Europe - Belgium

Linklaters

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Linklaters is differentiated by its extensive expertise in foreign investment control issues, which includes advising on the new EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Other areas of strength include merger control matters and antitrust investigations. Bernd Meyring has oversight of the broader practice, while newly promoted counsel Ina Lunneryd leads the state aid sub-group. In terms of industry know-how, Annamaria Mangiaracina is the name to note for clients from the life sciences sector.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Closeness to the European Commission and other relevant EU institutions' thinking, with deep understanding of their motivations and positioning on core issues. Able to deliver high-quality strategic advice relevant for our industry under tight deadlines for new developments in the competition space.'

  • ‘William Leslie provides actionable and proactive advice relevant to our business.'

  • ‘Linklaters is a heavyweight in competition law and regulation. Their lawyers are thought leaders and are at the forefront of developments in competition law and policy. They seem to be everywhere in terms of subject matter.’

  • ‘William Leslie is extremely knowledgeable, has a strong grasp of competition law and regulation, as well as economics. He is sharp and commercially aware, and appears to be involved in virtually everything from digital platform regulation to merger control, FSR to FDI, telecoms regulation to vertical restraints.'

  • ‘Neil Hoolihan is a highly skilled lawyer, with a great sense of humour. He is very much available and provides valuable hands-on advice.'

  • ‘Pragmatic and commercial in providing risk-adjusted advice and solutions to assist clients with navigating through the ever-complex and changing regulatory regime of competition, foreign investment and foreign subsidies.'

  • ‘Neil Hoolihan - absolutely stellar partner! As a seasoned advisor, he brings a commercial and sensible perspective that is based on sound analysis and works within the parameters of regulation. Always clear, succinct and with the client in mind. Always feel in very safe hands.’

  • ‘William Leslie's ability to truly (and quickly) understand our business and products is exceptional and means his advice is always tailored to our specific needs.’

Key clients

  • LeasePlan Corporation N.V.
  • Vodafone
  • Cerberus European Investments
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Novartis Pharma NV
  • GrandVision N.V.
  • SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company
  • Kelkoo
  • OTPP
  • Panasonic Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised TDR Capital and LeasePlan on a transaction with ALD which created a global mobility provider with a total combined fleet of 3.5 million vehicles.
  • Advised Vodafone on its strategic partnership with a consortium of long-term infrastructure investors led by Global Infrastructure Partners and KKR.
  • Advised Johnson & Johnson on the merger control aspects of the acquisition of Abiomed.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Bernd Meyring

Other key lawyers

Neil Hoolihan, Annamaria Mangiaracina, William Leslie, Ina Lunneryd