Dechert LLP is highly regarded for its prowess in the life sciences sector, frequently acting for leading pharmaceutical companies in high-profile merger control cases and antitrust litigation; its impressive recent highlights include securing a victory for Roche before the Paris Court of Appeal in a challenge to a fine imposed by the FCA. The team is experienced across the board of EU and competition law matters, but is particularly noted for its expertise in cartel and abuse of dominance cases, where Mélanie Thill-Tayara (who also leads the global life sciences practice) has an excellent reputation. Laurence Bary and Marion Provost are also names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Multidisciplinary team that knows how to work together and see all aspects of the same contract or the same problem.’
‘The strength of this team is its ability to understand the pharmaceutical market globally, with competition specialists and market regulation specialists. Women are well represented in the team and it works closely together. Good listening skills.’
‘Mélanie Thill-Tayara, Marion Provost and Laurence Bary all stand out.’
‘Highly competent team accustomed to working together which allows them to deliver very high-quality work, and they are also able to quickly have effective contact online, even when the person responsible for the file is absent.’
‘Mélanie Thill-Tayara stands out for her strategic approach to litigation and her very good knowledge of the mysteries of the competition authorities, and Laurence Bary for her great rigour and her very good technical skills.'

Key clients

Apple
ArianeGroup
Cathay Capital
Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A
Cora and Supermarchés Match
Deutsche Bahn AG
Mayoly Spindler
Roche

Work highlights

Successfully represented Apple before the Paris Court of Appeal in challenging the highest fine ever imposed by the FCA against one single company, which was over €1.1 billion for Apple alone.
Successfully represented Roche in the context of its appeal before the Paris Court of Appeal against the more than €400 million fine initially imposed by the FCA for an abuse of collective dominance with Novartis, which was completely annulled.
Advised Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. in the merger control and FDI aspects of its US$1.4 billion acquisition of Amryt Pharma Plc., a UK-based company specializing in the development of treatments for rare diseases.