Competition and Anti-Trust Law

We provide exhaustive counsel on merger filings, expertly navigating pre-notification obligations, substantive assessments, and approval processes with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the European Commission, and other global regulators. Our services encompass transaction structuring, econometric analysis of market impact, and advocacy during Phase I and II reviews. For instance, in 2024, we secured CCI approval for a USD 1.2 billion merger in the telecommunications sector, harmonizing compliance across India, the EU, and the U.S., while mitigating anti-competitive concerns.

We represent clients in defending or prosecuting cases involving cartels, abuse of dominance, predatory pricing, vertical restraints, and bid-rigging. Our cross-border expertise ensures robust strategies in domestic adjudications and multi-jurisdictional disputes, drawing on precedents like the CCI’s INR 6,300 crore cartel penalty against cement companies and the EU’s €2.93 billion fine on truck manufacturers.

With our 5 Advocates-on-Record and 15 Senior Advocates, we deliver unwavering representation before the CCI, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), the Supreme Court of India, and international arbitral forums. Our advocacy spans penalty appeals, behavioral and structural remedy negotiations, and landmark challenges under Article 14 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.

We design and implement tailored anti-trust compliance frameworks, conducting gap analyses, mock audits, and executive training on dawn raid protocols. Our programs align with CCI’s Competition Compliance Guidelines, the U.S. DOJ’s Antitrust Compliance Policy, and the OECD’s competition best practices, preempting violations and fortifying corporate governance.

We guide clients through leniency regimes, securing immunity or penalty reductions under CCI’s Lesser Penalty Regulations, 2009, the U.S. DOJ’s Corporate Leniency Policy, and the EU’s Leniency Notice. Our discreet, strategic approach maximizes protection while minimizing reputational and financial exposure.

Supported by our 75 advocates across 25+ countries, we orchestrate cohesive responses to multi-jurisdictional anti-trust probes, collaborating with authorities like the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), and Australia’s ACCC to streamline defense strategies and compliance obligations.