Competition in Switzerland

Homburger

Routinely operating for blue-chip corporations, Homburger’s ‘strong and experienced’ competition practice possesses demonstrable capabilities in large-scale, multi-jurisdictional merger control procedures. ‘Extremely experienced’ practice head Marcel Dietrich and ‘consummate professional’ Franz Hoffet both have more than 30 years of experience in the competition sphere. Richard Stäuber bolsters the practice with his know-how across competition law investigations, merger control proceedings and distribution arrangements, among others.

Practice head(s):

Marcel Dietrich


Other key lawyers:

Frany Hoffet, Richard Stäuber


Testimonials

‘Franz Hoffett is a consummate professional and an expert in his field. He quickly came up to speed on our matter and delivered reliable advice.’

‘Very strong all-round skill set. Very user friendly.’

‘Homburger has a strong and experienced antitrust practice in Switzerland.’

‘Marcel Dietrich is extremely experienced and has a good and also very pragmatic sense for defining the legal strategy and tactics and knows the antitrust authority very well. He is very sensitive to client needs.’

‘Richard Stäuber is highly regarded – he is on top of legal developments and very committed.’

Key clients

UBS


Nestlé


Visa Europe


Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany)


Zur Rose Group (DocMorris)


Sony Corporation, Honda Motor


Honda Motor


Clear Channel


AMAG


Amedis/ PHOENIX Pharma Switzerland


Implenia


Sonic Healthcare


Crédit Agricole, Stellantis


Permira, Hellman & Friedman


Swisscom


Work highlights


  • Advised Dufry as transaction counsel on EUR 5.5 bn strategic combination with Autogrill.
  • Advised Bunge on its USD 8.2 bn business combination with Viterra.
  • Advised VectivBio on USD 1 bn public cash tender offer from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.

Lenz & Staehelin

Advising across the full gamut of competition matters, Lenz & Staehelin demonstrates prowess across merger controls, abuse of dominance and cartel investigations, among other issues. Leveraging its strong cross-border capabilities, the team possesses notable expertise advising on international horizontal cartel investigations, as well as multi-jurisdictional merger filings. The practice enjoys an established presence in regulated industries, particularly telecoms, energy and media. Marcel Meinhardt, who specialises in a range of Swiss and European merger control work, and Benoît Merkt, who has a strong grounding in regulatory complexities across multiple sectors, jointly lead the practice. Astrid Waser, Sevan Antreasyan and Sinem Süslü are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Marcel Meinhardt; Benoît Merkt


Other key lawyers:

Astrid Waser; Sevan Antreasyan; Sinem Süslü


Testimonials

A very competent and courteous team. Great knowledge in the field and a very good and structured approach.

Key clients

Allfunds Bank Group


AG Hallenstadion


AURA Blockchain Consortium


Bain Capital Private Equity


BMW


Chanel


Cinven Limited


City of Geneva


Colgate Palmolive


CRH


CTS Eventim


Daimler


Dargaud


Deutsche Bank


ENGIE Services AG


European Broadcasting Union


Ford


Geberit Vertriebs AG


Geistlich Pharma AG


HgCapital


Honda


HSBC


Implenia


INEOS Group (Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited)


Mastercard


Maus Frères SA (owner of companies and brands such as Manor, Gant and Lacoste)


MSC


Pfizer


PostFinance


Richemont


Swiss Post


Swisscom


Swissquote


TA Associates


The Carlyle Group


Ticketcorner


TotalEnergies


Unilever


Vigier / Vicat


XXXLutz


Zendesk


Work highlights


Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Alongside considerable experience in assisting clients with commercial practices and agreements, ‘solution-oriented’ Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd includes strategic advice regarding civil law litigations, compliance programmes and internal investigations in its competition arsenal. The team handles matters pertaining to a diverse range of sectors, including telecoms, energy and financial services, and is recommended for its ability to ‘challenge expectations’ and implement ideas in a ‘fast and understandable manner’. Practice head David Mamane is well positioned to assist clients with public procurement as well as licence and distribution agreements. Amalie Wijesundera’s diverse set of capabilities include multi-jurisdictional merger control procedures, dawn raids and leniency procedures, among others.

