Ashurst LLP‘s competition team stands out for its in-depth knowledge of highly regulated industries such as energy, transport, media, and telecoms, advising some of the leading players in the French market. State aid is a core area of expertise for the group, which is also well equipped to advise on merger control, FDI and FSR filings, and antitrust litigation (with a particular emphasis on complex abuse of dominance cases). Practice head Christophe Lemaire covers the full range of competition and regulatory law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very efficient team which has dual skill in competition and energy law, which is precious and rare. Agile and responsive.'
- 'Its balanced approach, combining legal rigour and consideration of the operational impact of recommendations, is a real asset. This approach is reinforced by multidisciplinary expertise and the support of an international network, allowing for efficient handling of complex issues.'
- 'Christophe Lemaire provided us with his expertise in analyzing regulatory aspects related to issues in the energy sector. We particularly appreciated his in-depth knowledge of the legal issues specific to this field, as well as his availability and responsiveness.'
- 'Very good knowledge of the sector and very strong expertise in both consulting and litigation. Very high levels of availability and efficiency. Without doubt one of the best firms in the market in competition law.'
- 'Good-sized, diversified, good profiles, competent, use of new collaborative and technological working methods. Responsive, professional, capable of understanding very complex and technical situations. I can only testify to the excellence of the team, particularly in comparison to the market.'
- 'Christophe Lemaire: availability, excellent analytical skills, perfect rendering of advice adapted to each of our requirements, an ability to go beyond the requests we make, strategic analysis that is always relevant. An ability to argue cases with insight and fairness. A great lawyer.'
Key clients
- AG2R
- AREVA
- Autodesk
- Babcock
- BlackRock
- BNP Paribas
- Bosch
- Bpifrance
- Caisse des dépôts et consignations
- Caravelle
- Carbone Savoie
- Certares
Work highlights
Advised LONGi on a phase 2 investigation launched by the Commission under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation regarding participation in a Romanian public procurement for the design, construction, and operation of a photovoltaic park.
Advising SNCF and various of its subsidiaries following dawn raids conducted by the French Competition Authority as part of a probe into an alleged violation of the antitrust rules in the markets for passenger rail transport, travel agency services and digital ticketing systems.
Advised the bondholders' steering committee of Atos in connection to the merger control and FDI aspects of the €5bn financial restructuring of Atos Group.
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
Christophe Lemaire
Other key lawyers
Guillaume Vatin; Irene Madero