BDGS Associés houses a comprehensive EU and competition offering. The firm is widely recognised for its standout track record in complex merger control cases, routinely advising on the largest deals in the French market, and for its expertise in state aid, including assisting with recent high-profile investigations by the European Commission. Antitrust litigation and investigations are also a core area of strength. The sizeable team is headed by Antoine Gosset-Grainville, a well-regarded name for merger control and state aid matters, and Maria Trabucchi, whose recent caseload includes representing key players in the technology and retail sectors in sensitive abuse of dominance and cartel cases. Jérôme Fabre and François Gordon (who joined the firm from Baker McKenzie in January 2024) also have strong all-round competition practices. Camille Petiau, Florian Bosser and Maxime Treignat are also noted.

Bredin Prat stands out for its impressively deep bench and broad expertise, which allows the firm to cover the full range of EU, competition and distribution matters and consistently take on the most complex and strategic cases in the French market. The team remains the first port of call for leading French and international clients, drawing on a wealth of experience in high-profile merger control cases before the FCA and EC; cartel, vertical restraints and abuse of dominance investigations by the national and European authorities; follow-on damages actions; and state aid. A group of well-regarded partners – Olivier Billard, Igor Simic, Marie-Cécile Rameau, Yelena Trifounovitch, Pierre Honoré and Arthur Helfer – leads the practice, with caseloads that run the gamut of competition law. Yohann Chevalier and Sophie Troussard-Fauré provide capable support.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s Paris team is capable of handling the full scope of complex competition matters at both French and European levels, frequently working in conjunction with the firm’s Brussels office. The team’s recent caseload includes several high-profile merger control matters before the FCA and EC, as well as sensitive cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and litigation. The firm has a strong presence in the technology sector, but its broad client base includes prominent domestic and international companies in the aviation, retail and media spheres, among others. Practice heads Séverine Schrameck and Frédéric de Bure have excellent records in both merger control and antitrust investigations and litigation. Stéphanie Patureau is another name to note. François-Charles Laprévote, Anita Magraner and Antoine Winckler are the key contacts in Brussels.

Clifford Chance‘s competition team is strong at both the French and EU levels, acting for an array of leading France-based multinationals and global companies. Demonstrating particular strength in the digital, energy and pharmaceutical sectors, the team has a broad offering that takes in high-profile merger control cases before the FCA and EC, cartel and abuse of dominance cases before the French and European competition authorities and courts, and state aid procedures. In addition, the firm has growing expertise in the field of foreign direct investment clearances. The highly regarded David Tayar and Katrin Schallenberg, who divides her time between Paris and Brussels, lead the team and are well versed in the full range of merger control, antitrust investigations and state aid. Sara Ortoli is also a key contact.

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier advises prominent French and international clients across the spectrum of competition matters. The firm remains a leading reference in the market for complex, high-profile merger control cases before the FCA and EC, and is also frequently active in antitrust investigations and related appeals, and in state aid matters. In addition, the team has a thriving practice in the field of follow-on damages actions, appearing before the French courts on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Didier Théophile, a renowned competition lawyer with particular expertise in the regulated sectors, leads the practice. Guillaume Aubron stands out for his impressive experience in both merger control and behavioural matters, and Constance Bocket, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, is also an up-and-coming practitioner.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei has particularly well-established expertise in antitrust investigations and litigation, with extensive experience of representing clients in proceedings before the French and European competition authorities and the courts (including in complex cases involving both competition and criminal law), as well as in high-profile private antitrust enforcement cases. The team also has excellent credentials in merger control, where the firm is active in cases at the French and European level, foreign subsidies regulation, state aid and distribution law. Philippe Guibert, a highly regarded adviser to a host of major French-based multinationals, leads the practice. Laëtitia Gavoty Tolot and Alexandre Eberhardt are also standout practitioners, particularly for high-profile cartel and abuse of dominance investigations. Sofia El Hariri and Chimène Faurant provide strong support.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is routinely called upon by leading French and international clients from sectors including technology, energy and transport to advise on their most complex and high-profile matters. On the merger control front, the firm stands out for its strong offering at both the national and EU levels, in addition to its expertise in the FDI and FSR aspects of transactions. The team is equally adept at handling major behavioural investigations and subsequent litigation before the competition authorities and courts, including large follow-on damages claims, and state aid proceedings. The practice was strengthened significantly in February 2024 by the addition of Charlotte Colin-Dubuisson, who joined from Linklaters in February 2024 to lead the team alongside the highly regarded Jérôme Philippe. Petya Katsarska, Sofia Bekkali and Sara Gil Garcia are also noted.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. is frequently engaged by leading French-based multinationals from a wide range of sectors, including retail, media, food and beverages, and cosmetics, to handle high-profile mandates. The team has deep expertise in antitrust litigation, assisting clients in sensitive cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and in proceedings before the national and European regulators and courts, and is also commended for its experience in private enforcement cases. Merger control cases – and related FDI and FSR filings – and state aid matters are other key pillars of the practice. Experienced practice heads Emmanuel Reille, Franck Audran, Laura Castex and Dimitri Dimitrov provide comprehensive coverage of EU and competition law, often working closely with the firm’s Brussels office. Elizabeth Gautier, who was promoted to partner in July 2024, and Charles Terdjman are also noted.