Practice head(s):

David Mamane


Other key lawyers:

Amalie Wijesundera


Testimonials

‘Highly intelligent sparring-partners who will challenge expectations, offer solutions, and implement the client’s ideas in an effective, fast, and understandable manner.’

‘They understand what a company needs and do not try to push their own agenda, but have the client’s interest at heart. It feels more like a collaboration on a project, rather than getting external legal advice. Highly appreciated!’

‘The best law firm in Switzerland for competition law matters. The team offers an extremely high level of service to clients and is always responsive and pragmatic/client-oriented.’

‘David Mamane is a very experienced and very pragmatic competition lawyer. His experience extends to all competition law matters and he is very quick to grasp the facts and potential issues.’

‘Competent and clear advice.’

‘Great knowhow – not only legal-wise but business-wise. They are always on time, solution-oriented, and provide the appropriate answer with respect to form/content.’

‘Very capable and always available team that provides professional support at short notice.’

‘Pleasant and uncomplicated handling.’

Key clients

Philip Morris International


Aldo


Mammut


Adobe


SIX Interbank Clearing


Husqvarna


Samsung Electronics


Uber


Olympus


Bouygues Construction


CSL Behring AG


Apax


Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB)


Energie Wasser Luzern


Erdgas Zentralschweiz


Lonza Ltd


Rheinmetal Air Defence


Lafarge Holcim


Procter & Gamble


Barry Callebaut


Novartis


Dacoso


dormakaba


Skoda


Fiat Chrysler Automobiles


Michelin


Bucher Landtechnik


AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG


Ringier


LaLiga


Vifor


Pistor


Swiss Marketplace Group


Volkswagen Financial Services


Orpha Swiss


Conforama Switzerland


Work highlights


  • Representing and advising the international pharma company Novartis in the procedure initiated by the Swiss competition authorities regarding an alleged abuse of a dominant position based on the use of its patents in infringement procedures against a third party.
  • Represented and advised the Swiss health insurance companies CSS and Visana, the pharmacy service provider zur Rose, and health service provider medi24 (a subsidiary of the Allianz group) in the creation of the health platform WELL, with a successful result.
  • Representing and advising the international fragrancies company Symrise in the procedure initiated by the Swiss competition authorities regarding an alleged cartel with its competitors. The team is coordinating this investigation with EU counsel for the parallel investigation by the EU Commission.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

Fielding a broad competition offering across the media, banking and healthcare sectors, among others, ‘highly professional’ and ‘responsive’ Walder Wyss Ltd. has notable expertise in managing a variety of Phase II merger control proceedings. Its breadth of expertise also extends to other areas such as IT and telecoms, construction, and transport, to name a few. The practice is jointly led by Reto Jacobs, who excels in complex merger filings and distribution systems, and Monique Sturny, who is particularly adept in the healthcare sector, especially with regard to legal issues in the digital economy and the distribution of luxury and consumer goods.

Practice head(s):

Reto Jacobs; Monique Sturny


Other key lawyers:

Gion Giger; Daniel Zimmerli


Testimonials

‘Monique Sturny specialised in anti-trust law especially in the field of medical healthcare. This is a very highly specialised field, requiring special knowledge and close cooperation between Dr Sturny and our company. We have an excellent standard and very confidential cooperation where we are even able to get information even on holidays and weekends. Speed, expertise and written documents are outstanding.’

‘I really like working with Walder Wyss Competition Law Team. They are very much interested in our business and are therefore ready to quickly find workable solutions. They explain competition law concepts based on simple examples. It’s in virtual meetings where we share ideas, discuss pro and contra, and I get conclusions on the spot. ’

‘Highly professional, responsive and above all a very specific knowledge of the competition challenges in our business. As consultants a very professional, but also pragmatic and risk-oriented approach.’

‘Reto Jacobs is outstanding. He is able to analyse highly complex situations.’

‘All of them work with a high engagement and comittment. Added value and costs are in line.’

