Utilising the firm’s European network, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. provides multi-jurisdictional advice on competition law matters, including investigations, merger control, compliance and the structuring of distribution systems. The team is recognised for its ability to manage matters before the Swiss Competition Commission and the courts. Heading up the practice is the trio of Marquard Christen, noted for his ‘profound knowledge’ of merger control filings, abuse of dominance, and economic dependence; Patrick Sommer, who advises on merger control and post-transaction compliance; and Jérôme Levrat, who guides clients through evolving regulatory frameworks and ESG-related competition risks. Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser is a key contributor to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very good teamwork with excellent business acumen.' \n'Patrick Sommer knows our business and its dynamics very well. He is also aware of the specific needs of an in-house counsel and how to meet them best.' \n'Strong specialised expertise in competition law. Very responsive and professional.' \n'We worked with Marquard Christen. His expertise was excellent in competition law and he was able to provide clarity in a complex situation.' \n'Great performance. Fast, reliable and competent.' \n'The team is always available to us, very responsive, hands-on and takes an economic approach; the lawyers have an exceptional ability to understand the specifics of our business and to tailor their advice to our needs.' \n'I particularly like the proactive and practical approach of my main contacts at CMS Switzerland, Marquard Christen and Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser. Both often highlight risks or opportunities we might not have considered.' \n'It was Marquard Christen's combination of interpersonal skills, invaluable experience and insights into working with the authorities, as well of course profound knowledge of Swiss competition law, that helped us secure the best possible outcome in a delicate situation.'
Key clients
- Bayer
- Voigt
- Cruspi Ltd.
- Swisscard
- Hachette Livre/Hachette Group
- Syngenta
- UCB S.A.
- Better Cotton Initiative
- Koch Group AG
- Toller Unternehmungen AG
Work highlights
Assisted Swisscard in a competition investigation regarding an alleged boycott of Apple Pay and other international mobile payment solutions to support TWINT.
Assisted a German pharmaceutical distributor in a Competition Commission investigation into alleged price agreements and market allocation for Scopolamine Butylbromide.
Assisted Toller in Competition Commission appeal proceedings over alleged bid-rigging in eastern Switzerland.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Marquard Christen; Patrick Sommer; Jérôme Levrat
Other key lawyers
Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser; Julia Haas; Olivia Zingg