EU and competition in Czech Republic

HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., attorneys at law

The team at HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., attorneys at law stands out for its 'exceptional professionalism in the field of competition law'. The 'knowledgeable and competent' group has a solid presence in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and is highly regarded for its excellent track record in acting for clients in the automotive, energy, and telecoms industries. The department often works closely with competition authorities, and handles a broad spectrum of work, including dawn raids. Practice head Robert Neruda has 'extensive knowledge' of competition law, and is very experienced in advising on state aid and significant market power cases. Petr Kadlec handles public procurement work, while Roman Svetnicky focuses on foreign direct investment issues and the competition aspects of M&A deals. Lenka Gachová is 'an expert in the field of competition law', and Vladislav Bernard assists clients with cases concerning vertical agreements and abuse of dominance.

Praxisleiter:

Robert Neruda


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Petr Kadlec; Lenka Gachovà; Roman Svetnicky; Vladislav Bernard; Martin Rott; Petra Pipková


Referenzen

‘The Havel & Partners team in Czech Republic are very knowledgeable and competent within the competition law field. They have extensive experience with representing companies in investigations by the Czech competition authority and are very dedicated in their work. I can really recommend Havel & Partners!’

‘Robert Neruda has extensive knowledge about Czech/EU competition law and also the practical aspects of dealing with the Czech competition authority. Gives legal advice in a clear and always practically useful way. I can highly recommend Robert Neruda.’

‘Deep knowledge in every specific field we collaborated in. Cooperation perfectly supporting our needs.’

Kernmandanten

ORLEN Unipetrol RPA (PKN Orlen Group)


Colt CZ Group SE


OSA (collective management society)


Albert Česká republika (Ahold Delhaize Group)


ELECTROLUX


Ministry of Industry and Trade


Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-Cilag


Nestlé


L’ORÉAL Česká republika


Asseco Central Europe


Groupe SEB


HP TRONIC / NAY


Packeta Group


MIELE


Capital City of Prague


BPA sport marketing


Letiště Praha (operator of Václav Havel Airport Prague)


Z – TRADE


Česká pošta (Czech Post – universal postal service operator)


TOPGAL


T-Mobile (Deutsche Telekom Group)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Colt CZ Group SE on the acquisition of Sellier & Bellot, involving potential merger control issues and foreign direct investment obligations.
  • Advised HP TRONIC on its acquisition of NAY.

Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář

Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář is highly regarded for its EU and competition law expertise. The practice acts across a wide spectrum of matters, including cartel investigations, resale price maintenance cases, significant market power matters and cases concerning abuse of dominant position. The team often represents clients in proceedings in front of the Czech Office for Protection of Competition and the European Commission. Karel Muzikář and Jiří Kindl co-head the department. Muzikář has experience in advising on the competition law aspects of M&A transactions, and Kindl is 'an outstanding competition law expert'. Martin Kramář focuses on competition litigation. Martin Koudelka and Stanislav Mikeš are key names to note.

Praxisleiter:

Karel Muzikář; Jiří Kindl


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Martin Kramář; Martin Koudelka; Stanislav Mikeš


Referenzen

‘Solution-oriented law firm with an exceptional knowledge of laws and understanding of business.’

‘Jiří Kindl is an outstanding competition law expert who understands business needs. At any time he is ready to provide exceptional and comprehensive legal services.’

‘Skils’ team is unique given its unparalleled expertise and experience as well as its dedication to always provide services of the highest quality within the deadlines set by the client.’

Kernmandanten

MONETA Money Bank


Fortuna Game


Plzensky Prazdroj/Pilsner Urquell


Ceske drahy (Czech Railways)


Severoceske doly


CHAPS


CETIN (formerly Ceska telekomunikacni infrastruktura)


Asahi Breweries


FAST CR


Via FAOC


Sodexo Pass (now Pluxee Group)


BABY DIREKT


GARLAND Distributor


Gorenje


Ceska sporitelna (Czech Savings Bank)


Beryko


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully acted for Ceske Drahy (Czech Railways) in proceedings before the European Commission concerning alleged abuse of dominant position by predatory pricing.
  • Represented Sodexo Pass Ceska Republica in administrative proceedings initiated by the Czech NCA for alleged violations of Czech and EU competition law, concerning alleged restrictive vertical agreements practices.
  • Represented Baby Direkt and Garland in cases before the Czech Office for Protection of Competition, and subsequently before the administrative courts, in a case concerning allegations of resale price maintenance.

