bpv Hügel ‘provides exceptional knowledge and attitude’ to clients facing a variety of challenges under Austrian and European competition frameworks. This applies to both the firm’s merger control and cartel expertise, with its members guiding multinationals through merger proceedings before the senior courts and defending the interests of accused parties in cartel leniency applications and follow-on damages claims. The team includes practice head Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber, an expert in guiding multinationals through Phase I and II hearings, Florian Neumayr, whose practice is centred on cartel litigation, and Christian Schneider, who contributes expertise in EU state aid law. Gerhard Fussenegger takes on FDI mandates as they pertain to deals in Austria and around the EU, splitting time between Vienna and Brussels. Sebastian Reiter departed the firm in February 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The bpv team listens to your needs and just does not get tired of going through files for as long as it takes to come back with a legally convincing concept. This is an attitude you either have or haven't got, and bpv's competition team has it.'
- 'This practice impresses with its exceptional expertise in competition law, particularly in handling complex merger control filings at both national and European levels.'
- 'Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber stands out for her profound expertise, strategic foresight and impressive experience in dealing with competition authorities.'
- 'bpv is an extremely valuable firm, with a high level of knowledge in their field. They are friendly, careful and highly committed to the clients!'
- 'Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber and Gerhard Fussenegger are extremely competent in the field of competition law and have rendered several valuable services in this regard. They have a high level of knowledge, are friendly and practically orientated for their clients.'
- 'In-depth market knowledge, very accurate and time efficient.'
Key clients
- Edwards Lifesciences Corp.
- Stellantis
- STRABAG
- Der Standard
- Raiffeisen Holding Niederösterreich-Wien
- Lidl
- Austrian Bar
- ISS
- IGEPA
- Paul Bauder GmbH
- cargo-partner
- Fronius
Work highlights
Advised BP on all competition matters in Austria.
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.
Practice head
Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber
Other key lawyers
Florian Neumayr; Christian Schneider; Gerhard Fussenegger