Competition law in the European Union is a field that remains as a cornerstone of the prosperous free market. It involves creating a level-playing field where all businesses can compete fairly and consumers have more choices with lower prices. For the success of businesses and individuals, it is often necessary to engage professional legal help to navigate these complex laws. In Belgium, a European hub for international business, a number of renowned EU competition lawyers base their practice. This article showcases some of the most influential figures in EU competition law in Belgium.
These names have pronounced experience, professionalism, and dedication to their craft that sets them apart. Their expertise resides in advising clients on the EU competition regulations, helping them avoid legal pitfalls and maximizing their potential within the regulatory framework. They stand as noble protectors of economic equality, ensuring that businesses conduct their trade within the confines of the laws of the EU. Each of these lawyers specializes in industry-related cases, making them stalwarts in their respective fields.
Despite their shared professional sphere, each lawyer offers unique work philosophies and approaches to suit the needs of diverse clientele. Let us delve into the detailed profiles of these lawyers, understanding their claims to fame, market reputation, and the reasons behind their success.
Markus Röhrig
At the heart of Hengeler Mueller sits Markus Röhrig, a respected legal practitioner specializing in merger filings and cartel investigations before the EC and the Bundeskartellamt. Positioned both in Germany and Brussels, Markus Röhrig’s outstanding experience and jurisdiction make him a vital asset to his clients in the realm of competition law in the EU.
Jens Peter Schmidt
Jens Peter Schmidt is a co-head at the Brussels office of Noerr. His distinctive expertise lies in advising on mergers that trigger filings to the EC or national regulators. This may involve supporting FDI notifications. Customers report that “Jens Peter Schmidt handled complex and challenging matters with a great degree of pragmatism and sensitivity.” He also stands out for his strong commercial awareness.
Hans-Jörg Niemeyer
Another notable player at Hengeler Mueller is Hans-Jörg Niemeyer. Handling many of the firm’s EU merger control mandates and cartel investigations in tandem with his colleagues in Berlin or Düsseldorf offices, he supports an all-encompassing practice. Niemeyer is particularly proficient in representing German companies in state aid matters and assisting with merger filings to the German authorities.
Sven Völcker
Sven Völcker of Latham & Watkins is another high-profile personality in this area. Known to handle top-end merger clearance cases that require significant interaction with the EC, Völcker equally excels in defending companies in sensitive abuse of dominance or cartel investigations. Also admitted to the German Bar, Völcker is well versed with merger notifications to the German FCO.
Anne Federle
Anne Federle of Bird & Bird has carved her niche in acting for clients on competition investigations. She represents both complainants and defendants in cartel and abuse of dominance cases, along with assisting with merger control matters. Federle often manages matters requiring coordinated responses to national regulators across several jurisdictions. Critics acclaim her questioning prowess and robust guidance through facts.
Frank Montag
Frank Montag of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a recognized authority in the Brussels-based competition law field. Renowned for his merger control work, Montag has lent his expertise to manufacturers of cargo-handling machinery and suppliers of life sciences products. His subject matter expertise and superb quality stand out among his peers in the industry.
Bernd Meyring
Bernd Meyring leads the competition team at Linklaters. Meyring particularly stands out in working for third-party interveners in significant IT sector abuse of dominance cases, appeals against EC cartel decisions, and assisting with EU merger filings. He is admitted to practice in Germany and Belgium.
Philipp Werner
Philipp Werner of Jones Day excels in defending situations against investigations carried out by the German Bundeskartellamt. His key experiences include advising German clients on EU competition law and coordinating cross-border teams to advise on global mergers or compliance audits.
Thomas Wessely
Competing at the same firm as Frank Montag, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Thomas Wessely is celebrated for his activity in significant cross-border transactions in the telecoms sector. Based in Brussels, Wessely is also qualified to practise in Germany and is known for representing clients in renown antitrust court proceedings.
Kyriakos Fountoukakos
At Herbert Smith Freehills, Kyriakos Fountoukakos takes the helm of the firm’s Japan-focused competition team based in Brussels. His counsel is often sought on Japan-related mandates, making him a key player in EU competition law concerning potential ties with Japan.
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