Competition Law
Competition law ensures the proper functioning of the market and fair conditions for all participants. Violations of the rules can result in substantial fines, criminal liability for management, and significant reputational damage. In a globalized economy with complex supply chains and digital platforms, compliance with competition rules is essential for the long-term stability of business operations.
Our approach
We view competition law as a tool to enable healthy competition and foster innovation, rather than as a constraint on business. We design and implement compliance programs that allow companies to compete dynamically and assertively within the legal framework. We combine in-depth knowledge of competition law with economic analysis and practical experience in proceedings before national and European competition authorities. Our solutions are always tailored to the client’s business strategy and competitive environment.
Key areas of practice
We provide legal advice on cartel agreements, vertical restraints, and the abuse of dominant market positions. We represent clients in proceedings before the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the European Commission, and the courts, including merger control notifications. We handle unannounced inspections (dawn raids), investigations, and subsequent sanction proceedings. We develop and implement compliance programs, train employees, and assess the exchange of sensitive information in transactions and due diligence. We also represent clients in private law actions seeking damages for breaches of competition law.
Added value for your business
We establish robust compliance systems for multinational corporations to minimize the risk of cartel investigations. We assist manufacturers and distributors in designing distribution networks that comply with competition rules. For companies with significant market positions, we provide legal guidance on how to engage in vigorous competition without risk of abuse. We support private equity and investment funds in ensuring smooth merger control processes and approvals. We represent clients harmed by cartels in claims for multi-million euro damages.
Practical challenges and risks
Participation in a cartel carries the risk of substantial fines and criminal liability for management members. Improperly structured distribution agreements may be deemed prohibited restrictions of competition. Abuse of a dominant market position can result in mandatory structural remedies that limit business operations. Unnotified mergers may lead to the invalidity of the transaction and penalties for so-called gun jumping. Insufficient compliance exposes companies to unannounced inspections and subsequent investigations.
Our practical solutions
For manufacturers and distributors, we design selective distribution systems and pricing strategies in compliance with competition law. In the event of unannounced inspections (dawn raids), we provide immediate on-site legal support and coordinate a response strategy. In cartel proceedings, we leverage leniency programs and settlement agreements to minimize the risk of substantial fines. For digital platforms, we address specific competition issues, including MFN clauses, self-preferencing, and service bundling. In damages claims arising from competition law violations, we represent clients and achieve significant compensation through a combination of legal expertise and economic analysis.
Our competition law services
Cartel Law
• Horizontal agreements and information exchange
• Trade associations and industry collaborations
• Assistance with unannounced inspections (dawn raids)
• Leniency applications and settlement agreements
• Compliance programs and employee training
Vertical Agreements
• Distribution and agency contracts
• Selective and exclusive distribution systems
• Resale price maintenance (RPM)
• Restrictions on online sales
• Franchise systems
Dominant Position
• Assessment of market power and definition of relevant markets
• Pricing practices and discount schemes
• Tying and bundling of products and services
• Refusal to supply and access to essential facilities
• Representation before regulatory authorities
Concentrations
• Merger notifications and merger control
• Pre-notification consultations
• Proposal of remedies and commitments
• Assessment of foreign investments (foreign investment screening)
• Prevention of premature implementation of a concentration (gun jumping)
Private Enforcement
• Claims for damages and follow-on litigation
• Defense against passing-on of damages
• Collective redress actions
• Access to evidence and case files
• Economic quantification of damages
Consult with us on your competition strategy – we will identify risks and develop solutions that enable you to operate actively and successfully in full compliance with the law.
