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Merger Control

We regularly advise on the competition aspects of corporate transactions. From the outset of a deal, we work effectively with our Corporate colleagues to advise on the merger control implications of corporate transactions and devise a suitable notification strategy.

Our merger control expertise

Across the globe, competition authorities have increased their regulatory enforcement against mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and joint ventures – in a wide range of business sectors. Their primary role when it comes to merger control is to assess whether such transactions fall within their jurisdiction and will have a detrimental impact on competition.

Potential merger control issues should be considered at the earliest possible stage of a transaction to assess whether the parties involved need to make filings with the relevant authorities. Merger control can easily determine the success of a transaction. M&A transactions require legal expertise to help businesses formulate a filing strategy, carry out competition due diligence and identify antitrust risks at the outset of the transaction.

Freeths’ Competition lawyers regularly advise on the competition aspects of corporate transactions. From the outset of a deal, we work effectively with our Corporate colleagues to advise on the merger control implications of corporate transactions and devise a suitable notification strategy. We also work alongside specialist competition economists to develop robust evidence to bolster a case for clearance. We provide pragmatic advice on whether clearances are required and file merger notifications where appropriate.

With expert and highly skilled lawyers, some of whom have direct experience of carrying out merger investigations at the UK’s merger authority, we specialise in obtaining merger clearance for businesses. We understand the relevant issues and can identify solutions to any competition problem or risk.

Why choose our merger control team?

We act for clients from a wide variety of sectors on all aspects of worldwide merger control and merger filings. We provide services at every stage of the merger control process to ensure the transaction runs smoothly and to avoid any complexities along the way.

This includes:

  • Advising on structuring joint ventures and M&A transactions to avoid merger filings or to secure merger clearances for them
  • Conducting analyses of multi-jurisdictional merger filing requirements
  • Engaging in pre-notification discussions with regulators such as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
  • Responding to CMA formal and informal requests for information and Mergers Intelligence Committee (MIC) questionnaires and negotiating initial enforcement order derogations
  • Filing UK merger notifications and managing and working with local counsel to submit multi-jurisdictional merger filings
  • Navigating merger parties through CMA Phase 1 and Phase 2 merger inquiries, including remedies negotiations where needed to secure clearance
  • Advising hedge funds and asset managers on merger arbitrage

We work closely with competition economists in carrying out substantive analyses to deliver a seamless and successful outcome. Our clients trust us to help them get the deal done – whatever the nature or size of the deal.

Call any member of our expert competition team to find out how we can help you.

Key contact

Andrew Maxwell's Profile

Andrew Maxwell

Partner and Head of Competition

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Our merger control notable work

  • Proposed Sainsbury's / Asda merger

    Representing a third party throughout the CMA’s investigations into the proposed Sainsbury’s/Asda merger

  • Hasbro Inc/Entertainment One Ltd and Amazon/Deliveroo

    Advising a third party on the CMA’s merger investigations into Hasbro Inc/Entertainment One Ltd and Amazon/Deliveroo

  • Advising glass supplier on merger

    Advising a leading glass supplier on the merger control aspects of its joint venture with one of the world’s largest glassmakers

  • Advising construction sector on bulk haulage provider

    Advising a leading UK business in the construction sector on its collaboration with a bulk haulage provider

  • Advising grocery retailer

    Advising a grocery retailer on the implications of including exclusivity arrangements within land agreements.

  • Acting for AMEC

    Acting for AMEC (in consortium with Washington and Areva) on the competition aspects of their successful bid to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for the £1.3 billion pa Sellafield contract.

  • Tesco/Booker merger investigation

    Advising an interested third party grocery retailer on its representations to the CMA’s Tesco/Booker merger investigation, including in relation to a confidentiality ring.

  • Advising Triumph Group

    Advising Triumph Group on the competition and national security public interest merger considerations on its acquisition of the GE Aviation landing gear business, including successfully securing requisite UK Government Ministry of Defence consents.

  • Advising Carillion on complex merger issues

    Advising Carillion on complex merger issues on UK Government tenders, including on a bid to purchase a UK Government Ministry of Defence business with ongoing supply issues.

  • Advising numerous private equity clients

    Advising numerous private equity clients, including Lloyds Development Capital, Bridgepoint Capital, Intel Capital, Isis Equity Partners, Lyceum and 3i on the merger control aspects of portfolio investments in various sectors, including energy, payment systems, rail, retail, telecommunications and travel.

  • Acting for a global hedge fund

    Acting for a global hedge fund, providing UK merger arbitrage advice on the CMA’s merger investigation of J Sainsbury plc/Home Retail Group (Argos).

Testimonials

  • JH

    “We are very pleased with this outcome and would thank you for your expertise here."

    Jane Hull, Underwriting Director, Tokio Marine HCC

  • AP

    “I appreciate your support and Freeths collectively as always."

    Andrew Pike, Managing Director, Hubergroup

  • JR

    “I’m really happy with the work you’ve done for us and so I hope you don’t mind I’ll be coming to you with anything we need advice on in the future!”

    Jenni Richards, Federation Manager, British Glass

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Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.

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