EU, competition and distribution

Dechert LLP

Dechert LLP is widely recognised for its prowess in complex, high-stakes antitrust investigations and litigation before the French and EU regulators and courts, recently representing blue-chip clients in some of the most high-profile challenges to fines imposed by the FCA. In addition, the firm frequently assists in dawn raids, follow-on damages claims and merger control cases. The team has a particularly strong presence in the life sciences sector, where practice head Mélanie Thill-Tayara (who also co-leads the global life sciences practice) is a leading reference for antitrust matters. Laurence Bary excels in cartel and abuse of dominance cases. Marion Provost is another key team member.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

"Great expertise and commitment."
"A multidisciplinary team that perfectly integrates the local and European regulatory dimensions of our business. Great experience in the pharmaceutical market. A very female team, approachable, attentive, with a lot of experience."
"Mélanie Thill-Tayara, experience, leadership. Over 25 years of collaboration together on litigation and advisory matters. Marion Provost, Laurence Bary, Sophie Pelé for their knowledge of the regulatory framework of our market."
"Strong expertise in competition law, availability, responsiveness."
"Laurence Bary: Very competent, advice perfectly suited to our business sectors. Available and always very responsive."

Key clients

Apple
Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A
Cora and Supermarchés Match
Crown Holdings
Deutsche Bahn AG
Havea
Laboratoire X.O.
Roche
Virbac

Work highlights

Representing Virbac in a complaint before the European Commission related to a potential “killer acquisition”, which led to the first dawn raid conducted by the Commission post-Covid and to the formal opening of an investigation on 26 March 2024.
Represented Apple before the Paris Court of Appeal to challenge the highest ever fine imposed by the French Competition Authority, and succeeded in securing a partial annulment and significant decrease of Apple’s fine by 66%, from €1.1 billion to €371.6 million.
Represented Crown Holdings in cartel investigations both before the European Commission and the French Competition Authority, involving in particular non-price cartel allegations in a context of regulatory changes.