Praised for its ‘reassuring, straightforward and practical’ advice, the team at Travers Smith LLP is regularly engaged in a wide spread of competition law matters, ranging from merger control and FDI clearances, to behavioural and cartel investigations. At the helm sits Nigel Seay, who has extensive experience leading on EU, UK and International merger control clearances across a wide range of sectors. Stephen Whitfield ’instils confidence’ in his clients and is noted for his diverse practice focus, advising clients across the technology, financial services, life sciences and media sectors. Senior counsel Ingrid Hodgskiss is recommended for her expertise international merger clearances, FDI issues and antitrust matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very reassuring, straightforward and practical in their advice. Proactive in raising developments and issues that are likely to be relevant to our business.’
‘Stephen Whitfield heads the team and is calm, assured and instils confidence.'
'Richard J Brown a Senior Associate with exceptional technical knowledge and always remains composed and controlled under pressure.’
‘I value the team's knowledge of our business and their understanding of the commercial reality we face as a business (and the need for clear concise advice, which they deliver).’
‘Thomas Davies is very responsive, and is solution focused. He understands that we often don't have the luxury of time to consider and debate legal technicalities and so we are looking to manage risk and agree action as soon as possible. He delivers advice in a clear and considered manner.’
‘We have used the Travers Smith team in connection with a delicate M&A transaction in a critical sector. The Travers Smith team helped us to navigate the stormy waters of the NSI Act with a mandatory filing in UK. We obtained profound and practical advice within the ambit of a new regime with little official guidance.’
‘We can strongly recommend Stephen Whitfield and Ingrid Hodgskiss. They are truly outstanding experts in the field of FDI / competition law.'

Work highlights

Advising international investment bank Nomura on its application to the EU General Court for annulment of the European Commission's decision finding anti-competitive behaviour in the primary and secondary European Government Bond markets.
Advising EMIS, a leading publicly listed UK healthcare software, information technology and related services provider, in respect of its acquisition by UnitedHealth Group, a US multi-national healthcare and well-being company.
Advising German food products and nutrition business, Saria, on the UK CMA process for its £667 million takeover offer for major competitor Devro plc.