Clifford Chance LLP’s highly regarded antitrust and competition practice is widely recognised for its success in critical M&A transactions and complex antitrust investigations. Known for its leading expertise in advising financial investors, the team regularly supports private equity firms and other investors in high-profile deals. The practice continues to expand, with the additions of Michael Grenfell, former board member of the CMA, and Philipp Girardet, former head of Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP’s London antitrust practice, who joined in August and December 2024, respectively. Team head Nelson Jung has led numerous high-profile antitrust investigations and market studies across a broad range of sectors. Alex Nourry continues to advise on a range of competition law matters in his role as a consultant to the firm. Stavroula Vryna’s active practice focuses on the digital economy and technology markets, areas of wider strategic importance to the firm.

Led by James Aitken, Freshfields continues to see growth in its high-profile instructions concerning the EU Digital Markets Act and UK digital regulation, advising several leading tech providers in this space. On the transactional side, the firm regularly provides critical advice on the merger control and foreign investment aspects of billion-dollar deals. Investigations are also a key feature of this active practice, with the team undertaking significant mandates before EU and UK competition authorities. Rod Carlton’s expertise includes prominent Phase 2 investigations linked to public takeovers, while Simon Priddis brings a blend of contentious and non-contentious competition law expertise. Michelle Davis is a key contact for the firm’s blue-chip clients across the tech, media, and telecoms sectors.

The breadth of Linklaters LLP‘s antitrust and foreign investment practice is evidenced by the variety of work it undertakes, spanning merger control, subsidies, investigations, and market studies. Its activity in merger control, FDI, and EU foreign subsidies is particularly renowned, having secured numerous high-profile merger clearances in recent months. Investigative highlights include business-critical matters in the housebuilding and UK government bonds sectors, both of which have emerged as key areas in UK competition law. London-based co-chair Natura Gracia provides specialist expertise in State aid, UK subsidies, and regulated sectors. Anna Mitchell undertakes a significant volume of merger control work, while Bruce Kilpatrick brings extensive experience in enforcement matters before the CMA and similar agencies. Verity Egerton-Doyle is central to the firm’s success in the digital technology sector.

With particular strength in far-reaching, multijurisdictional matters, as well as novel and complex areas of competition law, Slaughter and May’s leading antitrust practice is well placed to manage merger control, cartel and market investigations, and subsidy-control matters. The team caters to an enviable roster of clients from the food and beverage, technology, construction, and insurance sectors, among others. Co-chair Claire Jeffs is known for her broad contentious and non-contentious competition expertise, and co-chair Bertrand Louveaux’s practice encompasses merger control, litigation, inquiries, and complex investigations. Isabel Taylor is adept at State aid and subsidy-control matters. Recent highlights for William Turtle include advising Vodafone on the proposed joint venture with Three UK. Tina Zhuo coordinates global merger-approval strategies, and Jessica Staples, experienced in both behavioural investigations and market studies, is also recommended.

Ashurst’s well-established competition and regulatory team is active across the full range of merger control, investigations, and advisory work. The group is currently involved in a number of high-profile CMA cartel investigations, with notable activity in the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors. Practice head Duncan Liddell is recognised for his strong sectoral knowledge, particularly in financial services and communications. Nigel Parr brings longstanding experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Steven Vaz continues to advise on merger control processes related to complex, multi-billion-dollar transactions.

On the merger control side, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP continues to see growth in complex clearance mandates, including Phase 2 investigations. The team is also well regarded for its expertise in foreign direct investment and competition investigations, as well as its work on increasingly prominent industry-wide market studies undertaken by the CMA. Practice head Veronica Roberts has extensive experience advising on high-profile competition investigations and merger/FDI clearances in the UK and globally. Stephen Wisking’s broad practice spans merger control, cartels and abuse of dominance cases. Susan Black regularly advises on competition law issues affecting the consumer, transport and financial services sectors. Suzy Campbell brings deep competition law expertise and strong sector-specific knowledge of the highly regulated aviation industry.

Latham & Watkins is widely recognised for securing both conditional and unconditional merger clearances in support of high-value, cross-border transactions. The team regularly works in close coordination with its US offices to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional regulatory regimes. Simon Pritchard is a key figure in the team, frequently advising on challenging Phase I and Phase II merger reviews. Practice head Jonathan Parker draws on his senior experience at the CMA to steer clients through high-stakes investigations and merger control processes. David Little brings notable versatility, acting in sophisticated competition matters before both UK and EU competition authorities.

