Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL fields a team of 'experts in their fields' who are able to handle the gamut of merger control matters, abuse of dominance investigations, antitrust compliance issues, and sector-specific competition inquiries. Fiona Carlin acts as the overall practice head, while Kurt Haegeman oversees the consumer goods and retail industry group, and Paul Johnson leads the TMT antitrust practice. The much-lauded EU state aid sub-department is helmed by Nina Niejahr. In recent news, associate Ola McLees joined the Brussels office from the firm's London branch.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Paul Johnson and Ola McLees have an excellent feeling for the industry in which I work and the competition law and related issues that arise. I can call them and instantly brief them as they are well versed in sector issues and can draw on expertise and developments in other sectors or countries, to inform my organisation's path.’
‘Very time responsive, experts in their fields and always thinking outside the narrow range of our enquiry. Also proactive in coming to us with ideas and intelligence that could be useful.’
'The competition team at Baker McKenzie delivers excellent competition advice, both EU but also global. It is not only the advice but the team delivers a holistic view from a business perspective which is always to the point, succinct and on time.'
'Gavin Bushell delivers second-to-none advice which exactly combines a holistic legal and business understanding. Strong in setting clear direction in an elegant and professional manner.'
'The lawyers on the Baker McKenzie team that I deal with are specialists in state aid law, and their expertise is evident, in-depth and an important support to me and my colleagues. I have found them to be responsive and to have a great level of understanding of the issues we raise and the applicable law. They are one of our few go-to external legal advisors.'
'Nina Niejahr - very experienced, knowledgeable, a real state aid expert, clever and pragmatic.'
'Bram Hoorelbeke - very experienced and knowledgeable, almost scientific in his approach, but picks up on the non-legal nuances.'
Key clients
- Abbott Laboratories
- AbbVie/Allergan
- ACG Inc
- Chr. Hansen
- Colt
- Intel
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Nordic Capital
- Rio Tinto
- Sika
Work highlights
- Advising Sika on the acquisition of MBCC Group from an affiliate of Lone Star Fund.
- Advising Brands for Europe, a coalition of household brands, on issues relating to the EU review of the Vertical Block Exemption and Guidelines.
- Representing Rio Tinto, BBA Aviation and Willis Tower Watson before the EU Courts in their challenge of the Commission's decision in the UK Foreign Controlled Company Rules state aid investigation.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Fiona Carlin, Kurt Haegeman, Paul Johnson, Nina Niejahr