Cerha Hempel‘s ’top tier team’ is tasked by global conglomerates and public bodies with overseeing challenges arising under European merger control and state aid regimes, in addition to guiding clients looking to bring private cartel claims or navigate FDI and FSR frameworks. Bernhard Kofler-Senoner spearheads the firm’s competition capabilities, acting for defendants in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and subsequent enforcement proceedings. The ‘highly intelligent’ Anna Wolf-Posch‘s practice is comprised of both cartel and merger control work, while Michael Mayer helps clients ensure they remain compliant with Austrian and European competition regulations, alongside his merger control practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Cerha Hempel is an extremely valuable law firm. It has a high level knowledge in the field of EU and competition law, and also has a high level of commitment to the clients. The team is friendly plus respectful!'
- 'Bernhard Kofler-Senoner is the leading competition lawyer in Austria, he has outstanding knowledge and experience! Michael Mayer is also very valuable when it comes to competition law. Both of them stay calm and friendly if the topics are very difficult.'
- 'Top tier team overall, with exceptional skill in complex merger controls.'
- 'Bernhard Kofler-Senoner is a star individual, sharp, dedicated and lightning fast - one of the very best in the Austrian market. Anna Wolf-Posch is up and coming - highly intelligent and provides spot-on advice.'
- 'The team's major strength lies in its dedication and commitment. All of them are willing to understand client's needs first.'
- 'As head of the team Bernhard Kofler-Senoner deserves all the respect. Alongside his undisputed legal skills, he is also superbly connected within the cartel law community.'
Key clients
- International Ski and Snowboard Federation
- STRABAG SE
- AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft
- Rail Cargo Group
- OMV AG
- SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG
- Investindustrial S.A.
- Alteri Partners LLP
- Azerion Tech Holding B.V.
- Amphenol Corporation
- Infrareal Holding GmbH & Co. KG
- Pittel + Brausewetter GmbH
Work highlights
Advised the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in a dispute with the Austrian Ski Association on competition issues relating to the media and broadcasting rights of FIS World Cup events.
Advised STRABAG SE in Austrian merger control proceedings regarding its acquisitions of two ready-mix concrete plants from ASAMER and Lederer-Grabner Baugesellschaft mbH, and assets of the KOVANDA Group.
Advised AT&S on its sale of all of its shares in AT&S Korea to SO.MA.CI.S.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Bernhard Kofler-Senoner
Other key lawyers
Anna Wolf-Posch; Michael Mayer; Philipp Schaubach