Competition in Switzerland

Homburger

Homburger is an established competition law counsel to a number of Swiss and foreign blue-chip clients. It has core capabilities in investigations and multi-jurisidictional merger control filings for which the practice works closely with the firm’s corporate and M&A department. The offering also includes leniency applications, dawn raids and sanction procedures. Practice head Marcel Dietrich and Franz Hoffet both have over 30 years of experience. Richard Stäuber is noted for ‘delivering work in very high quality.‘ Associate Allegra Arnold handles administrative and civil antitrust litigation.

Practice head(s):

Marcel Dietrich

Other key lawyers:

Franz Hoffet; Richard Stäuber; Allegra Arnold

Testimonials

‘Homburger provided absolutely reliable excellent advice any time, the quality is outstanding and in particular their business acumen and service attitude. The team is very well aligned internally and advice provided is always ‘ready to use for business’ – no lengthy extra work in-house needed to translate advice in practical implementation steps for the business.’

‘Homburger provide excellent service on Swiss merger control and issues around communications and media regulation. They deeply understand the legal and commercial issues and are able to expertly handle complex matters.’

‘Consulting services in very high quality.’

‘The collaboration with Richard Stäuber is very efficient, he delivers work in very high quality and timely.’

‘Highly experienced and skilled attorneys. The team members are very dedicated and work extremely well together. Substitution is ensured at all times. We appreciate the very good accessibility and short response times.’

Key clients

Liberty Global

Swatch Group

Clariant

Swisscom

Swiss Post

UBS

Goldman Sachs Capital Partners

EQT

Avaloq Group

Advent International

Eurazeo

Platinum Equity

AMAG

Booking.com

VISA Europe

Solenis

Telemos Capital

Kimberly-Clark

Work highlights

  • Advised Avaloq Group and majority shareholders as global transaction counsel on all competition-related matters related to the CHF2.05bn sale of Avaloq Group to NEC Corporation.
  • Representing Swatch Group as lead counsel in proceedings of the Competition Commission and appeal proceedings with the Swiss Federal Administrative Court.
  • Advising Clariant as international lead counsel on multi-jurisdictional merger control procedures related to the divestment of its pigments business to a consortium of Heubach Group and SK Capital Partners.

Lenz & Staehelin

Lenz & Staehelin‘s scope covers the full gamut of competition and antitrust law. The members of the practice have considerable know-how in merger control notifications, abuse of dominance, restrictive practices, cartel investigations, dawn raids, leniency procedures and public procurement. The group further often deals with multi-jurisdictional merger filings as well as with proceedings before the Swiss Competition Commission and competition litigation. It is headed up by the ‘excellent‘ Marcel Meinhardt and the ‘very constructive’ Benoît Merkt in Zurich and Geneva respectively. Astrid Waser brings her expertise in media and telecom law to the table. Sevan Antreasyan made partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Marcel MeinhardtBenoît Merkt

Other key lawyers:

Astrid Waser; Sevan Antreasyan

Testimonials

‘Lenz & Staehelin is a top firm in Switzerland.’

‘Benoît Merkt is a very strong competition lawyer, reliable, charming and very constructive.’

‘Top competition practice in Switzerland.’

‘Marcel Meinhardt is excellent.’

Key clients

Allfunds Bank Group

Alstom

Bain Capital Private Equity

BMW

Chanel

Cinven Limited

City of Geneva

Colgate Palmolive

CRH

CTS Eventim

Daimler

Dargaud and Flammarion

Deutsche Bank

ENGIE Services AG

European Broadcasting Union

Ford

Geistlich Pharma AG

Honda

HSBC

Hyundai Motor

Implenia

INEOS Group (Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited)

Mastercard

Maus Frères SA

Pfizer

PostFinance

Richemont

Salt Mobile SA

Saraco SA

Sunrise Communications AG

Swiss Post

Swisscom

Swissquote

The Carlyle Group

Ticketcorner

Total

Unilever

Vigier / Vicat

Work highlights

  • Representing Mastercard in its appeal against interim measures by the ComCo.
  • Represented Jumbo-Markt AG in the Swiss merger control procedure in the sale of all shares in Jumbo-Markt AG.
  • Advised Bain and Cinven in the Swiss merger control procedure regarding the acquisition of Lonza Specialty Ingredients .

