also noted for dawn raids, state aid and general competition law compliance. Sean Ryan heads the EU and competition team.


Practice head(s):

Sean Ryan


Other key lawyers:

Carol Slattery; Kasturi Moodaliyar


Key clients

Synch Payments


Asendia Holdings


Musgrave Group


Patrick C Joyce Supermarkets


Hevac Group


Arachas


Dukes Education


Sanbra Holdings


Irish Medical Systems


Trinity Care Nursing Home


Work highlights


RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP has an established record in media merger notifications, procurement and state aid. The firm represents a range of local authorities and public sector bodies in procurement issues and state aid issues. Finola McCarthy is a leading name in public procurement and Diarmaid Gavin has a long track record in merger notifications, state aid, and advises a number of Irish universities. Shane O’Connor provides further procurement expertise.


Practice head(s):

Diarmaid Gavin; Finola McCarthy


Other key lawyers:

Shane O’Connor


Testimonials

‘The practice provides all the resources necessary to provide us with an excellent service.’

‘The individual solicitors are highly competent in their field. Their particular strength is taking the time to fully understand our business and its particular needs.’

‘Diarmaid Gavin is excellent. I trust his judgment.’

‘Competition law is becoming more complex and clients need to work with a legal partner who has deep understanding of the operations of the CCPC and its requirements. I’ve been very happy with the competition law advice from RDJ.’

‘RDJ is well regarded in Ireland in the area of State Aid.’

Key clients

Cork City Council


Trinity College Dublin (TCD)


Donegal County Council


O’Callaghan Properties


DPB Meats Limited (trading as Dublin Meat Company)


O’Flynn Hotel Group


Work highlights