Field of Expertise Competition Law
Size can be a problem.
But only if you do not consult us in advance.
We advise our clients on all aspects of competition law and merger control. In the case of a transaction we support our clients throughout all stages from strategic planning to the successful completion of the notification procedures before the competition authorities. A further important focus of our work is on cartel cases. Furthermore, follow-on damage claims are a prominent part of our practice.
Range of Services - Competition Law
- EU and German merger control proceedings
- Coordination of multi-jurisdictional merger filings
- Cartel proceedings before the European Commission and the German Federal Cartel Office, as well as before the EU and German courts
- Follow-on damage claims
- Competitive assessments and antitrust audits
- Advice on abuse of dominance issues
- Competition law advice on Compliance programs and other preventive measures
- Competition law advice on distribution arrangements
»It is remarkable how seamlessly the team works together, and how German companies trust the team's competence in dealing with the EU authorities.«
»They have complete dedication to the task set by the client, speed and flexibility.«
Hans-Joachim Hellmann »enjoys a notable reputation for his work on prominent cartel cases. […] A client portrays him as ‘very experienced and knowledgeable, not too academic,’ adding that he provides ‘advice that you can rely on and that is implementable in a business.«
»Silvio Cappellari is ‘a very clever guy’ effuse peers who endorse his ‘strong practice’ in the competition space, an area in which he is ‘very knowledgeable.«
»Highly recommended.«
Merger Control
Corporate acquisitions, mergers, the foundation of joint ventures and comparable transactions require the involvement of antitrust experts from an early stage in order to identify antitrust risks and prepare any necessary filings with the relevant antitrust authorities. We advise domestic and international clients in all merger control matters and represent them in merger control procedures before the European Commission and the German Federal Cartel Office. We combine longterm expertise with experience in numerous fields of business. We ensure the smooth implementation of the transaction by individual strategic advice and effective handling of the matter. Of course, our range of services also includes antitrust risk analysis in an early stage of a transaction.
»Clients praise the 'very significant experience in cartels and mergers, pragmatic approach and individualized service. The team draws on impressive M&A strength.'«
»The Brussels team [impresses] more and more. Silvio Cappellari and Stephanie Birmanns ... [have] been able further to develop their excellent reputation.«
»Silvio Cappellari »advises clients on merger control and multi-jurisdictional cartel proceedings. […] Sources say: ‘He has an international mind and is super-connected in the market.’«
»Stephanie Birmanns is an authority on merger control and is highly praised for her work on complex proceedings before the German and European competition agencies.«
Cartel Proceedings
Cartel proceedings are a further focus of our practice. We represent businesses before the European Commission and the European Courts as well as before the German Federal Cartel Office and the domestic courts. In cartel cases our practice group has extensive experience. We have defended international and German clients in numerous administrative cartel cases and court proceedings on a European level. These cases include, inter alia, cartonboard, district heating, vitamins, newsprint, carbonless paper, industrial bags, fittings and freight forwarding. Domestic cartel proceedings are also significant. We have represented companies from many fields of business before the Federal Cartel Office and the competent Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht) and have successfully conducted settlement negotiations with the competition authority.
»Regularly appears in cartel proceedings before the Federal Cartel Office and the EC.«
»The antitrust practice is particularly recommended due to its traditionally strong experience in fine proceedings.«
Client on Hans-Joachim Hellmann: »He [...] has an expressive experience in cartel cases, both at German and EU level.«
Follow-on Damage Claims
More and more damage claims arise out of European and national cartel cases. We have outstanding expertise in these so-called "follow-on" damage claims. This enables us to provide our clients legal advice that is based on the necessary antitrust know-how combined with our broad experience in litigation. As in merger control and cartel cases we work closely with renowned economic experts if required.
»Private litigation has been a growth area [for SZA].«
»The antitrust practice stands out due to its impressive expertise in litigious matters.«
Hans-Joachim Hellmann »has notable experience in cartel proceedings and follow-on damages claims. One source describes him as a ‘fantastic antitrust lawyer and great litigator who is excellent in court.’«
Compliance
In light of exorbitantly increasing fines and the high risk of detection due to successful leniency programs of the competition authorities, we also render advice on measures preventing antitrust violations. We offer competition law compliance programs individually tailored to the needs of our clients. Our range of services includes comprehensive audits as well as trainings, seminars, workshops and any other measures required to maintain competition law compliance within a business.
»A well-recognized competition law practice with a presence unusual for a firm of this size.«
