Described as ‘simply outstanding’, the team at Travers Smith LLP handles a broad spectrum of competition law issues, including merger control, FDI clearances, and behavioural and cartel investigations. Practice head Nigel Seay brings extensive experience in securing EU, UK, and international merger control clearances across a range of sectors. The ’technically excellent’ Stephen Whitfield has a broad practice focus, advising on competition issues in the technology, financial services, life sciences, and media sectors. Senior counsel Ingrid Hodgskiss is praised for her ‘deep understanding of competition law’ and ability to ’deliver outstanding legal advice while keeping commercial aspects in focus.’

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very approachable, knowledgeable team who show genuine interest in the industry we operate in.’

  • ‘Tom Davies is very responsive and displays a commercial and pragmatic approach. Stephen Whitfield is also available to share his experience and knowledge whenever needed.’

  • ‘Excellent legal advice, team members are always responsive, delivering reliable solutions quickly.'

  • ‘We have worked with Stephen Whitfield and Ingrid Hodgskiss - both have a deep understanding of competition law and deliver outstanding legal advice while keeping commercial aspects in focus. Both are very approachable and always available, very uncomplicated and pleasant to work with.’

  • 'Stephen Whitfield is very commercial and really good at balancing short and long term priorities to work out the best overall advice for the client. Ingrid Hodgskiss has incredibly impressive knowledge.'

  • 'The quality of the team is first rate across the board. Technically excellent but also commercial, pragmatic, and personable.'

  • ‘Stephen Whitfield is technically excellent but also commercial, pragmatic, and personable.'

  • ‘Travers Smith are simply outstanding in this space.'

Key clients

  • The Access Group
  • SSP Group plc
  • Numis Corporation plc
  • Intermediate Capital Group plc
  • The EMIS Group plc
  • Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
  • Nomura International plc
  • Peel Group
  • S4 Capital plc
  • Inflexion Partners LLP
  • BOC Limited
  • Zegona Communications plc
  • Flight Centre Travel Group
  • Ancala Partners LLP
  • Equistone Partners Europe
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI)
  • Macquarie Group
  • Bridgepoint plc
  • BUUK Infrastructure
  • AlphaSigma S.p.A
  • Small World Financial Services Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised EMIS in respect of its acquisition by UnitedHealth Group.
  • Advising investment bank Nomura on its defence before the European Commission and subsequent application to the EU General Court for annulment of the Commission's Decision finding anti-competitive behaviour in the primary and secondary European Government Bond ("EGB") markets.
  • Advised Numis Corporation Plc on the UK merger control aspects of its acquisition by Deutsche Bank AG.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nigel Seay

Other key lawyers

Stephen Whitfield, Ingrid Hodgskiss, Richard J Brown, Thomas Davies