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Firms To Watch: EU and competition

Mills & Reeve LLP have recently launched a new competition law practice, spearheaded by Kate Newman, who has extensive experience in the arena and was previously at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

EU and competition in Yorkshire And The Humber

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a full-service competition law offering, including procurement, state aid and subsidy control capabilities. Nicola Holmes and Charlie Markillie co-head the team; Holmes has particular expertise in firm trading and pricing practices, while Markillie has a broad practice that covers commercial agreements, trade practices, investigations and compliance-related matters. Elizabeth Marshall acts for a wide range of public bodies, with particular expertise handling procurement mandates. Kate Newman has recently departed the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicola Holmes; Charlie Markillie


Autres avocats clés:

Elizabeth Marshall


Les références

‘Charlie Markillie has outstanding attention to detail. A sharp mind and very quick to develop a deep understanding of our sector. Very willing to help and readily available when needed. Took a balanced and pragmatic view and challenged us where necessary.’

‘Clear and concise advice, dealt with promptly where needed, and fully understand our business and the sector.’

‘Nicola Holmes is approachable and accessible, provides clear and concise advice, and has a very good understanding of our business.’

Principaux clients

Capita PLC


Inflexion


WestRock


Wolseley UK


Pentland Group plc


Tyman plc


Walker Morris LLP

Walker Morris LLP has demonstrable experience across a wide spectrum of competition matters, spanning from merger control and foreign direct investment, to competition litigation. Its client base includes national and international corporates across a range of sectors, as well as foreign law firms. The team is headed up by Sarah Ward, whose practice covers competition law investigations, merger control, and subsidy control matters. Gwendoline Davies is noted for her expertise in litigious competition law matters, including in relation to cartels and competition damages claims. Former practice co-head Trudy Feaster-Gee retired in February 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Ward


Autres avocats clés:

Gwendoline Davies


Les références

‘Sarah Ward is an excellent lawyer who responds quickly and gives practical, actionable advice on competition law matters.’

‘My experience of the WM competition team is that it provides city quality competition advice, relevant to our sector, and is commercial in its outlook.’

‘We enjoy working with Walker Morris. Sarah Ward is a key contact and can provide city level advice at regional fee rates.’

Principaux clients

Audax Private Equity


Arla Foods


Drax


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Audax Private Equity on the competition law, merger control and FDI aspects of over ten corporate transactions this year.
  • Acting for Danish-headquartered Arla Foods in its multi-million pound claim for damages against the EC truck cartel.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard’s competition team is well regarded in the market, offering an impressive breadth of expertise, including in antitrust, merger control, state aid, and competition litigation matters. It is also active across a range of regulated utility sectors, including the water, transport, and telecoms sectors. Mark Molyneux heads the firm’s wider competition practice from London. Elizabeth Turner left the practice for a position at the CMA in May 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Molyneux


Principaux clients

Allergan plc


Ferryspeed Limited


SSE Plc


GIPHY Inc


Road Haulage Association


Openreach


NKT A/S


NKT Verwaltungs GmbH


Co-Op


Access to Cash


Lidl


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Allergan regarding the CMA’s investigation for competition law breaches in relation to the supply of hydrocortisone tablets, which culminated in multi-million fines for excessive pricing and other competition law infringements.
  • Advising the Road Haulage Association on an opt-in class action, seeking to represent more than 17,000 class members and £1bn+ in damages.
  • Advising Co-op on the competition law aspects of the sale of its petrol forecourt station business, Arthur Foodstores Limited, to Asda.

McCormicks

McCormicks is frequently entrusted by sport sector clients on competition law matters, with a particular focus on the football industry. Beyond that, the firm is also active in the construction and entertainment sectors. The team is led by Peter McCormick from Harrogate, who has experience in handling large-scale competition investigations. Philip Edmondson has recently departed the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter McCormick


Principaux clients

Premier League


GMI Construction Holdings PLC


GMI Construction Group PLC


Andrew Hindle, Serving Sport Ltd and Venue Hospitality Ltd


Leeds United Football Club


Analytix Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented GMI Construction Holdings PLC and GMI Construction Group PLC in a successful appeal against penalties imposed by the OFT, totalling £2.7 million, in an investigation related to bid rigging.
  • Represented the Premier League in a high-profile arbitration brought by Leyton Orient.
  • Represented the Premier League as interveners in a case brought by HMRC to challenge the football creditor rules regime.