Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is routinely called upon by leading French and international clients from sectors including technology, energy and transport to advise on their most complex and high-profile matters. On the merger control front, the firm stands out for its strong offering at both the national and EU levels, in addition to its expertise in the FDI and FSR aspects of transactions. The team is equally adept at handling major behavioural investigations and subsequent litigation before the competition authorities and courts, including large follow-on damages claims, and state aid proceedings. The practice was strengthened significantly in February 2024 by the addition of Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson, who joined from Linklaters in February 2024 to lead the team alongside the highly regarded Jérôme Philippe. Petya Katsarska, Sofia Bekkali and Sara Gil Garcia are also noted.
Key clients
- AstraZeneca
- EDF
Work highlights
- Advising Sony on its defence against a claim lodged before the French Competition Authority for alleged abuse of dominance in relation to controllers for the PS4 console, and obtained a landmark victory which entails the creation of a new right of appeal in French competition law.
- Advised EDF on its acquisition of GE Steam Power’s nuclear power activities (the former “Alstom” turbines).