Clifford Chance LLP’s highly regarded antitrust and competition practice is widely recognised for its success in critical M&A transactions and complex antitrust investigations. Known for its leading expertise in advising financial investors, the team regularly supports private equity firms and other investors in high-profile deals. The practice continues to expand, with the additions of Michael Grenfell, former board member of the CMA, and Philipp Girardet, former head of Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP’s London antitrust practice, who joined in August and December 2024, respectively. Team head Nelson Jung has led numerous high-profile antitrust investigations and market studies across a broad range of sectors. Alex Nourry continues to advise on a range of competition law matters in his role as a consultant to the firm. Stavroula Vryna’s active practice focuses on the digital economy and technology markets, areas of wider strategic importance to the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very responsive. Always available, approachable, and patient.’
- ‘Sue Hinchcliffe was fantastic and remained calm during a very intense transaction. She was honest and transparent throughout. Chandra Ghosh was highly effective. Joseph Sherlock was pragmatic and commercial.’
- ‘The practice has a broad range of technical and practical knowledge and has successfully advised on complex matters.'
- ‘The key standout attributes of the individuals are their broad knowledge base, detailed analysis, and willingness to explore every possibility. They have a strong and genuine desire to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.'
- 'I am deeply involved in their work for my company on antitrust and competition policy issues. We receive top-notch advice and assistance from them, which has been instrumental in achieving significant outcomes over the past few years.’
- ‘I am primarily familiar with the work of Stavroula Vryna. Her advice is highly knowledgeable, strategic, and well-calibrated. She and her team are competent, professional, and dedicated.’
- ‘Great collaborative culture with deep experience in tech, and strong associates who bill reasonably.’
- ‘A sense of partnership and ownership, getting deep into the issues, and developing expertise. They are also conscious of their limits and honest about areas where we may need additional insight. Exceptional client service.’
- 'Clifford Chance have outstanding capabilities in handling complex antitrust and regulatory matters.'
- 'Nelson Jung is an extremely talented and bright partner. He knows our business in depth and his advice is not only always right legally but also adjusted to our business needs. He is excellent communicating with business, which makes him an extremely helpful and reliable partner.'
Key clients
- Amazon
- Aviva
- BlackRock
- Cisco
- Delivery Hero
- Expedia Group
- Hitachi Rail
- Mastercard
- Mondelez
- Navantia
- Spotify
- TikTok
Work highlights
Advising Aviva on its takeover offer to acquire Direct Line.
Advised Virgin Money UK plc on its £2.9 billion acquisition by Nationwide Building Society.
Advised BlackRock on its $12 billion acquisition of HPS Investment Partners.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Stavroula Vryna
Practice head
Nelson Jung
Other key lawyers
Philipp Girardet; Michael Grenfell; Sue Hinchliffe; Stavroula Vryna; Jennifer Storey; Aniko Adam; Chandralekha Ghosh; Shruti Hiremath; Michael Rueter; Alex Nourry