Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) acts for a variety of Austrian and foreign multinationals, in addition to public bodies, on both sides of cartel damages claims and in coordinating complex merger control proceedings before Austrian, EU and other competition authorities. Active across this spectrum of matters is Christoph Haid, who spearheads the practice, while Hanno Wollmann appears for both claimants and defendants in cartel damages proceedings, with further expertise in the regulations governing state aid. Franz Urlesberger represents clients in private and public cartel hearings, while Stefanie Stegbauer, who joined the partnership in February 2025, assists clients facing merger control and FDI challenges in Austria and before the European Commission.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very innovative firm, market leading, great to work with!'
- 'Franz Urlesberger is a great practice group head, very good to work with. Christoph Haid is ideal for FDI, but also competition law! Stefanie Stegbauer is a top lawyer, very convincing in front of clients.'
- 'Best law firm in Austria, great network in eastern Europe.'
- 'Very experienced lawyers, pragmatic approach, high quality of legal advice. Stefanie Stegbauer and Franz Urlesberger are outstanding practitioners.'
- 'Stefanie Stegbauer is an outstanding lawyer in the fields of merger and FDI control. She has broad experience and a very good economic background and understanding. She is familiar with the needs of private equity investment entities and able to understand specific structures and markets.'
- 'Schoenherr is the one competition team in Austria which clearly stands out. They also have a very strong network in CEE which is extremely helpful in handling multijurisdictional matters in the region.'
- 'Excellent, efficient advice and assistance with Austrian competition law matters, especially merger control.'
- 'Hanno Wollmann is an exceptional competition lawyer with vast knowledge about a lot of different industries and extraordinary experience.'
- Very strong competition practice in Austria with an excellent network in CEE.
- Excellent, efficient advice and assistance with Austrian competition law matters, especially merger control.
Key clients
- Red Bull
- Österreichische Beteiligungs AG
- FUJIFILM Corporation
- OMV
- voestalpine Railway Systems
- KONE
- AGRANA
- UNIQA
- Schwarzmüller Group
- REWE
- Silgan
- Brau Union
- Acerinox
- Gerresheimer
Work highlights
Appointed by OMV as lead regulatory counsel in connection with the envisaged $60bn+ merger of Borealis, Borouge and Nova Chemicals.
Advised Red Bull on the European Commission's investigation into it, following concerns of anti-competitive business practices.
Represented Daimler Truck Holding AG against damages claims arising out of the Trucks case.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Christoph Haid
Other key lawyers
Hanno Wollmann; Franz Urlesberger; Stefanie Stegbauer; Evelin Hlina