Dechert’s antitrust/competition team has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in diverse industries. We offer practical solutions and strategic counsel for a wide variety of antitrust and competition matters, always striving to provide high-quality, cost-effective service.
Our practice is recognized by clients and outside observers as one of the best in the U.S. and Europe. National surveys and rankings recognize Dechert as an antitrust powerhouse. We are one of the select firms nationally ranked for antitrust by Chambers USA, which noted that clients applaud our “well oiled machine” for “getting up to speed on company issues extremely quickly” and for our “firm grasp of multijurisdictional proceedings.”
For global companies, antitrust matters can be complex, multijurisdictional affairs. With antitrust lawyers in key business and legal centers, including Beijing, Brussels, London, Moscow, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., Dechert is well positioned to service clients wherever their antitrust issues arise.
Comprehensive Antitrust Representation
Dechert lawyers skillfully address the legal, regulatory, and economic aspects of business competition on behalf of clients in a broad variety of industries.
Dechert gives innovative legal advice, taking into account clients’ short- and long-term business goals.
Clients rely on us for counsel on:
- Merger Clearance
- Private Litigation
- Cartel Matters
- Civil Investigations
- Risk Prevention
Green Light for Mergers
Clients benefit from our hands-on, inside experience and close contact with regulatory agencies—qualifications that enable us to guide them confidently through every aspect of antitrust law relating to mergers.
Lawyers in our U.S. offices have extensive experience as trial lawyers or government regulators in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), providing a balanced perspective that facilitates practical, effective solutions. Our experience also enhances our credibility with those who now serve in government and contributes to our ability to advocate persuasively on behalf of our clients.
Dechert’s European lawyers have experience and solid working relationships with European Commission regulators and EU member state competition authorities.
Most often we resolve merger investigations without challenge or even negotiated remedies. Our ability to do so is enhanced by our demonstrated ability to litigate merger challenges in court, should litigation prove to be necessary. The Dechert antitrust team has become the go-to group to protect mergers under attack in the U.S.
In the first litigated challenge to a merger brought by the DOJ under the Obama Administration, we defended Dean Foods Company for over a year in a challenge to the company’s previously consummated acquisition of the Consumer Products Division of Foremost Farms USA. Our effective defense led to a settlement largely preserving the efficiencies that motivated the deal. Earlier we did the same for Whole Foods Market in the FTC’s effort to block the acquisition of Wild Oats Markets, one of the highest profile antitrust litigations in recent years.
Courtroom Strength
Our lawyers possess the depth and breadth of experience needed to protect client interests in court. We have played a major role in decisions that have shaped U.S. antitrust law. Of recent note, in response to our argument on behalf of FMC Corporation, in In re Hydrogen Peroxide Antitrust Litigation, the Third Circuit established a new, higher bar for class certification in antitrust cases, which has substantially influenced class certification proceedings in district and appellate courts around the U.S.
When faced with a class action lawsuit, clients turn to our successful track record in complex, multi-forum class action litigation. Our class action team is anchored by Partner Joseph A. Tate, who according to Chambers USA “sets the bar for antitrust defense counsel."
On behalf of clients, we actively defend actions at the European Commission, and have represented defendants in simultaneous civil, criminal, state, federal, domestic, and international proceedings.
Defending Cartel Matters
Our lawyers are experienced in handling global cartel investigations from the criminal phase through follow-on class action and civil proceedings. We understand what it takes to efficiently and discreetly represent clients involved in investigations.
Civil Conduct Investigations
Dechert adeptly represents clients in civil investigations conducted by the U.S. agencies and the European Commission regulators. Our representation includes counsel on proposed distribution practices, potential licensing terms, and possible antitrust claims. We also represent parties and third parties in agency investigations ranging from issues arising in joint ventures to judgment compliance.
Limiting Risk
A substantial portion of our antitrust practice is devoted to advising clients on antitrust risk minimization and litigation avoidance. Whether clients need help with global distribution and pricing strategies, or structuring complex, international joint ventures, for example, we are committed to excellence in our work and developing creative solutions consistent with our clients' business objectives.