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is ‘characterised by an excellent team with strong specialists who work respectfully in tone, but hard in substance.’ With special know-how in the TMT, pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, retail, and luxury goods industries, the practice is regularly involved in investigations and merger control procedures. The members are well versed in dominance and distribution cases, dawn raids, and distribution agreements. Team lead David Mamane impresses with a broad practice encompassing procurement, regulatory and competition law. Of counsel Peter Georg Picht can also draw on IP expertise. Counsel Frank Bremer and senior associate Amalie Wijesundera are further dedicated specialists.

Practice head(s):

David Mamane

Other key lawyers:

Peter Georg Picht; Frank Bremer; Amalie Wijesundera

Testimonials

‘David Mamane is an incredible lawyer. Knowledgeable, easy-going, always calm and with a solution ready.’

‘Peter Georg Picht has an encyclopedia mind and provides a great back-up comparative law support. ‘

‘Amalie Wijesundera is an extremely quick senior associate with a bright future.’

‘Schellenberg Wittmer is characterised by an excellent team with strong specialists who work respectfully in tone, but hard in substance.’

‘David Mamane is arguably the best antitrust lawyer in Switzerland at the moment and is respected by colleagues and the authorities.’

‘Amalie Wiejesundera is characterised by the highest quality with exceptional commitment. At the same time, she always remains empathetic and friendly.’

‘Outstanding individuals are David Mamane and Frank Bremer. Both have an extremely broad understanding of the legal matters but also of the financial sector and this combination makes them the perfect match for our company.’

‘David Mamane and Frank Bremer are the persons we are working with. They have a very business-minded approach and strive to come up with a solution rather than just outlining problems from a legal perspective. They are very knowledgeable experts in the area of competition/antitrust law.’

Key clients

Philip Morris International

Aldo

Mammut

Adobe

Gazprom Marketing & Trading

Fischer

SIX Interbank Clearing

Husqvarna

Samsung Electronics

Warner Music Group

Uber

Olympus

Bouygues Construction

CSL Behring AG

Ascensia

Apax

Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG

Gasverbund Mittelland (GVM)

Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB)

Energie Wasser Luzern

Erdgas Zentralschweiz

Lonza Ltd

Rheinmetal Air Defence

Lafarge Holcim

Procter & Gamble

Barry Callebaut

Bouygues Energies & Services Schweiz AG

Novartis

Dacoso

dormakaba

Skoda

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Michelin

Bucher Landtechnik

AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG

Ams AG

Ringier

Conforama Switzerland

Work highlights

  • Successfully 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) on the creation of health platform WELL.
  • Acted as Swiss competition law advisor for the planned merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA group (Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, etc.).
  • Advised Swissgrid on its participation in the joint venture Equigy with the transmission system operators TenneT (Netherlands/Germany) and Terna (Italy), in particular on competition law, procurement, regulatory and corporate aspects.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

Walder Wyss Ltd. fields a team of ‘highly reliable and motivated people.’ It has a notably strong track record in merger control proceedings across a wide range of sectors, but also covers dominant position cases and dawn raids. Reto Jacobs also has experience in representing companies before competition authorities and courts, as well as in matters involving distribution systems. He leads the practice jointly with Monique Sturny who is well versed in the healthcare, consumer and luxury goods, and digital economy sectors. Counsel Gion Giger also covers commercial and contract law.

Practice head(s):

Reto Jacobs; Monique Sturny

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Zimmerli; Gion Giger; Monique Sturny

Testimonials

‘Professional and skilled, very specialised lawyers with large teams interacting perfectly to solve complex legal problems appropriately.’