Latham & Watkins‘ Paris team remains a leading reference in the market for complex and strategic merger control cases at both French and EU level, with particularly in-depth experience in phase II clearances. In addition, the team is skilled in FDI and, increasingly, FSR filings. On the litigation front, the group features prominently in high-profile cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the EC and FCA, as well as in related appeals before the national courts and in follow-on damages claims. Its impressive client roster includes French and international clients from the telecoms, cosmetics, food and beverages, automotive and media sectors. Jacques-Philippe Gunther, a renowned expert in merger control and antitrust investigations, leads the team with Adrien Giraud and Mathilde Saltiel, both of whom have exceptional records across the spectrum of EU and competition matters.

Acting for a host of leading French and international clients, Linklaters‘ large and versatile team in Paris is able to cover the full range of EU and competition matters. The group, which can also draw upon the experience of the firm’s offices in Brussels and other locations, is skilled in large-scale merger control cases at EU and national level, with growing strength in FSR filings. Its expertise in complex cartel, vertical restraints and abuse of dominance investigations by the French and European regulators, and state aid cases is also well established, while antitrust damages actions are another fast-growing area of activity. Highly regarded practice heads Anne Wachsmann, Pierre Zelenko and Thomas Elkins are mainstays on landmark EU and competition cases in the French market. Nicolas Zacharie and Matthieu Blayney are further names to note.

Specialist boutique Vogel & Vogel fields a sizeable team capable of covering the full scope of competition and distribution law, and can also draw upon extensive national and global networks of ‘best friend’ firms. Its broad client base includes a host of well-known French multinationals, with notable strength in telecoms and other highly regulated sectors. The firm is frequently involved in high-profile antitrust litigation, including cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and appeals before the French courts, as well as follow-on damages claims. The practice also encompasses merger control, state aid issues, and distribution disputes. The renowned Joseph Vogel leads the team, while other key lawyers include distribution specialist Cécile Assémat, Fernanda de Abreu, who focuses on the media and energy sectors, Laurence Boudailliez, and Juliette Blouet, an expert in telecoms and state aid matters.

Acting for an impressive roster of French and international clients, particularly in the technology and banking sectors, White & Case LLP handles a high volume of complex competition mandates. The team has in-depth expertise in high-stakes antitrust cases, representing clients in investigations by the FCA and EC, as well as subsequent litigation, and also has a strong merger control offering, often working alongside the firm’s international offices on large multi-jurisdictional transactions. State aid and distribution law are also areas of strength. Practice head Yann Utzschneider is a well-regarded name for antitrust and distribution litigation. Jérémie Marthan has a broad competition practice which includes advising on FSR matters, and Anouk Clamens, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, has a strong focus on litigation. The deep bench also includes Mickaël Rivollier, Costanza Mussi, Alexandre Martin and Rahel Wendebourg.

A&O Shearman stands out for its impressive record in high-profile behavioural cases at the French and EU levels. The team has significant experience in abuse of dominance and cartel investigations and proceedings before the national and European regulators and courts, representing key players in the banking, technology and energy sectors, among others. In addition, the firm is frequently called upon to handle follow-on damages litigation and merger control cases. The excellent Florence Ninane leads the team, with expertise spanning merger control, antitrust litigation, private enforcement actions and compliance. Roxane Hicheri and Clemence d’Almeida are also key members of the practice.

Ashurst LLP is frequently retained to handle high-stakes matters for leading French-based multinationals, especially in regulated sectors such as energy, transport and media. The team is commended for its deep expertise in state aid, frequently advising on major investigations conducted by the EC, and in complex abuse of dominance cases before the French and EU authorities. Its broad practice also takes in merger control (as well as seeing an uptick in FSR filings), cartel investigations, follow-on damages claims, and regulatory issues. Christophe Lemaire, who is well regarded for his experience in state aid matters in particular, heads the practice. Guillaume Vatin is also a name to note.

Baker McKenzie has an excellent reputation for representing prominent clients in dawn raids by the FCA and EC, and in many of the most complex and sensitive cartel investigations in France. The team is also well versed in complex merger control cases at both the national and European levels (often joining up with the firm’s international offices to obtain clearances for global deals), abuse of dominance investigations, follow-on damages claims, and compliance matters. Léna Sersiron, a highly sought-after advisor on high-stakes antitrust investigations and litigation, leads the practice. Olivia Chriqui-Guiot provides strong support, particularly in merger control and abuse of dominance cases.