‘They know our industry very well and present practical solutions that work.’

‘Reto Jacobs has a very good standing with competition authorities. Gion Giger is an excellent and diligent lawyer and goes beyond the expected in terms of commitment.’

‘Monique Sturny conducted her mandate with a very business-oriented approach.’

Key clients

Dovista/VKR


Daimler Truck Holding AG, TRATON SE and Aktiebolaget Volvo (publ)


Migros Group


Swisscom


TX Group (former Tamedia)


PostFinance


Aduno / Viseca


Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB (Swiss Federal Railway)


Saviva AG


Swisscom Directories AG


Work highlights


  • Rrepresented Medbase AG in the merger control filing before the Swiss Competition Commission (ComCo) with respect to the acquisition of sole control over the Swiss business of Zur Rose Group AG, which is Europe’s largest online pharmacy and one of the leading medical wholesalers in Switzerland. Zur Rose Group AG also operates the leading marketplace for health and care products in Southern Europe. The merger was cleared by ComCo in April 2023 after a phase I investigation.
  • Represented TX Group AG in the merger control proceedings before the Swiss Competition Commission (ComCo) related to the acquisition of the Swiss business of the internationally operating Clear Channel Group, i.e. Clear Channel Holding AG which operates as an out-of-home advertising company. The merger was cleared by ComCo in February 2023 after a phase I investigation.
  • Represented TX Group AG in the merger control proceedings before the Swiss Competition Commission (ComCo) related to the acquisition of AdUnit AG, which operates a demand-side platform for advertisers (or their media agencies) and offers advertising inventory providers a software solution for selling and handling their advertising inventory. The merger was cleared by ComCo in December 2022 after a phase I investigation.

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

‘Technically savvy’, Baker McKenzie’s wide-ranging experience extends from cartel investigations and immunity applications to merger control filings and market dominance advice. ‘Solution-oriented’ Roger Thomi and Boris Wenger jointly helm the practice, with the former’s knowledge comprising a significant range of antitrust law issues, and the latter involved in precedent-setting cases in a number of courts, such as the Swiss Supreme Court. Philippe Reich maintains a strong practice in the sphere of antitrust compliance, and is regularly engaged by clients across a diverse spectrum of sectors.

Practice head(s):

Roger Thomi; Boris Wenger


Other key lawyers:

Philippe Reich


Testimonials

‘They understand the business and market as few others do. Thus, they are practical professionals.’

‘Polite professionals, pragmatic and technically savvy.’

‘Roger Thomi and Philippe Reich are a very good team, always up to date on recent developments (regulatory, case law, etc). Both have a lot of experience in different aspects of Swiss and European competition law and a very solid understanding of our business and industry. Their advice is always clear and to the point.’

Key clients

Abbott


Arbonia


Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)


Baloise Group


Barry Callebaut


Burger Söhne


Caran d’Ache


Coats


Conzzeta


CSL Behring


Daetwyler


Daimler


Deutsche Bahn


Doc Morris (former Zur Rose Group)


Emerson Electric


Estée Lauder


FedEx


Hitachi


International Electrotechnical Commission IEC


Keystone SDA


Kühne + Nagel


Lonza


LVMH


McDonald’s


Monsanto


Mövenpick


MUFG Bank


Nikon


Porsche


Raiffeisen


RUAG


Schneider Electric


Seiko


Sika


Smith & Nephew


Stihl


Swiss Banking Association


Swiss Payment Association SPA


Tandem Diabetes Care


UBS


World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)


Work highlights


  • Advised Sika, the Swiss global construction chemicals group, on the successful EUR 5.3bn acquisition of Master Builder Construction Chemicals (MBCC) Group from Lone Star. The transaction represents the largest acquisition in Sika’s 113-year history and was closed on May 2nd 2023.
  • Advised and represented Estée Lauder in the Swiss COMCO investigation and the appeal proceedings before the Federal Administrative and on the judgment of the Federal Administrative Court of December 2022 and a potential appeal to the Federal Supreme Court regarding information exchange in the luxury cosmetics and perfumes sector. This was the leading case in Switzerland on a standalone exchange of commercially sensitive information and ended for the client with no fine to be paid.
  • Advised the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) on its Open Banking Project in Switzerland. The project enables the implementation of open banking use cases and the development and rollout of multibanking offerings for individuals. It is an important step towards achieving the open finance objectives set by the Swiss government and supports the digital transformation of the financial sector in Switzerland.