‘Monique Sturny is a qualified and renowned specialist in affairs of antitrust laws and supervisory authority for banking and health insurances (FINMA). She is very dedicated to her work, quick in analysing problems and formulating legally sound answers. She is very easily accessible.’

‘Extremely high expertise in different fields of practice and smooth transition and exchange between the practice areas. A key asset to bring all knowledge in the firm to the table in order to give the highest standard of legal advice out of ‘one hand’ to the client.’

‘Fantastic team, very dedicated, headed by the experienced Reto Jacobs. Bright attorneys.’

‘Reto Jacobs knows how work is done.’

‘Gion Giger is excellent, and a real workhorse with full dedication.’

‘Highly reliable & motivated people.’

‘Monique Sturny: Highly skilled and experienced in supporting the application of antitrust consultation procedures.’

Key clients

Dovista/VKR

Daimler AG and Volvo AB

Migros Group

Swisscom

TX Group (former Tamedia)

PostFinance

Aduno/Viseca

Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB (Swiss Federal Railway)

Saviva AG

ADVA Optical Networking

Work highlights

  • Represented Daimler AG and Volvo AB in the merger control proceedings related to a joint venture.
  • Represented ADVA Optical Networking SE in an investigation conducted by the Swiss Competition Commission (ComCo) into possible submission agreements in the field of optical networks.
  • Represented Dovista A/S, part of the Danish VKR Group, in the merger control proceedings related to the purchase of Arbonia’s Windows Division.

Baker McKenzie

Clients appreciate Baker McKenzie for its ‘broad range of expertise; they can easily involve additional experts in Switzerland and abroad if complex questions in other fields arise.’ The practice has considerable know-how in cartel investigations before the Swiss Competition Commission, appeal procedures before relevant authorities, immunity applications, and antitrust compliance. Philippe Reich can also advise on trade matters and directs the practice with Boris Wenger who specialises in contentious cases. Senior associate Roger Thomi is another key team member, noted for ‘delivering high-quality and practical advice within a short time.’

Practice head(s):

Philippe Reich; Boris Wenger

Other key lawyers:

Roger Thomi

Testimonials

‘International reach.’

‘Know-how and expertise.’

‘Baker McKenzie’s team in Zurich, and its EU desk in Brussels, are true experts in their field and are able to support globally acting groups and its CH/EU subsidiaries, due to their well established cross-border network, collaboration and alignment.’

‘Boris Wenger and Roger Thomi are very experienced competition lawyers with a deep understanding of Swiss and EU competition law. In addition, Boris Wenger’s advice for business practice, despite the complexity of antitrust law, is always very pragmatic.’

‘I like the business-minded spirit of the Baker McKenzie team. They know how transactions work and how to get a deal through efficiently. The competition law advice is not problem-oriented but solution-oriented. The team is responsive and available on short notice. They also introduced innovative tools, such as their merger control database where they can answer international merger control questions quickly.’

‘Roger Thomi is a senior associate, delivering work results on partner level. With his excellent knowledge of Swiss and EU competition law, he delivers high quality and practical advice within a short time. He can explain complex legal matters in a clear and simple way by showing the main issues and providing clear recommendations on how to proceed. He is also very responsive and efficient which is paramount in a transaction.’

‘Very good integration of the M&A, regulatory and competition teams. Very diligent work with fast turnaround.’

Key clients

Daimler

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Abbott

FedEx

Nikon

Barry Callebaut

Lonza

MUFG Bank

Smith & Nephew

Hitachi

Swiss Payment Association SPA

Burger Söhne

CSL Behring

Baloise Group

Arbonia

Keystone SDA

International Electrotechnical Commission IEC

LVMH

Monsanto

Mövenpick

Porsche

Stihl

UBS

Seiko

Kühne + Nagel

Raiffeisen

Conzzeta

McDonald’s

The Tire Industry Project of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

Caran d’Ache

Work highlights

  • Advised UBS on all competition law aspects of the sale of the majority of the shares in UBS’ fund distribution platform Fondcenter to Clearstream and of its long-term partnership with Clearstream.
  • Advised the Swiss Payment Association SPA on antitrust compliance of its activities and the activities of its members.
  • Advised Kuehne+Nagel on its strategically important acquisition of Apex International Corporation (Apex) by acting as global merger control lead counsel.

