Simmons & Simmons
Client SatisfactionWith a strong focus on the life sciences, technology and FMCG sectors, Simmons & Simmons is well versed in merger control and foreign direct investment clearance (including multi-jurisdictional cases), in addition to advising prominent medical device and pharmaceutical companies on competition and distribution matters. The team is also increasingly active in contentious cases, including representing clients in FCA investigations. Ombline Ancelin, who also co-heads the cross-border competition group, leads the team.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The best competition law team in my opinion. Led by Ombline Ancelin, whose availability and skills are remarkable, the team deals with matters within difficult deadlines and offers in-depth, pragmatic and measured legal advice and assistance, with a level of discourse adapted to the client, whether they are legal management, general management, sales. The approach adopted in the analysis of the files proves to be fair and detailed, and the advice solid and reassuring.’
‘Ombline Ancelin handles files with all the necessary attention, showing great listening skills and detailed and rapid analysis, making it possible to adopt a pragmatic and solid approach to the case that is adapted to the risks. Her rhetorical abilities and natural authority ensure the attention and commitment of all the stakeholders she deals with.’
‘Great insights and overview of pharma-related subjects.’
‘Ombline Anceline is a very practical, hands-on, risk-conscious and business-oriented lawyer.’
‘Their style of working is perfectly suited to the immediate and complex needs of our company's commercial activity. Very advanced expertise in competition law. Mastery of each question asked. Accessible answers that can be immediately used in business.’
‘Florent Barbu is an expert in competition and distribution law. He stands out for his ability to quickly understand the practical need for our questions. He provides responses that are tailored and deliverable. He's a true business partner.’
- 'Excellent and recognized antitrust team.'
- 'Ombline Ancelin is Simmons & Simmons' star in competition law: she always shows great empathy for her clients and is not afraid to tell the truth and to fight when needed.'
Key clients
- Sandoz
- Upsa
- Esso SAF
- Brookfield
- Government of the United Kingdom
Work highlights
- Assisted Brookfield in the French merger control and FDI filings of its acquisition of Data4.
- Assisted the Government of the United Kingdom with a request for the prior authorisation of a foreign investment in France in connection with the merger of French satellite operator Eutelsat with British company OneWeb.
- Assisted Esso SAF in the context of Commercial Court proceedings filed by a Corsican distributor on the grounds of abuse of economic dependence and breach of contractual good faith.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ombline Ancelin