Kocián Šolc Balaštík

At Kocián Šolc Balaštík, the EU and competition team routinely advises on merger notifications, compliance issues, dawn raids, significant market power cases, and cases concerning abuse of dominant position. The group has particular experience in acting for IT and automotive entities. Pavel Dejl is well versed in advising on merger and antitrust proceedings, co-heads the practice with Sylvie Sobolová, who has a strong track record in handling state aid, competition, and public procurement work for clients in the pharmaceutical sector.

Praxisleiter:

Pavel Dejl; Sylvie Sobolová


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Martin Vráb


Referenzen

‘Shaping the competition law field in the Czech Republic, working on the most complex cases, balanced and experienced approach.’

‘Pavel Dejl is extremely experienced and knowledgeable but also down to earth and practical.’

‘In-depth knowledge of local legal environment, very practical and client-oriented approach.’

Kernmandanten

ENERGO – PRO


Heidelberg Materials CZ


JTZE (J&T Zemědělství a Ekologie)


Komora podniků komerční bezpečnosti ČR, z.s.


Heineken Česká republika, a.s.


REMA AOS, a.s.


Czech Institute of Directors


ASIANA Transport


LEO Express Global a.s.


INTERGRAM


ROWAN LEGAL

At ROWAN LEGAL, the practice has an excellent reputation for its 'extreme erudition in the field of competition law'. The team often represents clients from the banking, TMT, and IT sectors in proceedings before the European Commission and the Czech Competition Authority. Michal Nulícek, who is well known for handling the competition law aspects of domestic and international transactions, co-heads the department with Vilém Podešva, who acts on cases concerning cartels and abuse of dominance. Marcela Káňová advises on competition-related IT, cybersecurity, and public procurement work, while Jiří Mňuk focuses on matters concerning competition law issues arising from telecoms and energy infrastructure projects. Jan Měkota left the firm in June 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Michal Nulíček; Vilém Podešva


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marcela Káňová; Jiří Mňuk; David Oršulík; Anna Cervanová


Referenzen

Expert orientation in this legal area in context of both Czech Law and EU. Extensive knowledge of case law. Good relations with experts from relevant public authorities dealing with competition law issues.’

Vilém Podešva is valued for his exceptional legal expertise, particularly in competition law, compliance and regulatory law.’

‘Their ability to navigate intricate legal issues with precision and insight sets them apart.’

Kernmandanten

EP Equity Investment


Rockaway Capital


Teplárny Brno


Heureka Group


UP Česká republika


Tescoma


Česká pošta


Ministry of Industry and Trade


Škoda Auto a.s.


EGEM s.r.o.


AŽD Praha


AVE CZ


Hochtief


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising EP Equity Investment on the competition law aspects concerning the contemplated acquisition of Tech Foundations, including notifying the European Commission under the merger control and foreign subsidies regulation regimes, in addition to the coordination of merger control and foreign direct investments notifications in other jurisdictions.

Schoenherr Czech Republic

Schoenherr Czech Republic’s EU and competition team has ‘perfect knowledge of the law’. The group often acts for clients in the food and automotive sectors in non-contentious competition law matters; FDI work, merger filings and investigations are key areas of instruction for the team. Practice head Jan Kupčík is ‘a true professional’ with expertise in handling unfair trading practice matters, FDI-related work and merger controls. Marek Bomba acts on cartel investigations, and Rudolf Bicek focuses on the competition law aspects of M&A and public procurement transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Jan Kupčík


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marek Bomba; Rudolf Bicek


Referenzen

We work with Jan Kupcik and Marek Bomba. Both are communicative and skilled professionals.’

Schoenherr’s competition team has perfect knowledge of the law. We value their ability to give us succinct responses while considering all legal and practical aspects of the issue.’

Jan Kupcik is a true professional. He understands the issue quickly and can react immediately. His competition law knowledge and practical know-how is superb, and he is always up to date with new developments.’

Kernmandanten

Carlyle


Japan Industrial Partners Inc.


