The centre of gravity in antitrust law is shifting as we witness the globalisation of regulation and enforcement.
In this environment, many of the world's leading companies are turning to Allen & Overy as their preferred competition counsel.
We have been involved in some of the most high-profile and ground breaking cases in antitrust enforcement in recent years. With over 100 antitrust specialists based in 19 offices serving the three main global regions – Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas – Allen & Overy is the first choice for major corporates seeking advice on their global antitrust policies, litigation and regulatory strategies.
We cover all areas of antitrust and competition law enforcement and litigation: antitrust and IP; antitrust disputes including private damages, commercial disputes and judicial reviews; cartels; compliance and counselling; merger control; public procurement and competitive tendering; sector regulation, abuse of dominance/monopolisation and market investigations; and state aid.
Award-winning
Highly regarded by the legal directories, our antitrust and competition team is ranked in the top ten of the GCR Global Elite. Our award-winning team consists of many of the leading practitioners in the field. This includes a former director of criminal enforcement at the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), former judicial assistants at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), professors of law at prominent universities and the president of the International Bar Association.
This wide network enables us to understand our clients' needs and approach their antitrust issues from every angle and allows us to continue to work on cutting-edge issues at the forefront of antitrust policy.
Regulatory experts
The global economy is being heavily re-regulated by states and regional organisations, and competition law is at the core of this trend.
Our clients rely on us as specialists in regulatory policy to organise coalitions of legal, economic and academic experts to protect their business strategies, products and intellectual property rights. We invest significant time and energy in understanding each sector's specific complexities and defending our clients' unique interests.
Our lawyers are described by Chambers and Partners as part of "a new generation that has the ability to understand clients' businesses and sectors".
What makes us different?
We combine all the following within one global team:
- The resources to handle multi-forum cases involving parallel, simultaneous government investigations and multiple civil actions worldwide
- Global efficiency with local knowledge and expertise
- A team of former senior government officials and academics with experience of working at the cutting edge of antitrust law
- One of the few international firms with an IP and technology practice of the quality necessary to be able to represent clients in licensing and IP infringement matters
- Sector regulatory specialists in IT, telecommunications, energy, media, financial services, life sciences, infrastructure and transport, and retail and consumer goods
- Integrated team of antitrust litigation experts
Recognition for our work
GCR "Elite" law firm 2013
Winner – GCR Merger Control Matter of the Year 2012
Winner – GCR Matter of the Year 2012
Winner – GCR Matter of the Year 2011
"This firm benefits from an impressive network of expertise in competition law, with notable global sector coverage extending across the IT, energy and automotive industries, amongst others. It is well regarded in China, Australia and across Europe, and continues to develop its practice in the USA."
Chambers and Partners Global 2013
"This firm's European coverage is extremely impressive, with experienced practices in the key economies of Western Europe as well as a strong practice in Central and Eastern Europe."
Chambers and Partners Europe 2013
"A key to Allen & Overy's success is its formidable network"
IFLR EU Competition 2012
"Allen & Overy's acclaimed worldwide strength in competition law"
Chambers and Partners UK 2012
"Its ability to draw upon the expertise of the firm's global network of European and American antitrust practitioners is also considered a real competitive edge"
Chambers and Partners China 2012