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd. has strong capabilities in supporting clients in investigations by the Swiss competition authority. The practice often acts for major Swiss and foreign corporations from a wide range industries. Other areas of expertise include cartels, dawn raids, civil litigation, compliance programmes. For merger control proceedings, the team works closely with the M&A group. Practice head Mani Reinert is a dedicated antitrust specialist. He is supported by associate Tobias Rebmann who also has know-how in technology law.

Practice head(s):

Mani Reinert

Other key lawyers:

Tobias Rebmann; Markus Wang

Testimonials

‘This is my go-to firm for matters in Switzerland.’

‘Mani Reinert is excellent.’

Key clients

Primeo Energy

ABB

Saint-Gobain

Unilabs

Viseca

Mobiliar

Tecan

Stellantis

DSV Panalpina

Valora

Credit Suisse

Beiersdorf

EKZ

Work highlights

  • Advised and represented PSA in obtaining merger control clearance from the Swiss competition authority for its merger with FCA to Stellantis.
  • Advised DSV on obtaining merger control clearance from the Swiss competition authority for its acquisition of Agility Global Integrated Logistics.
  • Advised Sage Group on the competition law aspects of its sale of the Swiss business to Infoniqa, a provider of HR software solutions majority-owned by Warburg Pincus.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. has ‘an excellent antitrust team, well established in the market, which is well represented both in an advisory capacity and in proceedings.‘ The group covers the full gamut of Swiss, EU and international competition law. Areas of expertise include cartels, distribution agreements, abuse of dominance, merger control, international coordination of competition clearances, private enforcement, state aid, investigations and compliance. Special emphasis is, however, placed on the representation of clients before Swiss competition authorities. Recent work included matters for clients active in the payment solutions, pharmaceutial, automotive, banking, telecom, and e-commerce areas. Patrick Sommer and ‘excellent expertMarquard Christen lead the Swiss practice, which also includes the Geneva-based Pascal Favre. Counsel Fabian Martens is ‘very astute and demonstrates a great depth of knowledge.

Other key lawyers:

Pascal Favre; Fabian Martens

Testimonials

‘CMS has an excellent antitrust team, well established in the market, which is well represented both in an advisory capacity and in proceedings.’

‘Marquard Christen certainly stands out. He is an excellent competition lawyer with a very good reputation, in-depth knowledge of Swiss competition law and a clear to-the-point and hands-on attitude.’

‘Counsel Fabian Martens is emerging with a growing footprint in the Swiss competition law scene.’

‘The cooperation with CMS  in general, and in particular with Marquard Christen and his team, has always had a high level of quality and responsiveness. Their advice is precise, but at the same time limited to what we needed. What differentiates CMS from most if not all Swiss commercial law firms is its international reach. I also heard that they have – through CMS – an entire team which is dedicated to the introduction and use of new technology.’

‘Marquard Christen clearly is an outstanding lawyer with a large practice and an incredible knowledge of competition law that is both broad and deep. At the same time, he is very sociable, down-to-earth and modest. He just knows one aim: finding the best solutions for his clients. It is always a great pleasure to work with him both on the merits of the case and personally. He is definitely a great choice for clients.’

‘Fabian Martens is very astute and demonstrates a great depth of knowledge and expertise. He is able to quickly provide comprehensive advice on complex issues. He is great to deal with.’

‘Marquard Christen is an excellent expert in Swiss competition/antitrust law. Apart from that, I was impressed by his and his team’s ability to present an extremely complex legal analysis in a format which was understandable.’

‘Marquard Christen is an excellent competition lawyer, responsive and outstanding in complex negotiations with the regulator. He is particularly strong in the combination of competition law and public procurement law.’