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Recognised for its ‘superior representation in connection with Swiss matters’, Bär & Karrer Ltd. is well positioned to assist clients with dawn raids, compliance programmes and merger control filings, among other issues, across a diverse range of sectors and industries. ‘Very service-oriented’ and ‘extremely committed’ Mani Reinert spearheads the competition team, and is notably involved in a host of domestic and multijurisdictional merger control filings. Another key contact is Martin Werner, who possesses demonstrable knowledge and expertise in merger control filings and administrative proceedings before the Swiss competition authority.

Practice head(s):

Mani Reinert


Other key lawyers:

Martin Werner


Testimonials

‘Bar & Karrer offer superior representation in connection with Swiss matters.’

‘Mani Reinhart is an excellent lawyer, very smart, dedicated, and responsive.’

‘Mani Reinert is a very service-oriented and extremely qualified lawyer. He responds quickly and to the point. The cooperation is very pleasant. ’

‘Mani Reinert and his team have a strong experience in antitrust generally and in financial services.’

‘Mani Reinert is extremely committed and involved. As a senior partner, his direct involvement in the work stands out. His knowledge is vast, very experienced.’

Key clients

UBS Group AG


Astorg


Mobiliar


Novartis


Saint-Gobain


Swiss Life


H2 Energy AG


Stellantis


Valora Holding AG


DSV A/S


Warburg Pincus


Work highlights


  • Advising UBS in its acquisition of Credit Suisse in the merger control proceeding before FINMA and the Swiss Competition Commission. Bär & Karrer represents UBS in the merger control proceeding before FINMA, the financial regulator, and the Swiss competition authority.
  • Advising Stellantis and Hon Hai in their creation of a 50-50 joint venture to design and sell semiconductors for the automotive industry from 2026. Bär & Karrer represented Stellantis and Hon Hai in relation to the notification to the Swiss competition authority.
  • Advising Advent International and Warburg Pincus in their acquisition of Baxter’s BioPharma Solutions Business. Bär & Karrer represents the parties in the merger control filing to the Swiss competition authority.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

Alongside extensive experience in competition law matters related to public procurement, ‘well-educated and experienced’ CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. fields a strong offering across cartels, distribution agreements and the implementation of comprehensive antitrust compliance programmes. The team covers a multitude of sectors from construction to consumer goods. ‘Business-oriented’ Marquard Christen, Patrick Sommer and Pascal Favre steer the team. Christen demonstrates strong capabilities in handling matters at the interface of competition and public procurement law, while Sommer includes merger control proceedings and antitrust compliance matters in his arsenal of skills. Favre is particularly experienced in the realm of distribution agreements.

Practice head(s):

Marquard Christen; Patrick Sommer; Pascal Favre


Other key lawyers:

Alain Raemy


Testimonials

‘Well educated and experienced in Swiss competition law.’

‘CMS not only has a broad and experienced competition team in Switzerland, but also an unparalleled network of competition experts in all other cities around the globe where CMS is present.’

‘You get full partner attention whenever you need it whilst the size of the team allows to scale up for bigger matters. ’

‘Marquard Christen lives and breathes competition/antitrust law and is very good at coming up with solutions that work for us from a business perspective.’

Marquard Christen is very responsive, great at explaining complex topics in an easily understandable manner and a pleasant person to work with.’

