ONTIER‘s antitrust and competition practice demonstrates expertise in a wide range of matters, including cartel investigations, antitrust litigation, abuse of dominance cases, merger control and FDI issues. The group is also experienced in acting for both domestic and multinational companies from various industry sectors, including media and entertainment, automotive, and consumer goods. Exhibiting skills across the full gamut of mandates is department head Francisco Cantos, who is noted for his cross-border prowess. The team also benefits from the aptitude of Inés Pajares, who assists with dawn raids and leniency applications.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Extensive experience and market knowledge.’
- ‘Francisco Cantos is a prominent lawyer.’
- ‘Ontier's competition and EU law team, led by Francisco Cantos, is unique in that it combines extensive experience with the flexibility and personalised attention required for each case.’
- ‘The team's main advantage is its flexibility. It's relatively small but highly experienced and capable of handling the necessary work.’
- ‘Francisco Cantos is undoubtedly one of the most experienced competition lawyers in the Spanish market. He has a keen intuition about how cases will unfold before the CNMC.’
- ‘Francisco Cantos is one of the most experienced competition lawyers in the Spanish market, with a remarkable European background.’
Key clients
- Global Media & Entertainment
- Asisa
- NTT Data
- General Motors Corporation
- Rastreator
- Japan Tobacco International
- Grupo Viamed Salud
- Red Bull Europe
Work highlights
Advised Global Media & Entertainment on its third-party intervention in the CNMC’s merger control Phase II review of the JCDecaux/ClearChannel transaction.
Advised NTT Data on an abuse of dominance case before the CNMC, securing full exoneration in the first-ever proceeding applying the “necessary accomplice” theory under Article 102 TFEU.
Advising General Motors on its defence in antitrust follow-on damages litigations arising from the CNMC’s “Automobiles cartel” decision.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Francisco Cantos
Other key lawyers
Inés Pajares