Key clients

Techcompany GmbH

ABB

Agta Record AG

Bank Julius Bär & Co. AG

Bayer (Switzerland) AG

Credit Suisse/Swisscard

Hachette Group, a member of Lagardère Group

Hawa Sliding Solutions AG

Hew AG Bauunternehmung Chur

Holcim (Schweiz) AG

IT District GmbH

Koch Group AG

Pfizer

Porsche

Tognetti Auto SA

Toller Unternehmungen AG

Zürcher Kantonalbank

Work highlights

  • Representing a German distributor dealing in pharmaceutical components in an investigation by ComCo regarding allegations that manufacturers and distributers of a pharmaceutical ingredient have concluded unlawful price and market sharing agreements.
  • Representing Techcompany GmbH in a Covid-19 related ComCo investigation on alleged horizontal price fixing regarding Covid-19 rapid tests.
  • Acting for a Swiss financial services providers involved in the ongoing investigation by Swiss ComCo on an alleged boycott of Apple Pay and other international mobile payment solutions.

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

The key name at Niederer Kraft Frey AG is practice head Nicolas Birkhaeuser whom clients note as someone who ‘understands their business, focuses on the relevant issues and delivers.’ The team is active in investigation proceedings before the Swiss Competition Commission, precedent cases, merger control proceedings, drafting agreements and support to the M&A group. The group also advises on EU competition law and compliance training. Clients are from a variety of industries, including the automotive, retail, banking and finance, and life sciences sectors.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Birkhaeuser

Other key lawyers:

Thomas A Frick

Testimonials

‘Deep know-how of the matter and industry standards and authorities. Proactive approach for pragmatic solutions.’

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser has an outstanding knowledge of competition law matters. His availability for questions is exceptional and his answers are always very well-founded. He takes into consideration the business models and always strives for best solutions.’

‘We chose NKF because of the complexity of the work, because of NKF’s know-how, and because NKF and the partner in charge are very reliable and deliver what we need.’

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser understands our business, focuses on the relevant issues and delivers exactly what we need. He is responsive and always available.’

‘NKF was great: Fully committed, fully dedicated, always available and passionate about the job to be done. They are very knowledgeable, very precise and very responsive. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Nicolas Birkhäuser has the ability to explain complex matters in simple terms and provide clear recommendations. Even with short-notice enquiries, one receives a prompt response from him. He is very pleasant to work with.’

‘High profile, strong reputation, highly client-focused.’

‘Excellent practice group with very intelligent lawyers, solution-focused advice and knowledge of the industry.’

Key clients

ASSA ABLOY AB

CEDES AG

BMW AG

Coop Genossenschaft (Coop Cooperative)

CLS Bank International

Credit Suisse AG

Franke Holding AG

Flumroc AG/ROCKWOOL group

Mitsubishi Corporation

Procter & Gamble

Schweiter Technologies AG

Skysale

Birchmeier Bau AG

Work highlights

  • Advising Procter & Gamble on competition law matters in Switzerland.
  • Advising Coop Cooperative on competition law matters arising in the course of business, including advising on contractual relationships, listings, complex negotiations of a significant, long-term franchise contract, and standing by in case of a dawn raid.
  • Advised Mitsubishi Corporation on various competition law issues in the due diligence and in the transaction documents as well as regarding merger control.

VISCHER

Advising on a range of competition law matters, the team at VISCHER is particularly active for clients from the TMT, digital, banking and finance, branded products and automotive industries. It represents clients in related investigations and litigation, and advises on a wide range of topics, including cartels, pricing, competition law infringements, and abuse of dominance. Practice head Klaus Neff specialises in antitrust matters and appellate cases.

Practice head(s):

Klaus Neff

Testimonials

‘Very precise.’

