Praised for their capabilities in ‘complex and sophisticated matters‘, Weightmans LLP‘s focus on competition law damages claims is notably concentrated in the airline and airport industries, while other key sectors for the practice include insurance and consumer goods – particularly food and beverages. The team is well-versed in procurement law, advising public sector bodies on various projects and corporate and commercial matters. The team is headed up by the Liverpool-based Laurence Pritchard, noted for his experience of merger control and anti-competitive agreements. Gary Jones specialises in regeneration projects and procurement, while Vincent King works on corporate-related issues.
EU and competition in North West
Weightmans LLP
Practice head(s):
Laurence Pritchard
Other key lawyers:
Gary Jones; Vincent King; Jamie Norris
Testimonials
‘Weightmans have been excellent when faced with complex and sophisticated matters, which under procurement law happens frequently. Weightmans were very helpful in ensuring that they understand everything before making a decision on how to proceed, and they have always been quick to respond.’
‘Weightmans’ service levels and responsiveness has been excellent. We have always received swift responses and a quality service.’
‘Weightmans’ pricing is very competitive and great value for money, particularly given the complexity and time taken on advising and assisting clients on difficult matters.’
‘Weightmans constantly have their finger on the pulse around any commercial developments and recent matters which may impact their advice. Knowing the market and any issues which may crop up puts Weightmans ahead of the pack.’
‘Weightmans have an excellent commercial team who can pick up a wide range of matters and have always delivered any advice required to the highest standard. It is incredibly useful to clients to be able to rely on Weightmans to provide the advice needed, even if it has to come from a different member of the team due to their expertise, and for that advice to be the same quality as the rest of the team.’
‘Jamie Norris is an excellent solicitor. Quick to respond and very knowledgeable.’
‘Vincent King is an excellent lawyer with vast knowledge across multiple practices. Expertly advising in respect of procurement and contracts.’
Key clients
UK Trucks Claim Limited
S. Norton & Co. Limited
Chiesi Limited
Swissport
John West Limited
Esken Limited
Wi-Manx Limited
Washington Mills Limited
The Integrity Foundation (HIES)
British Insurance Brokers Association
Lotus Bakeries Limited
The Double Glazing & Quality Assurance Ombudsman Scheme
Gazprom
Sonoco
All About Food
Peel Ports Group
Wizzair
Doncaster Sheffield Airport Limited
Crafter’s Companion Limited
North Lincolnshire Council
Emko Capital LLC
Composite Ones LLC
Costcutter
ZO Skin Health Inc
Anixter Limited
NHS Southport & Formby CCG
The Quality Assurance Co Limited
Cumbria County Council/ University of Cumbria
Cammell Laird Shiprepairers
Tactus Group
Flintshire County Council
Work highlights
- Advised UK Trucks Claim Limited (“UKTC”) which has issued proceedings on behalf of owners and lessees of over 600,000 trucks which were sold by way of unlawful anti-competitive practices.
- Advised The Double Glazing & Conservatory Assurance Ombudsman Scheme on Fensa Limited’s refusal to certify it as the provider of a Fensa approved insurance policy as a potential breach of competition law.
- Advised University of Cumbria and Carlisle City Council on compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in connection with the new Carlisle Business Exchange centre (“CBE”) project.
Addleshaw Goddard
The antitrust practice at Addleshaw Goddard is experienced in a range of competition services including market investigations, merger control, and expertise in financial services and payment systems. On the contentious side, the team’s expertise in competition litigation sees them advising a broad range of corporates on complex and high-value matters. Mark Molyneux – the firmwide disputes head – focuses on the team’s contentious competition workload. Key names to note in the firm’s Manchester office include Mark Crane, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, and advises on competition enforcement proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Mark Crane
Testimonials
‘Mark Crane is a real up and comer. He’s a real pleasure to work with and gets things done.’
‘AG has a really solid competition law practice, which always considers the business drivers, and gives clear, sensible and proportionate advice on what can be a tricky area for businesses which have large shares of markets.’
‘Mark Crane is very responsive, calm, and pragmatic. I trust them implicitly, and have found that they are excellent at explaining competition law points to colleagues of mine in appropriate language. Readily available and very user-friendly.’
Key clients
Allergan plc
Ferryspeed (CI) Limited
SSE Plc
GIPHY Inc
Road Haulage Association
Openreach
NKT A/S and NKT Verwaltungs GmbH (NKT)
Co-Op
Access to Cash
Lidl