Competition, Regulatory Compliance & Investigations

"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

"Andrew Oldland KC is a fiercely intelligent partner with the immeasurable benefit of significant court experience. Very few firms can boast an asset of his status in their number."

Legal 500 2023

"Michelmores is very much a city quality practice with the approachability and friendliness of a regional firm. They should not be underestimated as to their ability, resolve or tactics, but are at the same time a pleasure to work with. Having a London office to service their international and financial litigation work has been an excellent move."

Legal 500 2023

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

Legal 500 2020

Competition law compliance

Advising on day-to-day competition law compliance matters including internal investigations, devising effective and tailored competition law compliance programmes (including Dawn Raid manuals) and training Directors and staff on competition law compliance.

Competition and regulatory investigations

Advising companies (and individual Directors) involved in Cartel and other competition law investigations by CMA or other regulators from Dawn Raids and initial requests for information right through to appeals. We have considerable experience obtaining leniency and negotiating commitments with the CMA and regulators.

Regulatory advice

Advising companies in relation to their compliance with statutory and licence powers and obligations across the broad spectrum of their activities and their relationships with associated companies. We also have considerable experience advising on regulatory price reviews, particularly in the water sector.

Our experience of and involvement in the relevant regulated sectors means that we are very aware of the wider context in which regulated businesses operate and we consistently factor this into our advice.

Recent experience

Advising a main party to the CMA’s Competition Act 1998 cartel investigation into Design, construction and fit out services (benefitting from leniency and no Director disqualifications);

Advising a main party to the CMA’s price fixing investigation into Commercial catering equipment (no fine imposed);

Advising a main party to the CMA’s price fixing investigation into estate agency pricing

Advising in relation to the ongoing Ofwat and EA investigation into sewerage treatment works and spills from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)

Advising Ofwat and Water and Sewerage Undertakers in relation to various in-period Performance Commitment and Outcome Delivery Incentive decisions

Advising Ofwat at PR14 and PR19 and water companies in relation to aspects of PR24

Advising a Water and Sewerage Undertaker in relation to licence amendments proposed by Ofwat

Advising a Water and Sewerage Undertaker in relation to its powers under the Water Industry Act 1991 relating to the installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDs)

Advising the Forestry Commission in relation to the updating of its decision making procedures in relation to certain applications

TEAM
Noel Beale
Noel Beale
Partner
Ian Holyoak
Ian Holyoak
Partner