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.
EU and competition in Czech Republic
HAVEL & PARTNERS s.r.o., attorneys at law
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
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.