EU and competition

bpv Hügel

bpv Hügel is called upon by companies alleged to have been members of cartels to represent them in EU Commission proceedings and leniency applications, with particular experience in acting for energy sector clients. Alongside its contentious work, the firm also oversees FDI and merger control matters across the CEE. Key members of the practice include Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber, who handles merger control matters for energy industry clients among others, while Florian Neumayr handles private enforcement proceedings and market dominance investigations. Christian Schneider takes the lead on matters of EU competition law, with notable expertise in acting for public sector clients. Splitting his time between Vienna and Brussels, Gerhard Fussenegger focuses primarily on FDI controls in addition to EU antitrust law, working closely with Sebastian Reiter.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Florian Neumayr has very good response times.'
'The bpv team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in handling high-stakes antitrust cases. Their deep understanding of both local and international antitrust laws allows them to provide comprehensive and strategic advice.'
'Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber is renowned for her strategic acumen and deep understanding of antitrust litigation. Her ability to craft compelling arguments and her dedication to client success make her a standout leader in the field.'
'Sebastian Reiter has extensive experience and his ability to foresee and mitigate potential legal risks have been instrumental in securing favourable outcomes for our clients. His strategic insights and collaborative spirit are greatly appreciated.'
'Wonderful competition law team around Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber, our all-time, go-to external legal support in all competition law matters. Hands-on advice 24/7 when needed. Always solution-oriented and full of creative alternative route ideas.'
'Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber is the head and heart of bpv Hügel's competition law team, always there when she is needed, swift responses to all kinds of inquiries, hands-on advice and always on the point.'
'The bpv Hügel team really stands out for its client service, responsiveness and ability to give decisive and useful advice. They know the competition authority well.'
'Florian Neumayr is excellent. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.'

Key clients

Strabag
EEX European Energy Exchange
Lidl
Austrian Bar
IGEPA
Paul Bauder GmbH
cargo-partner
Fronius
Yamaha
Kostmann
Eurazeo
A1 Telekom Austria
OMV AG
Gas Connect Austria
RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria
BayWa AG
BP Europa
Beiersdorf
Axel Springer
Verbund
Plansee
card complete (Visa)
BAT British American Tobacco
Nichicon
Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists
Raiffeisen Holding Niederösterreich-Wien
Immofinanz
Otis
Colgate-Palmolive

Work highlights

Advised BP on all antitrust matters in Austria.
Represented Kostmann as the first leniency applicant in the Austrian construction cartel.

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