EU and competition law

White & Case (Europe) LLP

White & Case (Europe) LLP stands out in the market for advising a deep roster of national and international clients from the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, media and food and beverage sectors on high profile antitrust court ligation matters, merger control notifications, and clearance of major international transactions. The team also has significant expertise in antitrust and public tenders; areas in which Veronica Pinotti, whose broad practice spans cartels, abuse of dominance, state aid and issues related to regulated markets, is particularly active. Also noted for his expertise in the antitrust field is Martino Sforza, who specialises on complex merger-control filings, while Patrizia Pedretti has recently been involved in several complex antitrust investigation cases. Since publication, Sabrina Borocci and Francesca Moretti joined the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Veronica Pinotti is reliable and competent. Capable to handle complex matters and yet giving simple explanations of the complicated issues at stake.'
'The team is extremely knowledgeable. However, what sets them truly aside is their responsiveness and ability to work to tight deadlines.'
'W&C Italian antitrust team is our chosen firm in the area of competition law, a true business partner which has contributed to develop the company’s business strategy in Italy.'
'The Italian antitrust team at White & Case has a thorough understanding of our sector and business model. The firm's attorneys consistently produce top-notch work products and always anticipate our own needs.'
'Veronica Pinotti is well-known for her success in antitrust lawsuits, merger probes, and defence procedures. She is an expert of "world-class" caliber. Veronica's enviable track record, spanning more than 25 years, is the foundation of her reputation.'
'The antitrust team at W&C is the best in Italy. It is well-known for its unquestionable multi-jurisdictional and international expertise.'
'The team ensures a very high level of quality and expertise that allows it to offer unparalleled cross-cutting assistance. It perfectly understands complex commercial dynamics behind projects and therefore provides comprehensive and exhaustive antitrust advice.'
'Veronica Pinotti's team is the best in Italy in antitrust. They are very strong in approaching urgent topics, reassuring the business in having at hand the whole situation. Very well-prepared and professional individuals, and at the same time very friendly approach.'

Key clients

Alstom
Amazon EU
Autosock Operations
BC Partners
Daikin
Daimler
Danone; Mellin, Nutricia Italia
Davide Campari Milano
Dyson
Eco-Bat
Energean Oil & Gas
Eni
Facebook (Meta)
Ferrero Italia
GVS
Heineken Italia
HSBC
Huawei Italia
Husky
Hytera
Hyundai Motor Company
InfraVia and InfraCapital funds
Itron
Japan Tobacco International
Kiwi
McDonald’s (and Fondazione Ronald McDonald Italia)
MOL
Nestlé
Octapharma
Pastificio Rana
Peninsula Capital
Pernod Ricard
PFH – Palladio Holding
Pfizer Italia
Pro-Gest
Ralph Lauren Europe
Veronesi Holding
Warner Bros Entertainment Italia

Work highlights

Advised Pro-Gest Group - one of Europe's major players in the vertically integrated production of paper, cardboard, and packaging - before the Council of State (court docket case no. 6707/2021) in connection with the appeal of the judgment of the First Instance Administrative Court (TAR Lazio) no. 6080/2021 on the fining decision of the Italian Competition Authority (“ICA”) in the cardboard cartel matter (case ICA no. I805) for alleged breach of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Advised Pro-Gest Group on a high number of damages actions (follow-on actions) deriving from the cardboard cartel fined by the ICA mentioned above. The firm is assisting the client in a series of proceedings before the Italian Civil Courts brought by the purchasers of the interested products that claim the damages allegedly deriving by the conduct of the manufacturers that took place in the alleged cartel matter (case ICA no. I805).
Advised the leading international scrap lead battery recycler Eco-Bat in connection with several antitrust compliance matters. In particular, the firm assisted the client in the review of the dawn raids guidelines and provided it with our Dawn Raids Emergency Response App along with specific trainings and protocols in case of inspections at the company’s premises and it is currently assisting the client in assessing the antitrust aspects of a confidential project.

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