Competition/Antitrust
Europe Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+41 44 285 11 11About
Provided by CMS
The Competition team of CMS Switzerland advises across the full range of Swiss and EU antitrust and competition matters. Based in Zurich and Geneva, the two main Swiss financial centres, we are part of the wider CMS Antitrust, Competition and Trade (ACT) group, one of the largest specialist competition and trade teams in the world. More than 225 CMS experts advise clients in more than 40 countries worldwide on all ACT matters.
Covered areas:
- Competition and cartel investigations
- Merger Control
- Vertical agreements
- Horizontal agreements
- Abuse of dominance and economic dependence
- Unfair competition
- Compliance
- Private enforcement
- Trade law and sanctions
- Foreign investment screening
- Digital markets
- Regulatory
We represent our clients in proceedings before competition authorities such as the Swiss Competition Commission and other regulatory authorities as well as courts. We have renowned sectoral experience, including in automotive, construction, consumer products/FMCG and retail, energy, life sciences, IT services, payments solutions, and telecommunications among other sectors.
Chambers Review
CMS often assists clients with behavioural investigations, representing them in pricing and bid-rigging cases. The law firm also advises clients on merger clearance mandates, as well as acting on competition compliance matters, particularly in regard to research and development agreements. The team acts for clients from the pharmaceutical, construction and financial services sectors.
Work Highlights
- CMS represented Toller in an investigation into allegations of bid rigging.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a very good knowledge of our industry and have very quickly familiarised themselves with the specifics of our business."
"We appreciate the very fast and good communication."
"The team's availability is exemplary and the lawyers are by their client's side whenever this is required. They are able to provide services for any legal matters that might come up."
"The team have a deep industry knowledge and experience in handling complex questions."
"I appreciate in particular the combination of getting maximum partner attention and the team's ability to allocate additional resources for bigger matters whenever needed and the excellent direct access to legal expertise in other jurisdictions."
"They have a very good knowledge of our industry and have very quickly familiarised themselves with the specifics of our business."
"We appreciate the very fast and good communication."
"The team's availability is exemplary and the lawyers are by their client's side whenever this is required. They are able to provide services for any legal matters that might come up."
"The team have a deep industry knowledge and experience in handling complex questions."
"I appreciate in particular the combination of getting maximum partner attention and the team's ability to allocate additional resources for bigger matters whenever needed and the excellent direct access to legal expertise in other jurisdictions."
Notable Practitioners
Marquard Christen rises in the rankings this year following a combination of strong feedback and interesting work representing clients in Competition Commission investigations and advising on merger clearance filings. He also assists clients with competition law compliance matters.
"Marquard Christen was able to summarise the complex subject matter in a short time."
"Marquard Christen advises in a very business-oriented way. He is very responsive and can advise quickly in order to enable companies to act in a timely way. He has a deep knowledge and advises with passion and commitment."
"He could explain things to us in a clear and understandable way."
"Marquard Christen is a highly skilled competition lawyer who profoundly knows his field of law and has invaluable experience with investigations of the Swiss competition authorities."
Patrick Sommer is a popular choice with clients from the pharmaceutical and financial services sector for representation in Competition Commission investigations and appeals against adverse decisions. He also has experience advising clients on the competition law compliance aspects of proposed joint ventures.
"He has an excellent combination of business acumen and subject matter expertise."
Ranked Lawyers at
CMS
Switzerland
Members
Provided by CMS
Alain Raemy
Hadi Mirzai
Julia Haas
Jérôme Levrat
Head of Department
Milena Ferro-Luzzi
Pascal G. Favre
Head of Department
Head of Department
Simone Brauchbar-Birkhäuser
Industries
Provided by CMS
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Charities / Not for Profit
Commercial & Professional Services
Construction & Materials
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Government
Health Care
Insurance
Media
Mining & Metals
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Telecommunications
Transportation
Travel & Leisure
Utilities