Christophe Lemaire
Ashurst LLPAshurst LLP is well regarded for its expertise in EU and competition law matters in the heavily regulated transport and energy sectors, counting leading French companies such as SNCF and Engie among its clients. Advising on complex state aid matters is a core pillar of the practice, which also has an impressive record in antitrust litigation (and in representing clients in large-scale cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the FCA). Additionally, the team assists with merger control, including handling multi-jurisdictional filings alongside its international offices, and follow-on damages claims. Christophe Lemaire is well versed in behavioural, merger control and state aid matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Competent team well versed in our issues relating to state aid law in particular. Strengths and assets are based on technical expertise and understanding of our environment and our constraints.’
‘Very good knowledge of the competition authority.’
‘Christophe Lemaire is a great specialist in the transport sector.’
‘Christophe Lemaire and his team have always been extremely responsive, showing a very good understanding of the underlying economic and regulatory issues. Their support is undeniably valuable.’
‘Christophe Lemaire is an excellent practitioner, with deep understanding of our operational issues and solid practical and theoretical skills which allow for the implementation of innovative and secure solutions.’
‘Very in-depth knowledge of the energy market.’
'Excellent availability and great technical and strategic abilities.'
'Christophe Lemaire stands out for his sophisticated technical skills, knowledge of the market and business-oriented approach.'
Key clients
- SNCF and various subsidiaries (Ouibus, VSC, Oui.SNCF, Sferis)
- ENGIE and various subsidiaries
- Storengy
- Geomethane
- TotalEnergies
- Schindler
- Bpifrance
- Microport/Sorin
- Imperial Tobacco
- Bosch and Coup France
- Aqualung
- Babcock
- Corsair
- Mitsui
- Conseil des notariats de l'Union Européenne
- Optovue
- AREVA
- Caisse des dépôts et consignations
Work highlights
- Acting for ENGIE before the FCA in relation to a complaint by Direct Energie regarding potential abuse of dominant position in the gas sector.
- Acting for SNCF before the Paris Commercial Court in relation to a follow-on damages action regarding the distribution of train tickets.
- Advising ENGIE in relation to the state aid notification of two renewable offshore windfarm projects.
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Christophe Lemaire