Merger Control
Our EU competition lawyers regularly advise on the competition law implications of contemplated merger, acquisition and joint venture transactions. We prepare and file merger control notifications and manage relations with the European Commission and national competition authorities to obtain approval of such transactions, including through the negotiation and implementation of remedies. We have broad experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional merger control filings and clearance procedures on a regional and global basis, working with other Sidley offices and a network of local counsel around the world. Our lawyers have also successfully contested third-party mergers or acquisitions that would adversely affect our clients’ competitive positions.
Public Authority Investigations
Public authority antitrust investigations increasingly present a concern to many global companies. We are skilled in defending our clients in public authority investigations regarding alleged cartels, abuse of dominance and other antitrust violations, both at the EU and national level. We frequently advise clients on leniency policies and coordinate multi-jurisdictional leniency applications. When needed, we also file complaints regarding anti-competitive conduct of our clients’ competitors or suppliers.
Litigation/Arbitration
Our competition lawyers have an impressive track record representing clients before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg in appeals of decisions of the European Commission in merger control, antitrust and state aid cases. Working closely with our litigation team, we also assist clients in civil antitrust litigation throughout Europe and in arbitrations involving European antitrust issues.
Commercial Agreements
Our EU competition team works side by side with Sidley’s corporate lawyers to assess the antitrust compliance and enforceability of provisions in distribution, licensing, supply, co-marketing, research and development and other types of commercial agreements. We also advise on the applicability of the conditional safe harbors of EU and national “block exemption regulations.”