E& (Etisalat)


Fresenius


Orkla Foods


Erste


Hartree


Applied Materials Inc.


Association of Tyre Producers (Czech Republic)


Association of Tyre Producers in the Slovak Republic


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Carlyle on the acquisition of Meopta-optika.
  • Advising Orkla Foods on day-to-day competition and unfair trading practices matters.

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelár

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelář’s EU and competition practice leverages the firm's wider international network and the expertise of the compliance and investigations team to support clients on cross-border investigations. The group has a solid track record in acting for clients before the Czech Antimonopoly Office and the European Commission in cases involving state aid issues, cartel investigations, merger filings, and abuse of dominant position. Practice head Ivo Janda has expertise in regulatory matters, and handles the competition elements of data privacy and insolvency matters. Real estate, healthcare and digital markets are key industry strengths for the group.

Praxisleiter:

Ivo Janda


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Magda Olyšarová; Anna Stárková


Kernmandanten

Google


CVC Capital Partners


Emma Capital


PPF Group


CETIN


The Czech Insurance Association


Komerční banka, Moneta MoneyBank; Unicredit, AirBank


Post Bellum


Medecins Sans Frontieres


The Stars Group


A&O Shearman

The EU and competition team at A&O Shearman regularly acts as counsel to financial institutions and private equity entities, however the group is also adept at representing clients in the telecoms, energy and retail sectors in competition matters. Key areas of instruction for the team include merger control proceedings, state aid, significant market power cases and cartel defence work. The practice is co-headed by Marta Sendrowicz and Ivana Halamová Dobíšková, who is very experienced in appearing in antitrust investigations before the European Commission.

Praxisleiter:

Marta Sendrowicz; Ivana Halamová Dobíšková


Referenzen

Ivana Halamova Dobiskova – personal engagement and individual approach. Deep knowledge and interest in the area.’

Kernmandanten

Maspex Group


Macquarie


Cordiant Digital Infrastructure


Scania


Heidelberg Materials CZ, a.s. (formerly Českomoravský cement, a.s.)


J&T


NOTINO


PENTA


Sona Asset Management


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Maspec Group on the antitrust and merger control aspects of the acquisition of a distillery.
  • Advised Macquarie Asset Management on the antitrust and regulatory aspects of its disposal of a 55.21% indirect stake in GasNet.
  • Advised Cordiant Digital Infrastructure’s Czech portfolio company on the antitrust and regulatory aspects of its acquisition of Cloud4com and DC Lužice.

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

Baker & McKenzie s.r.o., advokátní kancelář has a solid track record in advising pharmaceutical sector clients on competition law matters. The group leverages the firm’s global network to support clients in cartel investigations, as well as assisting with merger filings, horizontal and vertical agreements, and cases involving abuse of dominant position. Compliance work is another key area of instruction for the team. The practice is co-headed by Alexandr César, who focuses on competition litigation and cartel cases, and Kateřina Schenková, who is well known for handling abuse of dominance matters under Czech and Slovak law, as well as distribution models.

Praxisleiter:

Alexandr César; Kateřina Schenková


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michal Malkovský


Kernmandanten

Adient


Asociace inovativního farmaceutického průmyslu


CITIC Group


GI International


Grundfos


Moulins de Kleinbettingen S.A.


Schreiber Foods


Sika


SPIE Elektrovod, a.s.


Trustee of Sberbank CZ


Zumtobel


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing SPIE Elektrovod in proceedings before the Slovak Court concerning allegations of bid rigging.

Dentons

At Dentons, the antitrust and competition team leverages the firm's international network to support clients in the tech, e-commerce, and energy sectors on cross-border merger clearance mandates. The practice is equally adept at advising on FDI control, compliance matters, competition audits, and the competition aspects of joint ventures and M&A transactions. Practice head Petr Zákoucký is well known for handling merger filing work, and acts for clients in investigations before EU competition authorities. Competition litigation is a key area of strength for Tomáš Pavelka. Adam Přerovský left the firm in January 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Petr Zákoucký


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Tomáš Pavelka


Referenzen

‘The team is highly professional, experienced and knowledgeable.’

‘Immensely creative in the field of competition law.’

‘Available and practical.’

