Demonstrating substantial experience in restrictive practices and merger control in the media, telecoms, energy and sports spaces, the highly regarded competition group at Clifford Chance is rated for its 'technical excellence and outstanding performance in interactions with administrative, national and European authorities'. Recognised as a ‘team leader’ who is ‘developing and nurturing a new generation of lawyers’, Miguel Odriozola is trusted by Spanish and international companies alike in the full spectrum of competition law matters. He is supported by a strong team of practitioners: María Begoña Barrantes, who is active in major merger control cases, Belén Irissarry, whose focus lies in infringement proceedings, and Ana Latorre, a name to note for clients from across the audiovisual and telecoms sectors.

Singled out for its ‘technical excellence’ and ‘expertise in new markets’, Garrigues offers clients assistance with multijurisdictional merger filings, high-stakes antitrust matters, damages actions and state aid matters. Leading the competition practice is Susana Cabrera Zaragoza, who is proficient in both merger proceedings and cartel cases. Oriol Armengol Gasull is routinely sought after for his expertise in abuse of dominance cases. Fernando Las Navas is highly experienced in litigation before the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) and the European Commission. Clients also praise Konstantin Jörgens, who is ‘extremely knowledgable’ and ‘very pragmatic’.

The market-leading competition and antitrust department at Linklaters ‘always seeks professional excellence’ and is rated for its ‘in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical approach'. Adept in the entire array of competition matters, the group is led by Jaime Pérez-Bustamante, who is regularly called upon by clients from the financial services and healthcare sectors to advise on transactions and cartel investigations. Dual qualified partner Fredrik Löwhagen (Spain and Sweden) stands out for his wealth of experience in merger control at the domestic and EU level; he is also a name to note for state aid. Juan Passás has a strong track record of representing clients before competition authorities, while Laura Pinilla handles a mix of merger control and antitrust proceedings before competition authorities and courts.

The competition team at Pérez-Llorca is sought out by clients from major sectors, including finance, telecoms, transport and energy, on matters relating to infringement proceedings, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance and damages claims. The team is led by a capable duo: Juan Jiménez-Laiglesia, who has over two decades' experience in competition law both in Madrid and Brussels, and stands out for his capabilities in abuse of dominance cases and civil litigation; and Juan Rodríguez Cárcamo, who has a strong track record in proceedings before the EU institutions. Jaime De Blas is often called upon to assist with compliance programmes and contentious-administrative proceedings, while Pablo Figueroa is entrusted with high-profile cases concerning EU antitrust law. Ana María Rodríguez is a name to note when seeking assistance with state aid and disputes related to EU law.

Uría Menéndez ‘has one of the largest teams of competition lawyers in Spain,' covering 'all areas with a high level of specialisation’, including cartels, abuse of dominant position cases, state aid, merger control and litigation before domestic and EU courts. Department leader Antonio Guerra is the trusted adviser to several clients within the finance, media, telecoms and energy sectors seeking representation before the CNMC and the European Commission. Alfonso Gutiérrez regularly advises on multijurisdictional mergers, and ‘stands out for his deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector’. Other noteworthy individuals include Patricia Vidal, who adeptly handles national and international cartel cases and infringement proceedings. Tomás Arranz acts for clients from the worlds of real estate, insurance, banking, manufacturing and consumer goods in cartel investigations and in the implementation of compliance programmes.

 

At A&O Shearman, the competition practice manages a diverse workload, adeptly handling merger control and high-profile infringement proceedings before the CNMC and Spanish courts. With over three decades' experience in this space, Antonio Martínez  advises on the entire spectrum of EU and competition matters, from merger control to cartel cases. Jaime Rodríguez helps major companies navigate multijurisdictional merger filings and abuses of dominance cases, while Enrique Ferrer is knowledgeable of antitrust proceedings and competition law compliance programmes.

Working in close collaboration with the firm’s private enforcement and corporate practice, Cuatrecasas provides Spanish conglomerates and multinationals from key industries, such as life sciences, automotive, technology, energy and media, a full-service EU and competition offering. The group is well positioned to handle merger control, state aid, abuse of dominance cases, cartel investigations and related litigation. Over in the Barcelona office, practice head Irene Moreno-Tapia advises clients on merger control matters and antitrust investigations, while María López Ridruejo in Madrid offers assistance with multijurisdictional cartel cases, damage claims as well as vertical and horizontal agreements. Andrew Ward is no longer at the firm.