Key clients

Royal Bank of Scotland

Swiss International Air Lines

Universal Music

AB Inbev

Swisscom AG

3 Plus

Air Canada

Brenntag Schweizerhall AG

Baloise Holding

Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH

Kellerhals Carrard

Kellerhals Carrard covers a wide range of competition law matters, from merger control filings, compliance audits and compliance trainings to the representation of clients in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations before the Swiss Competition Commission. Appeal procedures against decisions of the Commission before the competent courts are also handled. Daniel Emch and Christophe Rapin direct the practice.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Emch; Christophe Rapin

Other key lawyers:

Corinne Wüthrich-Harte; Stefanie Karlen

Testimonials

‘Christophe Rapin is a very well-connected, pragmatic and smart professional, with tons of experience and a clear vision on even the most difficult cases. It speaks for him that he is also a genuinely kind person.’

‘Kellerhals Carrard is very strong in providing legal advice in competition law. They act with high urgency if necessary and provide thorough and immensely useful legal advice.’

‘Daniel Emch is an extremely skilled antitrust lawyer who knows all the relevant precedents at national and international level and also has very sound economic expertise. I am also particularly interested in the fact that Daniel Emch and members of his team, as well as the management of the KC law firm, repeatedly make outstanding scientific contributions to the enforcement and further development of competition law.’

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

‘The team was able to understand the peculiarities of the specific area very quickly.’

‘Christophe Rapin is a true expert of competition law and his qualification in Brussels and Geneva is an asset for those who need to deal with cross-border issues. He was always available for direct contact.’

‘Kellerhals Carrrads Bern’ office is especially known for its competition law expertise.’

‘Daniel Emch is an exceptional competition lawyer with strong analytical skills.’

Key clients

Roche

Swiss Football League

PostFinance Ltd.

Galenica Ltd./Galexis Ltd.

International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)

International Weightlifting Federation

World Anti-Doping Agency

La Vaudoise (Insurance Company)

Vilebrequin International SA

Spie

Work highlights

  • Represented Spie Group before the Competition Commission in a cartel investigation related to electro installation markets.
  • Representing Galenica and Galexis in an antitrust law investigation related to a joint buying organisation.
  • Advised Fondation Aventinus on its acquisitions of media companies Le Temps and Heidi Media, filing the required merger control notification.

MLL Legal

Core strengths of MLL Legal‘s competition practice are investigations conducted by and merger notifications to be filed with the Swiss Competition Commission as well as civil antitrust litigation. In addition to acting for corporate clients, the team regularly assists industry associations with their competition matters. The group can also offer know-how in the areas of distribution law and in the e-commerce sector. IP specialist Simon Holzer, Hubert Orso Gilliéron who also has corporate experience, and dedicated competition practitioner Renato Bucher lead the practice.

Other key lawyers:

Lukas Bühlmann

Testimonials

‘The competition team of MLL has a strong tradition and is our preferred partner in Switzerland. We value their great experience and professional approach, which is always also fast and reliable.’

‘MLL provides high-quality advice on Swiss law aspects, sometimes within a very short time frame.’

‘MLL’s competition practice consists of leading practitioners which are located both in Zurich and Geneva. MLL has unique expertise at the intersection of IP and competition law, especially in pharmaceutical antitrust law.’

‘Renato Bucher is very responsive, works in an efficient and pragmatic manner and is always ready to provide concrete advice and guidance combined with concise risk assessments.’

Key clients

Cousins Material House Ltd

naxoo SA

Crédit Agricole SA

Work highlights

  • Advising Cousins in a major antitrust dispute alleging that Swatch is illegally abusing its dominant position.
  • Assisted 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).
  • Advising a pharmaceutical company on antitrust-related questions and on the negotiation of distribution agreements relating to jurisdictions all over the world.

Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd has a ‘dedicated and specialised competition practice’ led by the ‘very experiencedMichael Tschudin. The practice offers know-how in general and specific competition law advice, in defence in antitrust investigations and in selective distribution systems. The practice is particularly noted for providing antitrust advice to pharmaceutical companies. Work highlights also include bet-rigging cases, preliminary investigations, and merger control matters.

