Cartels and Abuse of Dominance

We advise on a wide variety of competition enforcement matters and investigations, including cartels, abuse of dominance, resale price maintenance, market studies and market investigations / sector inquiries - both before the UK and European authorities.

We have extensive experience acting for companies that have been investigated for alleged cartel behaviour or abuse of a dominant position.

In a number of cases we have ensured that allegations against clients have been dropped whilst actions have continued to be pursued against others (often resulting in fines for those third parties). This has led not only to no fines being imposed but also the very significant benefit of our clients’ names not being associated with anti-competitive conduct, which also materially reduces the risks of any related damages litigation.

We also act for clients who have suffered as a result of anti-competitive conduct and persuaded authorities to take action against third parties.

Our services include:

  • managing dawn raids;
  • managing complex and detailed data collection and information requests;
  • handling leniency applications;
  • managing any damage that may attach to clients’ reputations as a result of investigations;
  • negotiating commitments and settlement agreements;
  • performing advocacy services on behalf of clients (e.g. at so-called “oral hearings”); and
  • appealing adverse decisions (whether to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in the UK or the European Courts in Luxembourg).

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What people are saying

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"They have great in-depth experience of competition law damages claims both in the UK and at European level. A very commercial team."

Chambers UK 2022

"They are easy to work with, and have the right mix of experience levels on the cases. The advice is always well balanced between the purely legal and the commercial."

Chambers UK 2022

"Great in depth knowledge amongst solicitors in this specialist field. Adept at handling large scale competition law litigation including cartel damages claims and before the European courts."

The UK Legal 500 2022

"Key strengths are the combination of deep industry/commercial knowledge with exceptionally sharp legal minds. You can trust the Competition team to cut through and give practical and detailed advice and work incredibly efficiently and effectively."

The UK Legal 500 2022

"Macfarlanes has forged a unique combination of commercial litigation and competition expertise. They combine a deep knowledge of competition law with the experience of heavyweight commercial litigators."

The UK Legal 500 2022

"Interviewees say that the lawyers are ‘sure-footed in their client handling’ and praise their ‘creative thinking; if there's a hurdle they are able to think of ways to get over it’."

Chambers UK 2020