‘Hands-on and practical approach. Up to date and very capable consultants. ’

‘They can put themselves in the situation of the client. Comprehensive, friendly and down to earth. ’

‘I have worked closely with Marquard Christen, who has provided my company with outstanding support. He is very business oriented and is able to explain difficult things in a simple way for everyone to understand. ’

Key clients

Bayer (Switzerland)


Voigt


Bank Julius Bär


A leading Germany-based distributor dealing in pharmaceutical components


Swisscard


Hachette Group


Cruspi (company of Oettinger Davidoff group)


Rabobank


Tognetti Auto


Synlab


Koch Group


Hew AG Bauunternehmung Chur


Synlab


SNCF Group


Michelin Group


Lagardère Group


Work highlights


  • Advised the Voigt group in challenging merger control proceedings.
  • Represented a major Swiss bank in the first Swiss investigation in the labour market.
  • Advised the Hachette Group in the appeal proceedings on the alleged ban on parallel imports in the market for French-language books.

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Praised for being ‘talented, intelligent and responsive’, Niederer Kraft Frey AG’s competition team's broad range of strengths, encompassing merger control proceedings, the drafting of agreements, and assisting in connection with M&A transactions, means it is well placed to advise on complex and precedent-setting cases. ‘Excellent’ Nicolas Birkhäuser leads the team with his demonstrable expertise across a broad scope of issues from investigation and merger control proceedings to IP-related aspects of competition law. Handling a variety of contentious and non-contentious issues, Thomas A Frick is proficient in competition law in the finance industry, and in handling distribution systems and compliance matters. Anna Mentzer and Paloma Alcántara are other key names within the practice.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Birkhäuser


Other key lawyers:

Thomas A Frick; Anna Mentzer; Paloma Alcantara


Testimonials

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser is very competent, customer-oriented, flexible and professionally excellent. Over the past years, a very pleasant and uncomplicated cooperation has developed, which we appreciate very much.’

‘NKF has very talented, intelligent and responsive lawyers.’

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser has an excellent expert knowledge and provides understandable advice despite the complexity of the topic.’

‘I work with Nicolas Birkhauser, who serves as local counsel in an international cartel matter. He is excellent – smart, focused, organised, and very balanced.’

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser is a good communicator and is very good with clients.’

Key clients

ASSA ABLOY AB


Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (“FEMSA”)


Fresenius Kabi


FibroGen Inc.


Citigroup


Stadtcasino Baden


Invision AG


Coop Genossenschaft (Coop Cooperative)


CLS Bank International


Capvis


Credit Suisse AG


BMW Leasing


Flumroc AG / ROCKWOOL group


Procter & Gamble


Schweiter Technologies AG


Skysale


Axpo Holding AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Fresenius Kabi in the first ever investigation of the Competition Commission regarding relative market power in Switzerland.
  • Advising a bank in the first ever investigation of the labour market.

Kellerhals Carrard

With demonstrable capabilities across Swiss and European competition law, the ‘intelligent and efficient’  team at Kellerhals Carrard is entrusted to advise on merger control proceedings as well as regulations within the energy, telecoms and financial services arenas. Its sector coverage from automotive to sports and TMT allows the firm to offer a broad competition practice. ‘Very experienced’ Daniel Emch and ‘outstanding’ Christophe Rapin co-lead the department.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Emch; Christophe Rapin


Testimonials

‘The team is our go-to-team in Switzerland for all competition law related matters. The team is very much on top of things and have a deep knowledge of sports-related competition law matters, on which we have been working together.’

‘The team consists of very intelligent and efficient antitrust lawyers. ’

‘Daniel Emch enjoys our fullest confidence. From the very beginning, he guided us through the process in a competent and very efficient manner. ’

‘Christophe Rapin has an outstanding profile in competition law.’

‘Kellerhals Carrard has a thorough understanding of the competition law and it’s potential implications on their client’s business. They provide their legal advice in a timely, comprehensive and easy to understand manner. ’

‘Daniel Emch has an exceptionally quick grasp of the business, paired with a thorough understanding of the competition law and the ability to provide legal advice which is to the point and very useful.’

‘Kellerhals Carrard is agile, customer-focused and very experienced. ’

‘Daniel Emch is very experienced, well acquainted with the authority and the processes. He grasps complex issues extremely quickly, responds to customer wishes and advises in a way that is easy to understand.’

