EU, competition and distribution

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins‘ Paris team remains a leading reference in the market for complex and strategic merger control cases at both French and EU level, with particularly in-depth experience in phase II clearances. In addition, the team is skilled in FDI and, increasingly, FSR filings. On the litigation front, the group features prominently in high-profile cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the EC and FCA, as well as in related appeals before the national courts and in follow-on damages claims. Its impressive client roster includes French and international clients from the telecoms, cosmetics, food and beverages, automotive and media sectors. Jacques-Philippe Gunther, a renowned expert in merger control and antitrust investigations, leads the team with Adrien Giraud and Mathilde Saltiel, both of whom have exceptional records across the spectrum of EU and competition matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

"The Latham & Watkins team demonstrates excellent expertise in competition law and offers very good strategies both in terms of advice and litigation. The advice is very pragmatic and understandable, even for operational staff. The teams show great availability."
"Jean-Philippe Gunther stands out for his excellent knowledge not only of competition law but also of the industrial sector, offering pragmatic and effective solutions. Aliénor Estrade and Louis-Victor Sachs show excellent mastery of their cases and are very available."
"The Latham & Watkins competition team is undoubtedly composed of highly skilled lawyers, both associates and partners. The partners' strategic approach to major cases, especially in mergers, is truly remarkable."
"The team is well-staffed, which allows them to be responsive when circumstances require it. They can also rely on an excellent international network, which is valuable for high-stakes international cases. The team is very experienced in all types of competition law cases across different sectors. It is one of the best teams in the market."
"Jacques-Philippe Gunther: one of the most experienced lawyers in the market. A fine technician."
"Excellent understanding of our sector, availability, and easy accessibility. Pragmatic approach and vast experience with the Competition Authority. The team has significant strength."
"Adrien Giraud is an excellent technician, and it is very pleasant to work with him."
"Mathilde Saltiel possesses a remarkable understanding of the market, with excellent technical qualities. She also has great communication skills."

Key clients

Orange
Michelin
Microsoft
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Canal +
Worldline
EssilorLuxottica
TDF
Ingram Micro
Laboratoires Nuxe
L’Oréal
Refresco
Ares
Areas
Pluxee
Pernod Ricard

Work highlights

Assisting Michelin in a dawn raid conducted by the European Commission as part of an investigation on suspicion of price coordination between competitors, and in challenging the legality of the raids before the General Court.
Obtained conditional EU Phase II merger clearance on behalf of Orange for its joint venture with MásMóvil to form Spain’s largest mobile operator by customer numbers, valued at €18.6 billion.
Obtained a victory for Orange against a €60M+ damages claim brought by rival SFR regarding alleged margin squeeze and predatory practices in the market for fixed landlines to secondary homes in France.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Jacques-Philippe Gunther

Hall of fameLatham & Watkins

Leading partners

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