EU and Competition Law
Practice areaThe team includes several in-house economists with the highly specialised skills required to handle the complex economic analyses that competition law demands. Close day-to-day collaboration between our economists and lawyers creates outstanding value for clients, including on the comprehensive strategic questions that arise in complex merger control, cartel, and damages cases.
We have advised on most of the significant cartel cases investigated by the Danish competition authorities, and the majority of EU cartel cases involving Danish companies. Plesner is the only Danish law firm to have participated in both the European Commission's leniency programme and its cartel settlement procedure. We advised on the largest and most complex abuse case ever seen in Denmark, which is also one of the few cases where the competition authority's infringement decision was ultimately set aside. We were also involved in the first ever Danish case where the European Commission submitted written observations to a national court, and one of the few cases in the EU in which the Commission also made an oral statement.
We have handled several damages actions relating to cartels, abuse of dominance and other anticompetitive agreements. Our experience spans both follow-on and stand-alone actions, both in Denmark and abroad. Highlights include successfully representing the defendant in the largest and most complex competition law damages action ever brought in Denmark, involving more than 1,000 claimants and a total claim of more than DKK 11.5 billion. We have also filed multiple negative declaratory actions, known as "torpedoes", a tactic not previously used in Danish competition law cases.
We have been involved in most of the recent merger control cases involving Danish companies with EU and multinational filings. Our experience includes the largest ever merger between Danish companies, one of the largest ever private placements in the EU, and multiple unconditional clearances in Phase II cases both in Denmark and before the European Commission.
Our specialists
Christian Karhula Lauridsen
Daniel Barry
Gitte Holtsø
Jacob Borum
Lise Aaby Nielsen
Peter E. Stassen
Rie Paving Mortensen
Amalie Antoinette Sulsbrück Fallesen
Anne-Marie R. H. Holsteinborg
Cecilie Faurschou Sørensen
Felix Lunding
Julie Kragh Kruse
Krestian Lyngsie
Kristian Thaulov
Sarah Stormlund Christensen
Stefan Brkic
"The team is extremely knowledgeable. They listen, guide and work fast. In my work with Plesner, we have never lost a case and never been questioned by any opponent because our case has been well thought through and solid"
"The team has the ability to comprehend a vast amount of facts, combined with a deep understanding of competition law and economics, together with litigation and procedural skills, which requires a focus and dedication on one matter over a long time, which is rare to find"
"Plesner has a good understanding of the local market and the global business. The team has great legal minds and a practical way of delivering advice, that is tailor made for our needs"
"The team has an excellent ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. What especially stands out is its ability to cut through the complexity and distil the essence of the matter"
"For competition law matters in Denmark Plesner has great competency and can efficiently use high-quality associates that can easily address quite complex and even resource-intensive matters"
"Deep knowledge of legislation, thorough guidance, and quality advice"
"Clients who want competition counsel who remain calm under pressure, week after week, month after month, on a deal would quickly warm to the Plesner team. They fought their client's corner. There were times when they were firm - even stubborn. But they also knew when to negotiate and how to compromise, so that the case kept driving forward"
"High level of legal competence. They are always there for you during an intense process. Fast responses to any kind of questions"
"Plesner has a very fluent way of progress, from the first meeting to the conclusion. This is of course due to strong leadership, but supported by a group of very competent assistants"
"Plesner's team is highly skilled within the competition law field. They have a great knowledge within the financial sector as well and understand the market dynamics well. They are always responsive and provide to-the-point legal advice"
"The lawyers have high level knowledge, see the issues from different angels and will suggest and propose different approach to the case"
"The lawyers are always very responsive, very kind and knowledgeable, and are great at catching all of the details"
"The team's business-minded approach ensures that legal advice is not only sound but also aligned with our commercial objectives"
"The strengths that truly distinguish this firm are its proactive approach and deep commitment to understanding the business. It operates as if it is an integral part of the company"
"The legal work is top, and the lawyers have a very good commercial service and try to understand the needs of the clients and the areas they are operating in"
"The Plesner team is highly skilled, business oriented and also very responsive and pleasant to work with. They manage to always display a great knowledge and provide to-the-point advice in relation to highly complex questions without taking too many reservations. The team excels in breaking down complex issues to manageable bite sizes and are always available and responsive"
"Solid advice in the area of competition law. Capacity and knowledge is good"
"The Plesner team is exceptional in handling very complex matters and making them tangible in bite sizes. The lawyers are structured and great at presenting complex advice so that it can be understood by both lawyers and non-lawyers"
"The team is made up of highly skilled competition law experts who are also strong on understanding the sector and the commercial side"
"We received very strong advice with a lot of business sense"
"The team are quick to understand the issue and we can always have a positive dialogue"
"I've worked with Plesner and was very impressed by how deep the team go into understanding the market. They go deep into the details and leave no stones unturned"
"The team provides deep insight into the laws and regulations"
"The Plesner competition law team is equipped to deal with any type of competition law matter"
"Plesner has a good commercial understanding paired with excellent competition law expertise"
"The lawyers are very service-oriented and provide high-quality advice"
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