Key clients

adidas


AccorHotels


Audika


BKW


BIOKEMA


BLS Cargo


CSL Vifor Pharma


Deutsche Telekom


Flughafen Bern AG (airport)


Frutiger AG


Galenica Ltd. / Galexis Ltd.


International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)


International Weightlifting Association – IWF


Kieswerk Heimberg AG


Lineas (railway)


Lloyds


Mobiliar/Trianon


Moevenpick


Orange


Planzer


PostFinance Ltd.


Ringier


Roche


SABAG


Sonia Rykiel International SA


Spie


Stellantis


SRG – Swiss Broadcasting Company


Swiss Football Association


Swiss Football League


Swiss post


Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects


Swiss Solar


Swisscom


Total/Saft


La Vaudoise (Insurance Company)


Vilebrequin International SA


Vivendi/Groupe Editis


World Anti-Doping Agency


Yves Saint Laurent


Work highlights


  • Representing Galexis AG in an investigation against Fresenius Kabi before COMCO. This is the very first investigation into a potential abuse according to the new Article 7(2)(g) of the Act on Cartels that entered into force on 1 January 2022.
  • Assisting SAS Cargo Group in an appeal to the Federal Supreme court against a decision of the Federal Administrative court partly validating a decision of the COMCO (Swiss competition authority) imposing fines on several entities of SAS Cargo group in the so-called air cargo cartel. Obtained a significant reduction of the sanctions imposed on SAS Cargo Group during the procedure in front of the Federal Administrative Court.
  • Advised Galenica in the creation of the joint venture with Shop Apotheke. As a result the largest online pharmacy of Switzerland was created. Represented the parties in merger control proceedings, and provided advice related to the structure of the deal and competition compliance.

VISCHER

‘Responsive, competent and friendly’, VISCHER operates for clients across an extensive range of mandates, including in connection with cartels, distribution agreements, private enforcement and public procurement. The team holds an established presence in growth industries, such as TMT, data, and banking. Practice head Klaus Neff is noted for his ability in relation to appellate cases.

Practice head(s):

Klaus Neff


Testimonials

‘Responsive, competent and friendly.’

Key clients

Royal Bank of Scotland


Swiss International Air Lines


Universal Music


AB Inbev


3 Plus


Air Canada


Brenntag Schweizerhall AG


Baloise Holding


Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH


CA Auto Finance Suisse SA


Work highlights


Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd's competition practice is spearheaded by the ‘pragmatic’ Michael Tschudin, who is recommended by clients for his knowledge, experience and competency. While being particularly adept in the life sciences and pharma field, the 'clever and sophisticated' team is also active in various other industries and enjoys a strong reputation in defending clients in antitrust investigations. Tschudin is able to draw on his background in the Competition Commission and Federal Administrative Court. Pharma and life sciences expert Frank Scherrer further strengthens the practice.

Practice head(s):

Michael Tschudin


Other key lawyers:

Frank Scherrer


Testimonials

‘Wenger Vieli’s team is particularly know for its expertise in abuse of dominance cases, in particular at the interface with data protection (i.e. the use of data by companies with market dominance). Furthermore, the firm in general comes a across as being one of the “modern” and innovative commercial law firms on the Swiss market.’

‘Practice head Michael Tschudin is a very competent and experienced competition lawyer who has previously also worked for the Swiss competition authority and the Federal Administrative Court (first court of appeal in competition matters). He is very quick at identifying the relevant facts and good at developing pragmatic solutions.’

‘Michael Tschudin is one of best competition lawyers in Switzerland. In former days, he worked both for the Competition Commission and was hearing competition law appeals at the Swiss Administrative Court. He is very knowledgeable and at the same time down-to-earth. He delivers immediately actionable advice. He is clearly a lawyer to choose.’

‘The team around Mike Tschudin is clever and sophisticated. They are approachable. ’

‘Mike Tschudin is a very good competition lawyer.’

‘Mike Tschudin is a great and well experienced competition lawyer, who stands out in his generation.’

‘Michael Tschudin is a very competent competition lawyer. He is a hands-on and pragmatic advisor. Having worked for the competition authority, the appeal court and as an advisor in private practice, he knows the competition world from the in- and the outside.’

