Viguié Schmidt & Associés has a commendable record in contentious EU and competition law matters; the team frequently represents clients in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the FCA and in high-profile antitrust litigation before the French courts of the highest levels, in addition to handling complex follow-on damages claims. Merger control is also a key area of activity for the team, which advises on notifications to both the FCA and the European Commission. Iñaki Saint-Esteben leads the practice, drawing on extensive experience in the full range of merger control, antitrust litigation and distribution law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Iñaki Saint-Esteben and Laëtitia Faivre work closely with their clients, which facilitates exchanges and understanding of cases and the environment.’

  • 'Very great expertise, close to their clients, great teachers, business oriented.’

  • ‘Iñaki Saint Esteben has very in-depth knowledge of competition law.’

  • ‘Reactivity, professionalism and great rigour of legal reasoning.’

Key clients

  • Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté France
  • Vinci Energies France
  • Groupe M6
  • Domino’s Pizza France
  • Réunionnaise du Rhum/GIE Rhums Réunion
  • Andros
  • Valade
  • Mirova/Natixis
  • NextStage
  • Sibelco

Work highlights

  • Advised Valade in the context of the investigation led by the FCA regarding an alleged anticompetitive agreement between producers of processed fruits packaged in cups and pouches and of the appeal against the FCA’s decision.
  • Advising beverage suppliers Brasserie du Pacifique and Société de distribution de Polynésie in proceedings before the Polynesian Competition Authority.
  • Successfully defended Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté France against a private damages claim filed by Carrefour following a decision rendered by the FCA with respect to the home and personal care products industry.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Iñaki Saint-Esteben

Other key lawyers

Laëtitia Faivre