Michael Esser
Latham & Watkins LLPLatham & Watkins LLP has a high level of expertise in the areas of digitisation and technology, where the representation of Meta in connection with the §19a GWB as well as the Digital Market Act was a significant mandate. Other mainstays include the advice on market power abuse matters and cartel damages compensation claims as well as internal investigations, antitrust litigation and the advice on alleged antitrust violations. This offering is complemented with expertise in transaction-related antitrust law, including FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and FSR (Fusion Control Regulation). The key contacts include Max Hauser, who is experienced in cartel disputes, litigator Michael Esser and Jan Christoph Höft (merger control and defense against cartel damages claims). Jana Dammann de Chapto, who is experienced in merger and investment control, joined the partner roster in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A group of excellent litigation and antitrust lawyers. Innovative, flexible solutions. Unmatched market experience and knowledge. Excellent in strategy and advertising.'
- 'Some of the best lawyers I work with in all of Europe.'
- 'Truly outstanding litigation lawyers. Quality of advice far exceeds other options on the market. Fantastic to work with. Have delivered phenomenal results for our company.'
- 'Very good support throughout the entire process. Always trying to find solutions and offer alternatives.'
Key clients
- Meta
- Lufthansa
- Volkswagen
- Vodafone
- Microsoft
- Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)
- Silver Lake Partners
- Apollo Global Management
- Ara Partners
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Webhelp
- Triton
Work highlights
- Representation of Meta Platforms, Inc. in proceedings before the Federal Cartel Office on suspicion of abuse of a dominant market position in connection with data protection and antitrust law.
- Merger and investment control advice to Thermo Fisher Scientific on the planned acquisition of Olink with a transaction volume of $3.1 billion, including second-phase proceedings, which were cleared unconditionally by the German Federal Cartel Office.
- Representation of Vodafone in damages compensation proceedings, including before the Federal Court of Justice, against Deutsche Telekom, concerning abusive practices in the use of cable ducts.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