The competition group at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is highlighted for its ‘very good technical knowledge’ and ‘open and accessible professionals’ who readily assist with state aid, merger control, damages claims and litigation. The firm attracts instructions from a multitude of major domestic and international companies, standing out for its presence in the transport, pharmaceuticals, energy and telecoms sectors. 'Magnificent professional' Íñigo Igartua, whose ‘extraordinary knowledge of competition law’ is rated by clients, stands at the helm of the department. The Barcelona-based practice head is supported by a team of competition law specialists: Miguel Troncoso, who focuses on state aid and litigation at the EU level; and Eduardo Gómez De La Cruz, who regularly handles commercial agreements and M&A. The team has been bolstered by the arrival Andrew Ward, a seasoned and highly regarded practitioner with a wealth of experience in merger control and antitrust investigations, who joined from Cuatrecasas in September 2023.

Praised for the 'proactive, flexible and international nature of its competition team', Latham & Watkins LLP is retained by a host of national and international companies seeking legal support in merger clearances at the domestic and European level, antitrust investigations, and private enforcement actions. State aid matters and litigation are other areas of expertise for the team, which is led by José María Jiménez-Laiglesia, a key contact for financial institutions and private equity firms looking for representation before the competition authorities. A range of Spanish and international clients regularly turn to Carlos Betoret for assistance with conduct investigations. The team also draws on the support of various competition law professionals based in Brussels.

With extensive expertise in regulated sectors, including telecoms, energy and transport, boutique firm MLAB Abogados, SLP offers assistance with all manner of competition law issues, including cartels, abuse of dominance, vertical and horizontal agreements, and merger control, often representing clients in judicial appeals at the domestic and EU level. Rafael Allendesalazar is a key point of contact for private and public sector clients, most notably within the media, automotive and finance spaces, while Helmut Brokelmann (dual qualified in Spain and Germany) is particularly active in administrative proceedings and damages claims involving the pharmaceuticals and sports segments. Restrictive agreements, state aid and merger control are core areas of activity for Mariarosaria Ganino, and Alfonso Rincón is recommended for proceedings before the Spanish competition authorities and the European Union.

Drawing on its strong international presence and the support of lawyers from across its corporate, public law and litigation departments, the EU and competition team at Ashurst LLP is well equipped to advise on a wide spread of competition matters, including cartels, abuse of dominance cases, damages claims and regulatory issues. Rafael Baena is sought after for his deep expertise in merger control, abuse of dominance and cartel investigations. He oversees the practice where Javier Torrecilla is a name to note for state aid matters and proceedings before the competition authorities in Spain and abroad.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is regularly called upon to assist with merger control, cartel and antitrust investigations, as well as compliance issues. Benefitting from strong links to several of the firm's European offices, the team is adept in multijurisdictional cases, including litigation and appellate work. Henar González Durántez concentrates on dawn raids, cartels and antitrust investigations, often acting for clients operating in key regulated industries, including telecoms and digital markets. Pilar Carrasco has extensive experience assisting with investigations of abusive practices within the retail, transport and energy spaces.

Baker McKenzie acts for a diverse client base, comprised of large multinationals and domestic companies, who turn to the group for assistance with horizontal agreements, foreign investment, abuse of dominant position cases, merger control and litigation. Based in Barcelona, Valeria Enrich is proficient in the design and implementation of competition law compliance programmes, while Paloma Martínez-Lage in Madrid works on regulatory issues, especially those arising within the energy and telecoms spaces.

Adeptly handling issues related to abuse of dominance, merger control, state aid, foreign direct investment and litigation, boutique firm Callol, Coca & Asociados is praised by clients for its ‘high specialisation in competition’. The firm is singled out for its extensive experience in judicial proceedings before Spanish and European courts. Pedro Callol, who is qualified to practise in Spain and the UK, is often sought out by clients from the media, telecoms and consumer goods sectors. Jorge Manzarbeitia is best-known for his involvement in high-profile cases before the competition authorities.

Benefitting from close ties to the firm's corporate and M&A department, CMS Albiñana y Suárez de Lezo is equipped to assist clients from a variety of sectors, most notably consumer products, manufacturing and telecoms, with merger control proceedings and litigation. In addition to his strong track record in merger clearance issues, Carlos Vérgez is often engaged by multinational companies seeking advice on the design and implementation of compliance programmes. Also part of the core team, Aida Oviedo handles abuse of dominant position and unfair competition cases. Both practitioners receive praise for their ‘level of service, quality of advice and standard of reporting’.

Demonstrating in-depth knowledge of cartel investigations, antitrust litigation and merger control, DLA Piper is regularly engaged by clients from various regulated sectors, including healthcare, media, telecoms and pharmaceuticals. Leading the practice is Joaquín Hervada, who 'offers in-depth analysis and pragmatic advice' in the context of proceedings before the competition authorities and antitrust investigations. He is supported by Rafael Maldonado, whose experience covers merger control, abuse of dominant position cases and compliance.

Lauded for its ‘strong experience’ and ‘very practical approach to competition matters’, ECIJA is a popular choice for advice on cartel investigations, abuse of dominance cases, merger control proceedings and antitrust issues in the TMT sector. Backed by a ‘deep knowledge of the sector’, Patricia Liñan expertly handles damage claims and assists clients with the implementation of competition law compliance programmes.

