Competition/European Law
Europe Guide 2024 : Germany
Band 1
About
Provided by Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz has been involved in shaping antitrust law since day one, having played an active role in all major national and international developments and cases for more than 70 years. Our clients benefit not only from our extensive experience but also from our many years of dealing with the relevant authorities. This makes us one of the leading antitrust practices not only in Germany but across Europe.
A major focus of our practice is the planning and implementation of international merger control procedures. Additionally, we enjoy an outstanding reputation for defending clients in cartel investigations. Especially in Europe, we have been involved in the development of private enforcement. Here, our services include defending against and the out-of-court settlement of damages claims as well as the advising on claims between cartel members. We further advise on compliance issues as well as on vertical and horizontal agreements.
Chambers Review
Gleiss Lutz boasts an outstanding competition law practice, offering excellent services in all areas. The firm is widely renowned for its excellence in cartel damages proceedings, often advising prestigious car manufacturers. Additionally, the team is frequently involved in highly complex merger control cases, including merger clearance appeals. The firm further demonstrates prowess in handling abuse of dominance cases and cartel investigations before the Bundeskartellamt, as well as advising on the competition compliance aspects of global cooperation agreements. Gleiss Lutz is very visible in state aid matters, where the firm utilises its strong presence in Brussels to support the team in Germany. It is a popular firm with clients from the technology sector, particularly following the new Section 19a legislation.
Work Highlights
- Gleiss Lutz defended Daimler Truck in damages proceedings following the European Commission's decision to impose fines as a result of its cartel investigation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lawyers are pragmatic, well organised, never miss an appointment and meet deadlines without fault. They provide good work and are to the point, very patient and open to addressing things."
"The individuals at Gleiss Lutz are all brilliant and I would certainly recommend them."
"The lawyers are very supportive, very much into the details and give a great overview of matters."
"We appreciate the fast response times and pragmatic approach."
"We have never worked with lawyers who are better at grasping the complexities of our business."
"The lawyers are pragmatic, well organised, never miss an appointment and meet deadlines without fault. They provide good work and are to the point, very patient and open to addressing things."
"The individuals at Gleiss Lutz are all brilliant and I would certainly recommend them."
"The lawyers are very supportive, very much into the details and give a great overview of matters."
"We appreciate the fast response times and pragmatic approach."
"We have never worked with lawyers who are better at grasping the complexities of our business."
Notable Practitioners
Well-known practitioner Christian Steinle is sought after for his expert advice on competition law, including representing clients in Bundeskartellamt investigations into possible price fixing.
"He is excellent and outstanding."
Ulrich Denzel is highly regarded for defending clients in antitrust damages actions. In addition he represents clients in behavioural investigations and complaints under Section 19a.
"He has a cooperative spirit."
"I know him well from the litigation side, he is brilliant."
Ulrich Soltész is a top lawyer in the state aid field, and as a German-qualified lawyer he regularly represents German companies and public bodies in connection to EC state aid investigations.
"He is very renowned for state aid."
"We are always really happy to work with him for his quality and cooperation."
Wolfgang Bosch offers notable experience in contentious competition matters, including representing clients in appeals against fines for gun-jumping and in damages actions arising from cartel investigations.
"He is intellectually great."
Christian von Köckritz is based in the firm's Brussels office and has notable experience advising clients on Bundeskartellamt investigations into allegations of price fixing and abuse of dominance. In addition, he defends clients in follow-on damages claims.
"He is a smart guy who understands things."
Düsseldorf-based Martin Raible regularly defends clients in cartel investigations.
Matthias Karl assists clients with the competition compliance aspects of possible collaborations.
"The main qualities are his really outstanding knowledge of the industry and he's always been very careful in understanding our products, which is key in antitrust law. Secondly, he is a really pragmatic adviser."
Moritz Holm-Hadulla moves up in the rankings on the back of his notable antitrust behavioural work representing clients in investigations into possible cartels and allegations of abuse of dominance. His recent experience includes bringing complaints under the new Section 19a legislation.
"He has always done excellent work for us."
Head of the firm's competition law department, Petra Linsmeier offers experience representing clients in Bundeskartellamt investigations into anti-competitive behaviour, including allegations of abuse of market power. She also advises clients on merger clearance filings.
"She is very supportive, great to work with and very responsive."
Ines Bodenstein often acts on matters in the technology sector. She assists clients with follow-on damages actions, merger clearance notifications and Bundeskartellamt investigations.
"She is likeable and very good to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Gleiss Lutz
Germany
Members
Provided by Gleiss Lutz
Alexander Fritzsche
Birgit Colbus
Carsten Klöppner
Christian von Köckritz
Gregor Wecker
Harald Weiß
Iris Benedikt-Buckenleib
Johannes Hertfelder
Patrick Grüner
Head of Department
Philipp Pichler
Industries
Provided by Gleiss Lutz
automotive
chemicals
consumer goods
e-commerce
energy
healthcare
insurance
media