Macfarlanes LLP has established itself as a key point of contact for competition law matters, spanning merger control, investigations, and litigation. On the investigations side, the team is currently representing the BBC in two major CMA inquiries. Cameron Firth leads the group, advising on merger control and investigation mandates across a broad range of sectors. Tom Usher has particular expertise in competition issues relating to financial services, broadcasting, extended warranties, and pricing. Malcolm Walton is regularly instructed in investigations into alleged price-fixing and cartel activity.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We have used Macfarlanes’ team, led by Cameron Firth, for many years. They know our business and its interdependencies in depth, providing commercially aware, pragmatic advice.'
- ‘Cameron Firth is responsive and astute, using his experience of CMA investigations and appeals to great effect. Fiona Beattie has a deep understanding of our business and clients.'
- ‘Macfarlanes offers a unique blend of pure competition lawyers and commercial litigators, creating a formidable team for the most complex competition cases.'
- ‘Alex Evans is a stand-out senior associate and a future star. His name appears on all the largest competition cases in the jurisdiction.'
- ‘Cameron Firth has become one of the go-to partners for all competition-related disputes, including follow-on claims and CMA challenges. He is razor sharp and unafraid to say it how it is.’
- ‘The team combines commercial pragmatism with technical excellence. They are always available and collaborative, working seamlessly with clients and other advisers.’
Key clients
- Associated British Foods plc
- William Grant & Sons
- Anglian Home Improvements
- Preqin
- Dunnhumby
- John Dawson
- BBC Public Service
- BBC Studios
- Bloor Homes
- Mercedes Benz
- Oaktree Capital
- PRS for Music
Work highlights
Advising Preqin on its £2.55bn sale to BlackRock, successfully obtaining Phase 1 clearance.
Obtained speedy Phase 1 clearance for William Grant & Sons’ acquisition of The Famous Grouse Scotch whisky.
Advising the BBC on the CMA’s first ever labour market investigations.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Cameron Firth
Other key lawyers
Malcolm Walton; Tom Usher; Emma Radcliffe; Caja Griesenbach; Fiona Beattie