A&O Shearman offers expertise across the full spectrum of antitrust mandates, including merger control, cartels, behavioural cases, and market investigations. 'Extremely responsive, smart, collaborative and delightful to work with', the group frequently leverages its international network to advise on foreign direct investment notifications, as well as EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation filings. Team head Dominic Long is skilled at securing high-profile clearances before both the European Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. Philip Mansfield is a key point of contact for merger, cartel and behavioural matters. Matthew Readings is a leading adviser to clients in Abu Dhabi, while Thomas Masterman continues to see growth in mandates linked to complex CMA investigations.

Led by Samantha Mobley, Baker McKenzie is prominent in antitrust investigations, including responses to international dawn raids, as well as merger reviews involving foreign investment and high-profile M&A transactions. Luis Gomez continues to act for major clients from a range of sectors, including energy companies and asset managers. James Robinson has played a central role in dawn raid responses across the sports, manufacturing, fragrances and chemicals sectors. Mara Ghiorghies advises clients on the development and implementation of comprehensive internal audits, risk assessments and global competition law strategies.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is well known for its work on high-value, complex M&A transactions and its expertise in merger control proceedings before UK and EU competition authorities. The team is recognised for securing unconditional merger clearances and holds a strong reputation in the private equity space. Team head Alasdair Balfour focuses on antitrust, foreign investment, and national security matters, with particular strength in securing transactional approvals. Satyen Dhana joined the practice from Simmons & Simmons in October 2024.

Macfarlanes LLP has established itself as a key point of contact for competition law matters, spanning merger control, investigations, and litigation. On the investigations side, the team is currently representing the BBC in two major CMA inquiries. Cameron Firth leads the group, advising on merger control and investigation mandates across a broad range of sectors. Tom Usher has particular expertise in competition issues relating to financial services, broadcasting, extended warranties, and pricing. Malcolm Walton is regularly instructed in investigations into alleged price-fixing and cartel activity.

Merger control remains a central pillar of Travers Smith LLP’s well-regarded competition practice, which is particularly noted for its expertise in complex, high-value private equity transactions. On the investigations front, the team advises on multijurisdictional probes concerning alleged cartel conduct, price fixing, and horizontal cooperation agreements. Practice head Stephen Whitfield is highly experienced in securing international merger clearances and handling National Security and Investment Act (NSI) and foreign direct investment (FDI) reviews. Nigel Seay brings valuable litigation insight to his transactional and advisory work, while Ingrid Hodgskiss continues to bolster the firm’s growing national security offering.

Addleshaw Goddard continues to advise on the full spectrum of competition law matters, including merger control, foreign direct investment, investigations, and subsidy control. With recognised expertise in the retail and consumer sectors, the team is increasingly active in consumer protection work. Co-chair Rona-Bar Isaac has broad experience spanning merger clearances, investigations, consumer matters, and enforcement activity. Fellow co-chair Mark Molyneux is a key contact for contentious competition mandates. Al Mangan brings considerable expertise in financial services and payment systems.

Bristows LLP sets itself apart through its deep understanding of the technology and life sciences sectors, both of which are facing increasing scrutiny under UK competition law. Practice head Sophie Lawrance brings wide-ranging competition expertise across both contentious and non-contentious matters. Stephen Smith’s recent highlights include advising on a high-profile acquisition in the TMT sector, securing merger clearance in both the UK and Guernsey. Robert Vidal joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2025.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise on prominent merger control and investigation mandates for leading clients in the infrastructure, technology, and financial sectors, helping clients to navigate competition risks across major transactions and disputes. Global head of competition Andrew Hockley remains heavily involved in merger clearance work. Chris Bryant primarily focuses on State aid, subsidy control, and public procurement matters. Christine Graham joined the firm in September 2025. Edward Coulson and Andrew Leitch both left the practice in February 2025.

CMS brings top-tier merger clearance and investigation capabilities, underpinned by deep sectoral insight across technology, media, sport, energy and life sciences. Team head Brian Sher, who divides his time between London and Brussels, is widely recognised for his expertise across both contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Neil Baylis brings substantial experience in navigating multijurisdictional filings, particularly for high-profile joint ventures and complex M&A. Russell Hoare and Jacqueline Vallat are key figures in the firm’s ongoing merger control and investigation mandates, respectively.