The competition team at Hogan Lovells Spain regularly handles a spread of cross-border mandates concerning merger control, cartel investigations, and judicial appeals. Casto González-Páramo, counsel of choice for international and Spanish companies from an array of regulated sectors, is singled our for his strong track record in antitrust proceedings before domestic and European competition authorities. State aid, internal audits and damages claims are all key specialisms for Raquel Fernández Menéndez. Alfredo Gómez is no longer at the firm.

Leveraging the international strength of the firm’s M&A and global disputes teams, the Madrid-based competition group at Jones Day boasts domestic and cross-border capabilities which make it particularly well positioned to advise on merger control proceedings and follow-on damages claims. Raimundo Ortega, a key name for antitrust and regulatory matters in the energy, infrastructure and telecoms sectors, jointly oversees the team with Marta Delgado Echevarría, who is regularly called upon by multinationals to act before the national and EU courts.

Trusted adviser to large multinationals from across the pharmaceuticals, retail, sports and transport sectors, the ‘highly qualified’ competition team at Marimón Abogados is praised for its ‘technical qualification’, ‘level of collaboration’, and ‘approach to conflicts’. The team is well versed in cartel and abuse of dominant position issues, frequently acting for clients before the Spanish competition authorities and EU courts. Leadership of the group is shared between Diego Crespo, who assists clients with merger control, compliance issues and infringement procedures, and Yolanda Martínez, who is highly active in the public sector, where she is a key point of contact for those seeking assistance with bid rigging.

Clients from a wide range of sectors, including the energy, telecoms, automotive and waste management industries, turn to MVA ASOCIADOS for its extensive competition expertise in domestic and cross-border matters. Singled out for its strong performance in cartel cases and investigations by the CNMC, the group is also adept in litigation before the Spanish courts, merger control, damages claims and compliance ‘Top competition lawyer’ Eduardo Abril steers the group, demonstrating a wealth of experience in regulatory issues, cartel cases, merger control and judicial proceedings.

Praised by clients for its ability to ‘provide outstanding EU cross-border assistance’, Andersen  possesses significant experience in antitrust investigations, merger control filings and cartel cases. The ‘fantastic’ Isabel Martínez Moriel, who focuses on cartel investigations and proceedings and demonstrates notable strength in the IT sector, is at the helm of the practice.

Eversheds Sutherland draws upon its local expertise and international reach to offer clients assistance with high-profile cartel investigations and judicial appeals at the national and European level. Crisanto Pérez-Abad has deep experience in advising Spanish companies and multinationals on merger control; he is particularly active in the technology, pharmaceuticals, transport and energy sectors.

ONTIER is routinely called upon to assist clients with merger control issues, state aid and abuse of dominance issues. The ‘exceptional’ Francisco Cantos leads the group, demonstrating particular expertise in ‘matters of competition compliance with an international focus‘; he is also noted for his proficiency in state aid matters and antitrust litigation. Mariam Garcés is another key practitioner dedicated to competition law matters.

PwC Tax & Legal Services has a wide-ranging competition and EU law practice, with significant experience in antitrust investigations, litigation and merger control proceedings. Clients from regulated industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy and construction, also retain the team in compliance matters. Alberto Escudero regularly assists with the implementation of compliance programmes and represents clients in judicial proceedings involving the infringement of competition rules. Michael Tuit is another name to note for the full array of competition law matters.

Working with a variety of Spanish corporates and well-known multinationals, Ramón y Cajal Abogados is ‘a firm that perfectly combines expertise in competition and EU law with procedural practice’. The team is particularly well placed to handle private enforcement cases and contentious matters, including appellate cases, before the national courts. Javier Salinas handles merger control work and judicial appeals. Former practice head Pedro Suarez and counsel Pablo González de Zárate left the firm in February 2024.

Trusted advisers to a host of leading national and international companies, RocaJunyent is a top choice for clients from across the banking, food, sports and transport sectors seeking assistance with contentious-administrative appeals and competition litigation. The team has strengthened its competition offering with the recent arrival of newly appointed practice head Gerard Pérez from DWF-RCD; he brings considerable experience in anti-competitive practices, merger control and damages claims. Elena Galán's focus lies on state aid and court sanctioning procedures.

White & Case LLP‘s antitrust and competition service offering was bolstered by the arrival of José Antonio de la Calle and Swedish-qualified Sanna Orkan in October 2023, following the integration of boutique firm DelaCalle Abogados. The firm now counts with a strong team of competition law specialists, who are skilled at handling a variety of mandates in this space, including merger control, damages claims, and litigation at the national and EU level. The group also provides assistance to clients with the design and implementation of European antitrust compliance programmes.