Competition/European Law

The Düsseldorf-based law firm Glade Michel Wirtz is reputed for its role in damages claims and follow-on litigation, as well as acting on complex merger clearance appeals. Furthermore, the team advises on the competition aspects of joint venture set-ups and foreign direct investment notifications. It also has experience in the overlap between competition law and intellectual property, particularly as regards to the use of standard essential patents.

"It would be a go-to firm for specifically German matters."

Glade Michel Wirtz represented Siemens Energy in a private enforcement action arising out of a cartel in the technical building equipment sector.

Markus Wirtz has a broad competition law practice covering both contentious and non-contentious matters. On the non-contentious side, he assists clients with obtaining clearance for proposed mergers and joint ventures. His contentious work encompasses challenges to merger control decisions, private damages actions and disputes concerning refusals to licence. "He is a famous name of course." "I have the utmost respect for Markus Wirtz."

Christian Karbaum rises in the rankings on the back of his broad and varied practice that covers merger control and FDI filings, opposition to proposed merger clearances and private damages actions. He often acts on cases in the telecoms and energy industries. "He has good competition law knowledge and gave good cooperation on a tricky case."

Silke Möller assists clients with obtaining Bundeskartellamt clearance for mergers and joint ventures. She also has experience in issues of potential exchange of information. "She certainly has a strong reputation."