Compliance and Counselling
There has been a dramatic shift in antitrust and competition law in recent years. Antitrust law is becoming more contentious and the penalties are becoming potentially huge.
Having an successful compliance policy is vital to the prevention of anti-competitive conduct by employees. Implementing such a policy goes beyond the publication of a list of do's and don'ts. It also includes education of staff, regular updating and communication of applicable standards and procedures, periodic compliance trainings and certifications, dawn raid simulations and internal audits.
We help companies to develop sound risk management strategies and to adopt and implement effective compliance policies. This includes formulating and updating guidelines, giving staff presentations and training and performing simulations. We also assist our clients in conducting in-depth audits if anti-competitive conduct is suspected or as part of a due diligence process.
Given the continuing proliferation of national antitrust regimes, the increasing number of authorities actively pursuing antitrust cases and the growing magnitude of antitrust penalties, internationally operating companies should ensure that their compliance efforts meet the highest standards. Our global presence and local expertise enable us to offer clients first rate assistance in developing local and cross-border compliance programmes.
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Publications: 13 JANUARY 2020
The European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen took office on 1 December 2019, following changes required as a result of the European Parliament rejecting three of the candidate Commissioners originally put forward.
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Publications: 16 JULY 2019
Beyond Leniency: DOJ Antitrust Announces New Approach For Crediting Corporate Compliance Programs
Recent announcements from senior Antitrust Division officials have brought about sweeping policy changes that are likely to displace the corporate leniency program as the only potential benefit of prompt self-reporting and an effective compliance program.1 While details continue to emerge, the Antitrust Division appears to be readjusting its policy focus from one based on leniency alone to one that more fully incentivizes compliance, in line with the Department of Justice more broadly. This policy shift culminated on July 11, 2019 with a major speech by the Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust – titled Wind of Change: A New Model for Incentivizing Antitrust Compliance Programs – which solidified the Antitrust Division’s evolving position away from the “all-or-nothing” philosophy adopted by the long-standing corporate leniency program.
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Publications: 27 JUNE 2019
French cannabis committee unveils recommendations for medical cannabis pilot programme in France
Yesterday, the French specialised committee on cannabis (CSST), which was established in mid-2018, held its last meeting and presented its final recommendations for the implementation of a medical cannabis pilot programme to the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM).
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Publications: 12 JUNE 2019
Medical cannabis in France: Latest state of play
Following the penultimate meeting of the specialised committee on cannabis (CSST) established by the French National Agency of Medicine and Health Products Safety (ANSM) (see our previous blog posts "French ANSM temporary scientific committee pursues activities on modalities of medical cannabis availability" and "French ANSM recommends medical use of cannabis under certain conditions"), the French Senate held a hearing on 28 May 2019 entitled "Cannabis, a major public health issue" during which the senators present at the hearing came (despite existing concerns) to a quasi-consensus regarding the need of legally permitting medical cannabis in France. In the days and weeks following the debate, both politicians and experts, amongst others Nicolas AUTHIER, the chairman of the CSST, provided some further insights on the future of medical cannabis in France.
Read moreRecognition
Depth of expertise and skill, particularly for international companies operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Chambers Global 2018 (Competition/Antitrust)
Has a solid network, so their approach to cross-border matters is very strong.
Chambers Global 2018 (Competition/Antitrust)
The lawyers work with colleagues across Europe to keep us compliant with competition regulations.
Chambers Europe 2018 (Competition/Antitrust)
The team handles cross-border matters well, knowing that they need to manage different approaches in different jurisdictions.
Chambers Europe 2018 (Competition/Antitrust)
The network is something we appreciate; they work well as one team across borders.
Chambers Europe 2018 (Competition/Antitrust)