Euclid Law stands out as a specialist competition and FDI boutique with strong cross-border capabilities spanning London and Brussels. The firm is regularly instructed on complex UK and EU merger control matters, high-stakes behavioural investigations and wide-ranging market reviews. Founding partner Oliver Bretz divides his time between London and Brussels, offering strategic counsel on both EU and UK competition law. Sarah Long is highly regarded for her deep expertise in digital markets, an area of growing focus in global antitrust enforcement.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is recognised as one of the UK’s leading full-service competition practices, with a deep bench and a strong track record on complex, high-stakes mandates. Co-head Peter Harper regularly represents parties in high-profile mergers before the CMA and the European Commission. Fellow co-head James Lindop is noted for his national security and FDI expertise, underpinned by experience in export control and defence matters. Other key figures include Julia Woodward-Carlton, who frequently advises on global competition investigations.

From a behavioural standpoint, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher offers essential support to clients navigating complex investigations and high-stakes litigation. On the transactional side, the team regularly advises on Phase II merger control proceedings. Practice head Ali Nikpay is well known in the market for his expertise in complex mergers, cartel matters, and sector-wide investigations. Deirdre Taylor maintains a broad practice encompassing cartel and abuse of dominance investigations. Attila Borsos advises a global client base of multinational companies and private equity firms on merger control and foreign investment matters.

Norton Rose Fulbright is well known for its experience in high-value and complex merger control mandates, including multi-billion-pound public takeovers, with standout clients including major players in the banking, aviation, fintech, automotive, and energy sectors. Team head Ian Giles splits his time between London and Brussels, focusing on merger control and cartel matters. Mark Tricker’s recent highlights include advising Carlsberg on merger control filings in its multi-billion-pound acquisition of Britvic plc. London team head Caroline Thomas advises on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious competition matters.

CMA investigations, merger control mandates, and state aid and subsidy control matters are core strengths of Pinsent Masons LLP’s dedicated competition practice. The team is notably active across the life sciences, financial services, and automotive sectors. Practice head Alan Davis is highly experienced in navigating complex CMA investigations into anti-competitive agreements and practices, including both civil and criminal cartel conduct. Angelique Bret brings added strength in consumer law, an increasingly critical area in light of recent reforms under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP continues to advise leading big tech clients across the full spectrum of competition law matters. The practice is frequently engaged at the intersection of competition and national security, particularly in light of the NSI Act and mandatory notification regimes in sensitive sectors such as AI, communications, data, and energy. Practice head Jenine Hulsmann is noted for her capabilities in CMA Phase 2 merger clearance processes. Niklas Maydell, who divides his time between London and Brussels, is currently acting on Boeing’s high-profile acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.

With a particularly active antitrust practice, Akin advises across the full spectrum of competition, EU state aid, FDI, and national security matters. The team has notable strength in transactions involving financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity clients. Practice head Davina Garrod is highly regarded for her expertise in both competition and foreign investment law. Scott Pettifor’s recent highlights include advising on a series of complex mandates with a combined deal value exceeding USD 10 billion.

Leveraging its extensive global network, Dentons continues to advise on complex multijurisdictional merger control and FDI review mandates, coordinating filings across a wide range of jurisdictions. Practice head Christopher Graf has recently led on a number of high-profile international merger clearance matters. Adrian Magnus brings over 35 years of competition law experience to the team, while Rebecca Owen-Howes maintains an active practice spanning merger control, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance issues, and subsidy control.

Fieldfisher houses a strong team of specialist competition lawyers possessing both contentious and transactional expertise. The team oversees a wide array of matters concerning major investigations, consumer protection, digital regulation, mergers, and joint ventures. The team is led by John Cassels, who continues to assist clients in navigating challenging and high-profile CMA investigations. Jessica Gardner offers assistance with regulatory investigations and strategic compliance. Nicholas Pimlott‘s broad offering spans competition law, public procurement, and communications regulation.

On the transactional side, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s impressive antitrust team supports clients with numerous FDI and merger filings across multiple jurisdictions. The team has a strong reputation in private equity but is also active in the data analytics, software, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. Co-chair Tobias Caspary divides his team between London and Brussels to provide crucial competition support to his high-profile client base. Valeri Bozikhov is dual-qualified in the UK and EU.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP is distinguished by its stellar record in defending antitrust and competition investigations, with particular experience with dawn raids conducted by the CMA and European Commission. Dividing his time between London and Brussels, practice leader Frances Murphy is highly active in investigations into the pharmaceutical sector. Leonidas Theodosiou is qualified to practice in the US, UK, and EU — key to his ability to advise on multijurisdictional merger control, FDI, and enforcement matters. Paul Johnson joined the practice from Baker McKenzie in January 2025.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s London competition practice has swiftly positioned itself as a top-tier contender since its April 2024 launch. The team is notably active in high-stakes merger control and foreign investment clearances across strategic M&A and complex private equity transactions, delivering standout results across the technology, healthcare, industrials, automotive, retail, and infrastructure sectors. Co-chair Nicole Kar joined from Linklaters LLP in May 2024, bringing over 20 years’ experience in competition and regulatory matters. Fellow co-chair Annie Herdman, also a recent addition, is highly experienced in multi-jurisdictional merger control and FDI mandates.