Practice head(s):

Michael Tschudin

Other key lawyers:

Frank Scherrer; Urs Weber-Stecher

Testimonials

‘Wenger & Vieli has an excellent, well-established antitrust practice, mainly driven by Michael Tschudin.’

‘With Wenger & Vieli, Michael Tschudin stands out and is the go-to lawyer for all kinds of competition law matters. He has excellent knowledge of Swiss competition law and, as a former employee and law clerk, respectively, valuable insights on how the Swiss competition authorities and courts work.’

‘The level of service has been exceptional. Experience, expertise, and an ability to produce results under pressure.’

‘Very hands-on and on-point advice. Very responsive, good guidance for laymen. Good use of technology.’

‘Michael Tschudin is very responsive yet comprehensive in giving advice. Also very on point and offers good guidance through the whole process of advising. Billing is very reasonable. Always tells it as it is, no frills. Very much appreciated!’

‘Wenger Vieli has an outstanding team in competition law, headed by Michael Tschudin. They are extremely quick and lean and at the same time very profound in their knowledge of all aspects of competition law. Working with them gives clients a good feeling because the work products are excellent and the collaboration is fun.’

‘Michael Tschudin is clearly one of the top shots of competition law in Switzerland. Having worked in the competition authority and the appellate court, he has an intimate knowledge of the practice and excellent relationships. He combines that with many years in private practice, working for clients of different sizes. He is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the field of competition law and combines that with the great ability to trench legal problems into pieces that can be easily swallowed.’

‘Mike Tschudin has previously worked at the competition authority and the court, so he has excellent knowledge of their practice and maintains a constructive relationship with the authority representatives. Together with his exceptional skills as a lawyer, he achieves the optimal outcome for his clients.’

Key clients

SIGNA

Oberholzer Bauleistungen AG

Käppeli

CORE Attorneys

Boutique law firm CORE Attorneys specialises in competition, regulatory and distribution law. Swiss and international clients instruct the group in matters such as anti-competitive conduct, merger control proceedings, risk assessments and preliminary strategic considerations, compliance programmes and internal investigations as well as unfair competition law, public procurement and price surveillance matters. The key contacts are ‘subject matter expertMario Strebel and Fabian Koch who has ‘in-depth knowledge.

Practice head(s):

Mario Strebel; Fabian Koch

Testimonials

‘Fantastic team, very dynamic and progressive.’

‘The team thinks out of the box and provides tailor-made solutions.’

‘CORE Attorney is a fairly young boutique-style competition practice that is also active in the area of regulated markets. It is a small, young, dynamic and hardworking team of experienced and knowledgeable competition lawyers.’

‘Mario Strebel is a well-known figure in the Swiss competition law market and a very knowledgeable and well-connected competition lawyer. In addition to competition law, Mario is also experienced in network regulated industries and distribution law matters.’

‘Fabian Koch is an emerging partner in the Swiss market with a good reputation and in-depth knowledge of competition law and connected areas such as public procurement.’

‘Very accessible. A small and agile team which is very fast in answering requests. Simple access to senior partners; they are just a phone call away, which is great – even for small questions, you get easy access to the best-suited partner.’

‘Small, but highly dedicated and experienced team. Strong focus on competition law and regulation.’

‘Mario Strebel is an outstanding lawyer with a clear focus and overview of his cases. You’ll be in good hands with him!’

Key clients

Breitling Ltd

STRABAG AG

Medela AG (Olle Larsson Holding AG)

Work highlights

  • Advising Breitling on distribution law and day-to-day compliance matters.
  • Assisted STRABAG AG with day-to-day competition compliance matters, including respective training sessions.
  • Advising Olle Larsson Holding AG and, in particular, its subsidiary Medela AG on distribution law and day-to-day compliance matters.

