Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s competition practice was strengthened in September 2025 with the arrival of Laurence Bary from Dechert LLP, bringing significant expertise in the digital, aerospace and life sciences sectors. Acting for a host of prominent French-based multinationals, the team’s caseload spans complex merger control, high-profile antitrust investigations by the French and European competition authorities, and follow-on damages claims. Sergio Sorinas leads the practice with his busy workload extending to advice on merger control, litigation, foreign subsidies and compliance matters, while Marie Louvet provides capable support across the board.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'One of the very good antitrust teams in Paris, with a high level both in litigation and merger control.'
- 'Sergio Sorinas is an outstanding partner, always calm and delivering the right recommendations, very business-oriented.'
- 'Marie Louvet is a remarkable lawyer, always available and so pleasant to work with.'
- 'Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's competition team is particularly talented and recognised as such. It is accustomed to working on major cases in the market, including those with a strong international dimension.'
- 'Sergio Sorinas demonstrates impressive mastery of the subject matter, both theoretically and operationally, and he has a sensitivity rare among lawyers to complex economic aspects, which proves particularly valuable.'
- 'I would like to mention Marie Louvet, who stands out for her capabilities, reliability, and interpersonal skills.'
Key clients
- Sonepar
- United Group
- Groupe UP
- Samsic
- Crédit Mutuel Equity
- Bleu
- Perenco
- Renault
- Maurel & Prom
- GravitHy
- Eni
- Engie
Work highlights
Advising Engie Energie Services in the context of the sale of its Energy Access activity (solar home systems and mini-grids) in Africa (Uganda, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Benin, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia).
Advising Sonepar, a leading player in the distribution of electrical material at global level, in relation to an antitrust investigation focussing on retail price maintenance practices.
Represented Groupe UP in proceedings before the French Competition Authority for alleged anti-competitive practices, and then in the appeal against the French Competition Authority's decision, whereby the Court of Appeal granted a significant fine reduction for UP.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sergio Sorinas
Other key lawyers
Laurence Bary; Marie Louvet; Khushbu Kumar