Kernmandanten

BPD / Draslovka Holding


Sev.en Energy


MND/ KKCG


EPH


Emma Capital


Vestar /King´s Casino


EBRD


Meopta


Smartwings


JetBrains


Imperial Brands


Mars


Eversheds Sutherland advokátní kancelár sro

The antitrust and competition practice at Eversheds Sutherland advokátní kancelář sro routinely advises clients on bid riggings, cartels, and merger control cases, as well as merger filing work. The group continues to advise on unfair trading practices in the food and agricultural sectors. Michal Hrabovský spearheads the team, and has extensive experience in representing clients in cases involving abuse of dominant position and merger control proceedings before the national competition authorities. Stanislav Dvořák assists with administrative court proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Michal Hrabovský


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stanislav Dvořák; Barbora Šafaříková


Kernmandanten

McDonalds


ArcelorMittal


MVV Energie


Komerční banka (Essox)


EMOS


TSR


Bonver Win


Hartenberg Capital


Korado


Trek Bikes


Bestsport


Owners of SWS


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised SWS on merger control filings.

Kinstellar

Kinstellar’s competition team acts for an established client base of international and domestic companies, and is very experienced in handling cross-border matters throughout the CEE region. Energy, IT, finance, and retail are key sectors of strength for the group, which routinely advises on merger control proceedings. Tomáš Čihula heads the practice and advises on state aid, competition litigation, and public procurement issues. Michal Forýtek handles competition-related energy projects, and Adam Němec assists with FDI matters and the competition elements of M&A transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Tomáš Čihula


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michal Forýtek; Adam Němec


Referenzen

‘Kinstellar’s competition practice stands out for its unparalleled presence across all CEE countries. This breadth of experience ensures that clients receive seamless and consistent service.’

Tomáš Čihula’s strategic thinking and business acumen are evident in every case he handles. Tomáš’s ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional cases with precision and insight makes him an invaluable partner.’

Kernmandanten

Stada Arzneimittel


Johnson & Johnson / Janssen


Net4Gas


Mastercard


Whirlpool


LR Health & Beauty


Veolia


E.ON Česká republika


ČEZ


POC Sweden


Royal Canin


BioCryst Pharmaceuticals


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted STADA ARZNEIMITTEL with competition law issues concerning distribution agreements, including an assessment of significant market power.
  • Advising Johnson & Johnson Czech Republic on various competition law issues regarding the distribution of products in the market.

Taylor Wessing LLP

At Taylor Wessing Czech Republic, the EU and competition team handles merger notifications, compliance training, FDI screenings, and due diligence procedures. Other key areas of instruction include cartel investigations, distribution agreements, and antitrust investigations. Practice head Markéta Deimelová brings expertise in EU and trade law matters, and advises on merger control cases, state aid proceedings, and abuse of dominant position. Maroš Podstavek acts on competition compliance work and cases concerning unfair trading practices and significant market power.

Praxisleiter:

Markéta Deimelová


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maroš Podstavek; Kristýna Koc; Vojtěch Koňařík


Kernmandanten

one.com Group AB


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising one.com Group AB on the competition aspects concerning an acquisition of companies and a proposed cross-border merger.

Weinhold Legal

At Weinhold Legal, the group has an established track record in acting in antitrust investigations, bid rigging disputes, merger clearance, and cases concerning abuse of dominant position. The team leverages the expertise of the firm's corporate finance, tax, and accounting departments to support clients. Daniel Weinhold heads the practice and is very experienced in advising on the competition elements of M&A transactions and joint ventures. Martin Lukáš represents Czech corporations in cartel cases, and Tereza Hošková assists with public procurement matters.

Praxisleiter:

Daniel Weinhold


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Martin Lukáš; Tereza Hošková


Kernmandanten

Kancelář zdravotních pojišťoven


EGAP Export and Guarantee Insurance Company


WASTECH


Transdev


Lagardére Retail


LitFin


Lorenc logistics


Olomouc Municipality


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for Volny.cz before the Supreme Court in matters concerning a claim for damages against a mobile network operator, arising from misuse of dominant market position.
  • Successfully represented Leo Mobility in a dispute with Ceske Drahy, concerning a claim for damages arising from alleged misuse of dominant market position.
  • Successfully represented LAMA Energy in proceedings before the Antimonopoly Office in a matter concerning merger clearance.