Pestalozzi

Pestalozzi‘s competition team works closely together with the firm’s corporate and M&A group, facilitated by practice head Christoph G Lang who has experience in both areas. International and national corporations turn to the practice for merger notifications, leniency applications, and internal investigations as well as compliance programmes, dawn raids and trade-related matters. Associate Severin Etzensperger is ‘very knowledgeable.’

Practice head(s):

Christoph G Lang

Other key lawyers:

Severin Etzensperger

Testimonials

‘Good interaction between partner and associates, very efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Christoph Lang: business-minded and very knowledgeable not only in competition matters, but also in M&A, a combination which is rare.’

‘Severin Etzensperger: very knowledgeable in competition matters.’

‘Christoph Lang is knowledgeable, easy to work with, practical.’

Key clients

BMW Group

Boardriders/Quiksilver

Coca-Cola

Glencore

Johnson & Johnson

Microsoft

Ringier

Sony

Volvo Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Ringier AG on competition law aspects in connection with the acquisition of all shares of Axel Springer in Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
  • Advised Volvo Group on competition law aspects in connection with the acquisition of a stake of 60% in the Swiss target company Designwerk Technologies AG and (indirectly) in its subsidiary Designwerk.
  • Advised Ringier on competition law aspects in connection with La Mobilière’s acquisition of a 25% shareholding in Ringier.

Prager Dreifuss AG

Prager Dreifuss AG‘s team acts regularly for clients in antitrust and merger control proceedings before the Swiss competition authorities. Its client portfolio includes a range of companies and associations from various industries who also approach the group for assistance with competition compliance matters as well as regulatory and EU competition law. Practice head Philipp E. Zurkinden also has know-how in cartels and abuse of market dominance. Counsel Bernhard C. Lauterburg provides key support.

Practice head(s):

Philipp E. Zurkinden

Other key lawyers:

Bernhard C. Lauterburg

Testimonials

‘The team is very reliable, responsive and accurate in the solution proposed.’

‘Philipp Zurkinden and Bernhard Lauterburg are responsive. Their answers are always well explained, well detailed. They offer several options to find the best solution for us. They are proactive.’

‘The professional support is excellent and there is the willingness to go the extra mile.’

‘Philipp Zurkinden has profound knowledge of Swiss and EU antitrust law. He has a wide and valuable network in the antitrust community.’

Key clients

Swiss National League

Schweizerische Mobiliar Versicherungsgesellschaft AG

Swiss Brands Association (Promarca)

Maklerzentrum

Olympique des Alpes SA

Work highlights

  • Advising the Swiss National League on the competition law aspects in connection with the introduction of a financial system.
  • Assisted Swiss Brands Association (Promarca) in a case investigating the Swiss retail market with much publicity in the media in a thorough manner under article 5 and 7 LCart.

Wenger Plattner

The team at Wenger Plattner is regularly instructed by Swiss and foreign companies and SMEs from the chemicals, construction, life sciences, consumer products, and insurance sectors. Led by Fritz Rothenbühler and Dieter Gränicher , the group advises on general Swiss and EU competition law, contracts, merger control proceedings, and competition compliance programs. It further represents clients in litigation and investigation proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Fritz Rothenbühler; Dieter Gränicher

Testimonials

‘Competent and quick. Interdisciplinary competencies.’

‘The firm has excellent legal knowledge and is particularly experienced in competition law. Where necessary the firm cooperates with experts in the field. In competition cases, for example, it calls in economic expertise in good time in order to be able to provide clients with the best possible advice.’

‘Fritz Rothenbühler is very goal-oriented and conducts discussions with his clients efficiently. He quickly identifies the critical issues of a case and addresses them decisively. In doing so, he is supported by a competent team. The cooperation with him is always very constructive and fruitful.’

Key clients

Universitätsspital Basel & Kantonsspital Baselland

Kantonsspital Baselland

Work highlights

  • Reviewing the business of a Swiss construction material company activities in order to check their compliance with Swiss Competition Law.
  • Reviewing the business of a Swiss asphalt company activities in order to check their compliance with Swiss competition law.