Competition & Markets

"Noel is extremely knowledgeable in his area; very easy to work with; and he makes competition law, which I find quite dense and confusing at times, seem quite simple. He's got a very good way of explaining quite complex concepts."

Acritas Stars – now Thompson Reuters

"Ian Holyoak is extremely knowledgeable and provides spot-on advice."

Legal 500 2020

Competition advisory

Our team has substantial experience advising clients in relation to a very wide range of competition advisory matters, particularly in connection with negotiating specific types of agreements including:

  • selective and exclusive distribution agreements
  • technology transfers and IP agreements
  • joint ventures
  • R&D agreements
  • Specialisation agreements
  • Cooperation agreements and strategic alliances, including sustainability agreements

We also have considerable experience advising as regards other complex and strategic competition law compliance issues such as:

  • Pricing
  • Dominant firms and conduct, including supply and distribution strategies
  • Information sharing between competitors, for example, in the context of Trade Associations or joint ventures

Market studies and investigations

We have considerable experience in making effective submissions in the context of CMA or other regulator formal market studies and investigations and informal consultations.

Subsidy controls

We advise clients on the key elements of the new UK subsidy controls regime.  A particular focus can be assisting clients in considering the effect on competition, investment or trade and presenting the conclusions of that analysis effectively.

 

Recent experience

Advising Landmark, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of digital mapping, property and environmental risk information, including in relation to its key contractual arrangements

Carrying out a competition law audit for a major public body, particularly as regards developing compliant pricing strategies and market policies

Advising a well known fashion brand on its exclusive distribution network

Advising a joint venture between two major global energy companies on competition law compliance

Advising a joint venture in the sports sector on competition law compliance

Advising a significant bus operator on competition law compliance and the transport specific exemptions available

Advising a number of trade associations on competition law compliance with a focus on information sharing between members

Advising a large online retailer in relation to the CMA’s market study into ‘mobile ecosystems’

Advising a major UK entity in relation to potential abuse of dominance matters related to its rebate structures

KEY CONTACTS
Noel Beale
Noel Beale
Partner
Ian Holyoak
Ian Holyoak
Partner