With a robust antitrust and competition offering that covers domestic and cross-border merger control, behavioural matters, and antitrust litigation, Latham & Watkins LLP is a trusted adviser to blue-chip companies from an array of sectors, such as energy, technology, and telecoms. Leveraging the firm’s international presence, the team stands out in particular for its considerable experience assisting with multijurisdictional mandates and is praised by clients for its ‘strong international communication’. The ’excellent’ José María Jiménez-Laiglesia heads up the practice and regularly advises on cartel investigations, abuse of dominance cases, and State aid, as well as merger control and FDI issues. He is supported by Carlos Betoret, who is skilled in conduct investigations prompted by the CNMC and global merger clearances.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They possess in-depth knowledge of the legal field, specifically extensive experience in competition filings, and the ability to adapt to the specifics of your case without unduly complicating matters.’
- ‘The entire team inspires confidence, competence, and commitment, and clearly distinguishes itself from other firms through its consistent quality and results-oriented approach.’
- ‘The team excels at understanding client needs and delivering clear, realistic solutions, even in the most complex cases. In my opinion, José María Jiménez-Laiglesia is an undisputed leader in Spanish competition law: he combines exceptional strategic vision with a tremendous work ethic and a consistently constructive approach.’
- ‘The team is distinguished by its deep technical knowledge, strategic vision, and practical approach. They offer clear, business-oriented advice, with strong international coordination and responsiveness.’
- ‘A very thoughtful and highly commercial team, who truly learn the product/sector in order to advise with impact.’
- ‘The knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to convey it clearly and in detail are invaluable. I must commend Carlos Betoret — our team was extremely impressed with the services he provided.’
Key clients
- Repsol
- Iberdrola
- Telefonica
- Exide Technologies
- Logista
- Urbaser
- Ferrovial
- Egeda
Work highlights
Represented Iberdrola and Telefonica in their appeals before the General Court, annulling the European Commission’s latest State aid decision that declared incompatible with the internal market a Spanish tax scheme that allowed for the amortization of financial goodwill in acquisitions abroad.
Representing Repsol in the antitrust investigation by the CNMC relating to an alleged abuse of dominance position in the wholesale distribution of refined products in Spain through margin squeeze.
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.
Practice head
José María Jiménez-Laiglesia
Other key lawyers
Carlos Betoret; Alfonso Lamadrid; Maddalen Martín