Competition/European Law: Scotland
This firm has established itself as a leader for competition law advice in Scotland, with impressed sources praising it as "the first port of call for UK and Scottish competition law." The team in Scotland stands out for its expertise in both merger and cartel work, and benefits from the firm's further competition capabilities in the London office. Recent work highlights include advising Stagecoach Group in the Competition Commission's bus service market investigation.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Competition group head Michael Dean is well versed in all aspects of competition law, and earns praise for his "technical skills and the way he runs his team." He represented Stagecoach Group in its application for review of the Competition Commission's decision regarding its merger with Preston Bus. Associate David McGowan acted with Dean on this matter, and is recognised for his particular specialism in competition and procurement work. He recently advised Transport Scotland on the procurement of operating companies to manage the Scottish trunk road network. Catriona Munro is well liked by clients, who describe her as "highly intellectual and focused in the area of competition law." She splits her time between the firm's Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, and recently advised Robert Wiseman & Sons on competition compliance in the dairy sector.
This strong team is a leader for competition law matters and is adept at handling both contentious and non-contentious work, including OFT investigations, mergers, competition litigation and procurement issues. It recently advised Albion Water on an action for damages against Welsh Water for abuse of conduct. Other notable clients include AEGON, ScottishPower and Shell.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Gordon Downie heads the competition group and is recognised for his expertise in competition law relating to the regulated industries. Market sources praise his creative approach. John Schmidt splits his time between London and Scotland, and is also qualified to practise in Germany. He offers extensive competition law expertise to clients such as RBS and Teva.
This prominent six-lawyer team is adept at handling matters relating to procurement, state aid and competition law. Recent highlights include advising G1 on regulatory investigations into the UK beer market and counselling Leiths on a proposed joint venture.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Miller is praised for his solid competition law expertise, and has a fine reputation for his knowledge of competition investigations and his experience in procurement matters. He advised Amazon.com on developing a strategy for leasing arrangements in Scotland.
Brodies is known for handling a wide range of competition law matters, from procurement, mergers and investigations to advice on EU regulations. Notable clients include the HALO Trust, Clackmannanshire Council and the Freight Transport Association.
KEY INDIVIDUALS The recent arrival of Mark Clough QC has proved to be an important addition to the firm. He leads the competition and EU practice, and stands out for his strength and experience in contentious and non-contentious competition matters. He is described as "the godfather of competition law," and regularly appears before courts in the UK and EU. Clough is currently advising Nippon Cargo Airlines on a follow-on damages claim relating to the EC's investigation into alleged price fixing in the air cargo market.
This group has a solid reputation in the market for its competition capabilities, and is experienced in procurement and state aid issues as well as mergers and contentious competition matters. According to clients, the team is "responsive and thorough." It notably advised BSA International on a warranty claim; other clients include Highlands & Islands Airports, Baxters Food Group and Ladbrokes.
KEY INDIVIDUALS David Goodbrand is a key contact.
Noted for its wide competition expertise, this firm has a significant presence in London and Scotland, and offers particular expertise in the financial services, utilities and public sectors. The team has recently advised RBS on a number of competition issues. Other clients include SONI, ENTSO-E, Standard Life and Wessex Water.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Willis heads the firm's competition and EU group.
This 12-lawyer competition group continues to handle a healthy flow of competition compliance and public procurement work.
KEY INDIVIDUALS David Flint heads the EU and competition law group and has long-standing expertise in this field. He advises clients from the private and public sectors, and has been involved in a number of competition investigations.