Competition law
Competition, but safe!

Why competition rules matter 

Compliance with competition rules is of utmost importance for companies. Competition authorities, such as the Federal Cartel Office or the European Commission, are increasing the pressure on companies that disregard competition rules. Fines in the millions, void legal transactions, claims for damages and loss of reputation are just some of the consequences of infringements. It is therefore of great importance to conduct business activities in accordance with the legal requirements to avoid fines or damages actions and to be perceived as a reliable business partner with integrity. The competition law practice group of LUTZ | ABEL advises and supports clients in all matters relating to competition law, state aids and the control of foreign direct investments.

Experts in competition law, state aid law and investment control

The competition law practice group of LUTZ | ABEL advises and supports companies in all matters relating to competition. We have long-standing practical experience in all areas of German and EU competition law as well as its related fields of law, such as state aid law and the control of foreign direct investments.

We develop tailor-made solutions to enable our clients to successfully implement their projects in compliance with competition law requirements. If required, we cooperate with renowned competition economists.

Immediate assistance during searches

In the event of a search by the Federal Cartel Office or the EU Commission, you can contact us. We provide immediate and on-site support in southern Germany. Contact us at:

Emergency Number: +49 89 544 147-7888

Emergency e-mail: durchsuchung@lutzabel.com

Our services in competition law, state aid law and foreign direct investment control

Proceedings before Competition Authorities

Our advice includes, in particular, leniency applications for companies and employees and representation in fine and administrative proceedings and any subsequent judicial reviews of decisions by the competition authorities.

Cartel Damages Actions | Litigation

We represent our clients in and out of court in the enforcement and defense of cartel damages claims, recourse claims and in the amicable settlement of legal disputes. We enforce claims against companies that abuse their market power.

Cooperations | Distribution Agreements

We prepare assessments for the drafting of distribution and supply agreements in compliance with competition law, provide advice on selective distribution systems and on all forms of cooperation between competitors, from cooperation in research & development to the establishment of joint ventures and consortiums.

German and EU Merger Control

We examine worldwide notification obligations of our clients' merger projects and notify projects to the German Federal Cartel Office or the European Commission. We coordinate notifications abroad with the support of partner law firms.

Investment Control

The acquisition of companies and voting rights in companies in Germany may be subject to notification requirements under German foreign trade law. We check our clients' projects for notification requirements and, if necessary, carry out the corresponding procedure.

State Aid | Foreign Subsidies

We structure subsidies for our clients in order to exclude notification obligations. If necessary, we notify subsidy projects to the European Commission and defend against recovery or complaints. We examine notification obligations under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation and, if necessary, carry out the relevant notification procedure.

Compliance with Competition Law

We support our clients in internal investigations and have many years of experience in competition law trainings and simulated searches (mock dawn raids). We are also the right contact for the design and implementation of compliance management systems.