Reed Smith LLP leverages its extensive international network to provide competition law advice on matters involving a diverse range of jurisdictions. The group maintains a strong position in the market with merger control and FDI matters across a range of significant sectors and industries. Team head Marjorie Holmes is a key adviser to trade associations and has significant merger control experience with Phase 2 merger clearances. Emma Weeden‘s active practice centres on private M&A, merger control, and antitrust investigations.

Simmons & Simmons advises across the full spectrum of competition law, including merger control, cartel investigations, competition infringement, and state aid matters. The TMT and financial services sectors remain particular focal points for the practice. Practice head David Trapp is well regarded for his expertise and experience in both contentious and non-contentious competition issues. Duncan Green, praised for his ‘enormous knowledge’, is also recommended. The team saw changes in personnel with the departure of Satyen Dhana and the retirement of Mark Jephcott in October 2024.

Engaged by a range of clients from the UK, Europe, and the US, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's advice spans the full breadth of merger control, competition investigations, and compliance assistance. The London-based team is complemented by a strong litigation department and Europe-based antitrust and regulatory group. Team head Antonio Bavasso provides over 20 years of experience with high-profile merger, behavioural, and contentious competition matters. Étienne Renaudeau and Josh Buckland are also key to the team’s ongoing successes.

Competition investigations, subsidy control mandates, and national security matters are all regular workstreams for Squire Patton Boggs‘ competition team. Diarmuid Ryan heads up the group, providing extensive experience acting before the CMA, European Commission, and other competition authorities. Francesco Liberatore pairs leading competition expertise with a deep sectoral understanding of the digital markets and communications spaces. Sam Hare is also recommended.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP possesses strong merger control and FDI capabilities, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 reviews and in-depth remedy negotiations. Practice head Rahul Saha is a merger control expert who also provides support on antitrust matters involving distribution issues, abuse of dominance, and vertical restrictions. Alaric Green and Paul Seppi are both key figures for cross-border merger control mandates. Philipp Girardet left in December 2024.

Arnold & Porter’s London competition team, spearheaded by John Schmidt, is a standout force within the firm’s globally recognised antitrust practice. Leveraging its wider Brussels and US expertise, the team regularly provides cross-border solutions for leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostic companies. Schmidt regularly advises on conduct issues, investigations, and merger cases. Ludovica Pizzetti advises pharmaceutical companies on a range of behavioural matters, including reverse payment issues and distribution agreements.

 

Burges Salmon LLP’s competition team advises clients active across a diverse range of sectors, including highly regulated utilities such as energy. Beyond its track record in securing Phase 1 clearances, the team also maintains strong investigation and compliance activity. Splitting his time between Bristol and London, team head Chris Worrall continues to represent high-profile clients on complex competition mandates.

Led by Johan Ysewyn, Covington & Burling LLP operates as part of the firm’s global antitrust platform, working alongside the teams in Brussels, Frankfurt, Washington D.C., New York, and California on multi-jurisdictional merger control, investigations, and competition litigation. Noted for his broad competition practice, James Marshall frequently advises on the National Security and Investment Act and other FDI regimes.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s antitrust and competition team works with a stellar roster of global corporates and private equity sponsors on a range of complex and high-stakes competition law matters. The group regularly handles multijurisdictional merger control filings, coordinating approvals across the US, EU, and national European authorities. Practice head Timothy McIver regularly guides clients through far-reaching EU and UK investigations.

Dechert LLP routinely advises on cross-border merger control and competition investigations, with recent highlights including investigations in the digital technology space, and challenging merger control proceedings before the CMA, Federal Cartel Office, and European Commission. Team head Douglas Lahnborg boasts more than 20 years of experience with merger control, abuse of dominance, and cartel investigations.

Goodwin’s European antitrust and competition practice was launched by Sarah Jordan in March 2022 and strengthened by the addition of Eram Khan in 2023. In the years since, the team has built its reputation through high-profile, multijurisdictional deals in the technology, life sciences, and private equity sectors.

