Dentons‘s competition and antitrust team in Brussels is ’well practiced in the areas of competition in Europe’, working closely with its teams in Paris and Berlin, and particularly noted for its cartel work. Team head Jean-Nicolas Maillard is recognised for his work in cartel representations, as well as merger control matters. Clients in the life sciences, financial services, and aerospace sectors often seek out Bertold Bär-Bouyssière.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Bertold Bär-Bouyssière deserves praise as a diplomatic and insightful relationship manager. In his capacity as competition law expert, he has contributed to raising my awareness of competition law issues. Bertold is prompt, pro-active, efficient, with great problem solving skills, and always on top of matters with quick turnaround.’

  • ‘The team, which combines diverse backgrounds and nationalities, is very agile in offering tailored and efficient teams dedicated to its clients. They are all very knowledgeable of the latest developments in competition law and are always up-to-date in this fast-moving legal environment.'

  • ‘Jean-Nicolas Maillard cleverly understands business needs and his smart legal-thinking leads to positive business results. He is a both a seasoned legal expert and a trusted business partner.'

  • ‘Our go to person in Dentons is Bertold Bär-Bouyssière, who then connects us with other colleagues as needed. He has been a trusted advisor for many years. He is an absolute start in questions of competition law and policy, and also a diligent project manager and relationship manager for projects outside competition law.’

  • ‘They are well practiced in the areas of competition in Europe, contract work and dealing with the European Commission. They look at risks of taking action vs gain and their Counsel has been invaluable.’

  • ‘Yves Botteman has been wonderful in helping with Competition matters and giving guidance with European Commission Authorities.'

  • ‘Excellent communication skills, very proactive and client-friendly.’

  • ‘Jean-Nicolas Maillard was really helpful in crafting market definitions of new products, and managed client expectations (including business folks) with art.'

Key clients

  • General Mills
  • CTCPA
  • Soprel
  • TotalEnergies
  • Mattr Infratech
  • International Fruit Genetics
  • Hyundai HD
  • Merck
  • CAE Inc.
  • Yamaha Music

Work highlights

  • Representing General Mills in its appeal against the decision of the FCA in issuing a statement of objections against 115 companies and trade associations, including General Mills (Green Giant canned food), regarding an alleged collusion in the context of the phasing out of bisphenol A from metal cans packaging.
  • Representing Merck KGaA in antitrust damages actions following the so-called EU "pay-for-delay" proceedings ("Lundbeck").

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jean-Nicolas Maillard

Other key lawyers

Bertold Bär-Bouyssière, Yves Botteman