Key clients

Kontron


Redcare Pharmacy (formerly Shop Apotheke Europe)


CoNet


STOA Impact Fund


SIGNA


Work highlights


  • Advised Kontron on cross-border competition law matters in EUR 400m sale of its international IT services business.
  • Advised and represented Redcare Pharmacy in merger control proceedings in connection with cross-border joint venture with Galenica.
  • Advised CONET on competition law issues in its cross-border acquisition of emineo.

CORE Attorneys

Noted for its ability to provide ‘speedy and tailored client advice’, boutique law firm CORE Attorneys is led by ‘true star’ Mario Strebel and ‘analytical’  Fabian Koch. Key undertakings for the team include anti-competitive conduct, merger proceedings, initial risk assessments as well as due diligence and compliance programmes. The team is also adept at handling regulatory issues relating to competition law. Koch utilises his background in economics and business administration to assist clients with a variety of mandates.

Practice head(s):

Mario Strebel; Fabian Koch


Testimonials

‘CORE is a boutique firm specialised in particular on competition law. The team is highly experienced and great to work with.’

‘Both, Mario Strebl and Fabian Koch are experienced and provide services on international level in terms of quality, responsiveness and industry know-how.’

‘Core Attorneys is a boutique law firm with a focus on competition law and regulatory matters. This profile is quite unique in Switzerland and provides Core Attorneys with a certain edge over other law firms in terms of legal expertise and the ability to provide speedy and client-tailored advice.’

‘Mario Strebel and Fabian Koch are the main individuals. They are well-connected, have an exceptional media profile, are known for hands-on and very committed client handling and are involved in some of the major investigations of the Swiss Competition Commission. I consider them as leading practitioners in the their legal field with a growing recognition from clients, the competition authorities and other law firms alike.’

‘The team is highly specialised in competition and regulatory issues. They strike me as highly efficient and hands-on with an outstanding dedication to their cases.’

‘Mario Strebel is a true star in the profession. He clearly understands his customers’ needs and responds to them relentlessly.’

‘If clients need hands-on advice regarding compliance or support in a cartel investigation or merger control proceedings they can be assured of being well taken care of with a high level of partner attention.’

‘Mario Strebel is well connected due to his past at the Swiss Competition Commission’s Secretariat and being the chair of the Swiss Working Group of the Studienvereinigung Kartellrecht. It is always a pleasure to work with him. Fabian Koch is another partner who stands out with his attention to detail and analytical skills without missing the whole picture.’

Key clients

Markant (Markant Handels- und Industriewaren-Vermittlungs AG and its subsidiary Markant Syntrade Schweiz AG)


Breitling Ltd


STRABAG AG


Medela AG (Olle Larsson Holding AG)


Parts Europe GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing Markant (Markant Handels- und Industriewaren-Vermittlungs AG and its subsidiary Markant Syntrade Schweiz AG) in an ongoing investigation of the Swiss Competition Commission in the fast-moving consumer goods sector with regard to alleged anticompetitive conduct by several wholesalers and retailers and Markant.
  • Advising STRABAG, the Swiss subsidiary of STRABAG SE, one of the largest construction companies in Europe, in day-to-day competition compliance matters, including respective training sessions.
  • Advising Breitling Ltd, the renowned manufacturer of Swiss luxury watches, in distribution law and day-to-day compliance matters.

MLL Legal

Focusing on high-tech, innovative and regulated sectors, MLL Legal excels in the field of distribution law, operating for clients across vertical agreements and questions relating to dominance. ‘Extremely dedicated’ Renato Bucher and Hubert Orso Gilliéron, who is praised for his ‘extensive knowledge’ and being ‘quick on his feet’, jointly helm the practice. Simon Holzer is adept at handling mandates that incorporate aspects of competition and IP issues.

Practice head(s):

Hubert Orso Gilliéron; Renato Bucher


Other key lawyers:

Simon Holzer


Testimonials

‘We have been working with MLL in a trustful relationship for many years. The decisive factor is the cooperation on a personal level.’