Gowling WLG‘s competition team advises across the full spectrum of UK and EU competition law, with particular strength in merger control, investigations, market studies, commercial agreements, competition-IP interface issues, litigation, and subsidy control. The team has also built significant expertise under the UK’s National Security and Investment Act 2021. Samuel Beighton, who heads the team, is key to the group’s ongoing merger control and investigation mandates.

Jones Day has earned a strong reputation for its work on complex merger clearances, far-reaching antitrust investigations, and sophisticated competition litigation. The team benefits from the valuable regulatory experience of practice head Mark Jones and Jason Beer, both of whom have previously held positions within competition authorities. The London team handles the full spectrum of UK competition law, with notable expertise in merger control, joint ventures, and anti-competitive agreements.

K&L Gates LLP‘s competition team is noted for its work across merger control, vertical agreements, and novel sustainability collaborations. The team regularly advises on UK merger control and National Security and Investment Act filings in high-profile, multijurisdictional transactions across highly regulated sectors, including technology and pharmaceuticals. Practice chair Jennifer Marsh‘s recent highlights include a number of high-value M&A transactions and high-profile arbitrations, while Gabriela da Costa leverages her dual UK and EU qualification on multijurisdictional mandates.

Mayer Brown International LLP advises across the full spectrum of UK and EU competition law, covering foreign direct investment and complex cross-border matters. Team head Daniel Vowden continues to strengthen the team’s capabilities with his strong UK and EU antitrust expertise. Recent work for the group includes acting on leniency applications before the European Commission and the CMA in major cartel investigations, as well as defending a UK construction firm in a CMA bid-rigging probe.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s London competition practice is a strong choice for clients seeking counsel on high-stakes antitrust defence and cross-border merger control. The group boasts a strong bench of dual-qualified partners, such as Patrick Harrison and Vincent Brophy, who bring considerable experience of working in both London and Brussels. Other key figures include Murray Reeve, who is adept in matters concerning merger control, cartels, and abuse of dominance investigations.

Able to provide full-spectrum UK, EU, and global competition law advice, Stephenson Harwood is noted for its strength across merger control, cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, private damages litigation, commercial agreements, and foreign direct investment reviews. Team head Marta Isabel Garcia, who divides her time between London and Paris, is particularly active with cartel investigations and merger control mandates.

Winston & Strawn LLP frequently handles EU and UK investigations, working with a strong, varied client base. On the transactional side, the firm maintains a busy multijurisdictional merger control practice and is also well regarded for its bespoke compliance undertakings. 'Quick, responsive, and a great person to work with,' practice head Peter Crowther has amassed extensive contentious and non-contentious competition expertise in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and TMT sectors.

Blake Morgan LLP strengthened its competition offering with the arrival of Anthony Woolich from HFW in November 2024. Now heading the EU and competition team, Woolich is well known for his expertise in merger control, antitrust, and subsidy control. He is supported by David Hill, who brings significant public sector experience, and Sarah Rees, who adds strength in commercial litigation.

Noted for its tech sector expertise in particular, Cooley (UK) LLP is well placed to handle mandates concerning merger control, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance, and compliance. Team head Caroline Hobson continues to represent high-profile clients in mergers, enforcement investigations, and market studies.

Mishcon de Reya LLP continues to see growth in its merger control and FDI instructions. The team is particularly noted for its expertise in FDI, frequently engaged on matters involving mandatory clearances under the UK National Security and Investment Act. Sarah Houghton spearheads the practice, continuing to assist businesses embroiled in challenging competition investigations.

From cartel investigations and regulatory interventions to high-value deals and bespoke compliance training, Shoosmiths LLP works with a host of clients on both day-to-day and high-stakes competition scenarios. Co-chair Simon Barnes operates out of the firm’s Thames Valley office and is well known for his handling of CMA investigations and multi-jurisdictional merger control instructions.

Stevens & Bolton LLP’s competition team, led by Guildford-based Gustaf Duhs, advises on the full spectrum of merger control, competition investigations, and strategic compliance matters. The group is also experienced in subsidy control and routinely handles issues arising under the National Security and Investment Act.

Under the leadership of Paolo Palmigiano, Taylor Wessing LLP continues to advise on complex, cross-border antitrust, trade, and FDI matters. Louisa Penny and Elisabetta Rotondo  are active across EU and UK competition law, subsidy control, and the evolving NSI regime. Recent highlights include merger control mandates and advisory work at the intersection of ESG and AI.