Led by James Aitken, Freshfields continues to see growth in its high-profile instructions concerning the EU Digital Markets Act and UK digital regulation, advising several leading tech providers in this space. On the transactional side, the firm regularly provides critical advice on the merger control and foreign investment aspects of billion-dollar deals. Investigations are also a key feature of this active practice, with the team undertaking significant mandates before EU and UK competition authorities. Rod Carlton’s expertise includes prominent Phase 2 investigations linked to public takeovers, while Simon Priddis brings a blend of contentious and non-contentious competition law expertise. Michelle Davis is a key contact for the firm’s blue-chip clients across the tech, media, and telecoms sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team’s technical knowledge is exceptional and, combined with a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and the workings of the key regulator, provided us with excellent support as we navigated the clearance process.'
- ‘A highly skilled team that provides timely, practical, and strategic advice. Martin McElwee is outstanding.’
- ‘Simon Priddis and Colin Raftery are both excellent lawyers with sharp business insight. Their understanding of the clearance processes and likely focus areas was key to completing our deal. They are also thoroughly decent people and a pleasure to work with.’
- 'Rod Carlton and Al Mordaunt are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced practitioners.'
- 'The UK competition team has a deep bench of talent and can draw on a wide range of experience working across from and also at the UK CMA.'
- ‘Martin McElwee’s deep expertise and excellent client service are exceptional.’
Key clients
- Adobe
- BASF
- CK Hutchison
- CVC Capital Partners
- JD Sports
- Mars
- Meta Platforms
- Sonoco Products
Work highlights
Advising CK Hutchison Holdings on the merger control and foreign investment aspects of the combination of 3UK and Vodafone UK.
Advised Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company in relation to the global merger control, national security/foreign investment and foreign subsidies aspects of its proposed acquisition of Juniper Networks.
Advising JD Sports Fashion Plc on its successful acquisition of Groupe Courir SAS.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Alex Potter
Simon Priddis
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michele Davis
James Aitken
Alastair Chapman
Martin McElwee
Practice head
James Aitken
Other key lawyers
Rod Carlton; Alastair Chapman; Michele Davis; Martin McElwee; Alastair Mourdaunt; Alex Potter; Simon Priddis; Colin Raftery; Sharom Malhi; Thomas McGrath; Jenny Leahy; Rikki Haria