‘Renato Bucher is extremely dedicated and an excellent expert.’

‘Huber Orso Gilliéron adapts to the needs of his clients and is quick on his feet. Pleasant to brainstorm with. ’

‘Broad and diversified teams.’

‘Huber Orso Gillieron has extensive knowledge and experience of competition and commercial issues and a unique ability to provide strategic advice to companies on their business practices.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Cousins in a major antitrust dispute alleging that Swatch is illegally abusing its dominant position.
  • Assisting naxoo SA in appeal proceedings before the Federal Tribunal against a decision rendered by the Swiss Administrative Tribunal in the Supermedia case (alleged abuse of a dominant position).
  • Represented Burkhalter Holding AG and poenina holding AG in merger control proceedings before the Swiss Competition Commission COMCO.

Pestalozzi

‘Highly professional’ Pestalozzi utilises its international network to advise on issues such as merger controls and numerous other transactions, bolstered by the firm’s move to a new Zurich office in July 2023. Christoph Lang leads the practice with his corporate and antitrust capabilities, while Michèle Burnier contributes IP expertise to the team. Fabian Martens is another name to note in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Lang


Other key lawyers:

Michèle Burnier; Fabian Martens; Sarah Drukarch


Testimonials

‘Highly professional services.’

‘Capability to handle complex cases.’

‘Combination of M&A and antitrust advice, does well hand in hand.’

Key clients

BP


Coca Cola Company


Johnson & Johnson


NIBE Group


Ringier


RUAG International


Zimmer Biomet


Work highlights


  • Advised RUAG International on the sale of the Aerostructures Germany & Hungary Unit.

Prager Dreifuss AG

‘Pragmatic, fast and highly professional’, Prager Dreifuss AG’s areas of knowledge encompass cartel and merger proceedings as well as public procurement law and state aid matters. ‘Excellent’ Philipp Zurkinden, who helms the firm’s competition practice, is particularly experienced in abuse of dominance matters and merger controls.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Zurkinden


Testimonials

‘The exchange/contact with the responsible people is excellent. There is a quick response and action and optimal solutions are shown. The treatment of the clientele is very courteous.’

‘The lawyers responsible for us responded excellently to our needs and conducted the negotiations entirely in our interests. Documents were drawn up within a very reasonable period of time and submitted where necessary. We were always well informed about the following (legal) steps.’

‘The team has in-depth expertise in different sectors. They are efficient and creative and deliver the highest quality customised solutions.’

‘Philipp Zurkinden is our main contact person. He has in-depth knowledge of both Swiss and European antitrust law, which makes him very well placed to help.’

‘Pragmatic, fast and highly professional.’

‘Quick perception, pragmatic with excellent know-how.’

‘The competition team at Prager Dreifuss is of very high calibre. It has a wealth of experience in all aspects of competition law. It has special expertise in cartel work and is involved in all major cartel cases. It is a well-respected and all-round team that you can turn to even for the most difficult of cases.’

‘Philipp Zurkinden is an excellent and very dependable competition law expert. He is very analytical and always proceeds with great care. He is creative and never looses sight of the client’s objectives. ’

Key clients

Basler Bankenvereinigung (Basel banking association)


Zürcher Bankenverband (Zurich banking association)


Auto Sport GmbH / FIA


Swisscom


Deponie Höli


VAKA (Aargauische Spitäler, Kliniken und Pflegeinstitutionen)


Promarca (Swiss Brands Association)


Work highlights


  • Advising Deponie Höli in an abuse of dominance investigation before the Swiss Competition Commission; the case is accompanied by various media releases. The case is of importance because of interlinks between the conduct of private sector undertakings, public concessions and public supply and environmental concepts and plans.
  • Provided a legal opinion to the Basler Bankenvereinigung, the Zürcher Bankenverband and the Arbeitgeberverband der Banken in der Schweiz on the subject of recently launched preliminary investigation regarding alleged collusion amongst various banks on employee salaries.
  • Advising VAKA and its hospital members in relation with possible behavioural coordination of insurers before the ComCo and administrative courts.