Dechert LLP is widely recognised for its prowess in complex, high-stakes antitrust investigations and litigation before the French and EU regulators and courts, recently representing blue-chip clients in some of the most high-profile challenges to fines imposed by the FCA. In addition, the firm frequently assists in dawn raids, follow-on damages claims and merger control cases. The team has a particularly strong presence in the life sciences sector, where practice head Mélanie Thill-Tayara (who also co-leads the global life sciences practice) is a leading reference for antitrust matters. Laurence Bary excels in cartel and abuse of dominance cases. Marion Provost is another key team member.

Specialist competition and regulatory firm Fréget Glaser & Associés fields a sizeable team with standout expertise in complex antitrust litigation and follow-on damages claims. Acting for leading names in the pharmaceutical, digital, TMT and energy sectors, the team has been involved in a series of high-profile abuse of dominance, vertical restraints and cartel investigations and proceedings before the FCA and the French courts. At the head of the practice, Olivier Fréget has a wealth of experience in antitrust litigation in highly regulated sectors, and Liliana Eskenazi focuses on EU law matters. Other key names include Antoine Labaeye and Elsa Thauvin.

Antitrust cases are a key pillar of the practice at Grall & Associés, which is frequently called upon by leading French and international clients to assist them in dawn raids and sensitive, high-profile cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the FCA and EC. The team plays a prominent role in antitrust litigation before France’s highest courts, including complex follow-on damages claims. In addition, the firm stands out for its strong expertise in distribution law and is active in merger control. The highly experienced Jean-Christophe Grall, Charles-Henri Calla, who has wide-ranging competition law experience, Thomas Lamy and Nathalia Kouchnir-Cargill lead the team. Patrice Boulkeroua is also noted.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP houses a strong merger control practice, with excellent experience of advising on notifications for major transactions to the FCA and EC, as well as working alongside the firm’s international offices to handle filings in other jurisdictions. The team also has notable expertise in antitrust investigations and in proceedings before the courts and competition authorities, including in high-profile recent cartel cases. Eric Paroche, whose broad practice takes in merger control and FDI filings, antitrust proceedings and state aid, leads the department. Victor Levy, who is particularly active in antitrust litigation, and Céline Verney are also key members of the team.

Mayer Brown is a strong choice to represent high-profile French and international clients in antitrust investigations, as well as in subsequent appeals and follow-on damages claims before the courts, with an impressive recent record in cartel cases. In particular, the firm stands out for its skill in assisting clients in dawn raids, a field where practice head Nathalie Jalabert-Doury is widely recognised for her expertise. The team is also well versed in merger control cases (and related FDI and FSR filings), state aid and distribution law. Jean-Maxime Blutel, who has a strong all-round competition practice, and Guillaume De Meersman are other notable team members.

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés combines strong advisory and contentious skills to handle high-profile and strategic competition matters at both French and European level. Merger control is a clear area of expertise for the team, which has recently represented a number of leading French-based multinationals before the FCA and EC in relation to complex transactions, while sensitive antitrust investigations and related litigation also make up a significant proportion of the firm’s caseload. Thibault Reymond, an expert practitioner in both merger control and antitrust litigation, and Ning-Ly Seng, who particularly stands out for her strength in high-end merger control cases, lead the practice.

Particularly well known for its strong expertise in state aid, Racine has a comprehensive competition and distribution law offering. The team undertakes a significant volume of merger control cases, including complex phase II proceedings, and is also frequently involved in high-profile antitrust proceedings before the FCA, with notable recent experience in major cases in the technology and advertising sectors. Distribution matters, follow-on damages claims, and FDI and FSR filings are also among its core areas of expertise. Bastien Thomas and Guillaume Fabre, who are recognised for their excellent experience across the board, lead the team with distribution expert Sophie Pasquesoone and Valérie Ledoux.

Led by the experienced Julie Catala Marty, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s competition team covers a broad range of transactional, contentious and compliance mandates. The firm is adept at advising on high-profile merger control matters (and has also seen an uptick in instructions relating to FDI filings) and at representing clients in sensitive antitrust investigations, particularly cartel cases, with further expertise in distribution law. Its client base includes leading French and international names, with a strong emphasis on the media, telecoms, and food and beverage sectors. Remi Beydon provides capable support.

DLA Piper has a strong skill set in sensitive antitrust cases, with extensive experience of assisting clients in dawn raids and in subsequent cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the FCA and EC. The team is also well versed in assisting prominent clients in merger control cases, including transactions involving filings in multiple jurisdictions. The digital, automotive, life sciences and mobility sectors are all key areas of expertise. Edouard Sarrazin, who is particularly expert in antitrust litigation, leads the team. Céline Espesson and Julie Brousseau are also notable contributors.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP stands out for its strong experience in merger control cases, frequently advising major French and international clients on obtaining clearances from the FCA and EC for large and complex transactions. In addition, the team has notable expertise in cases in Francophone Africa, handling filings with the CEMAC Commission. The team is also instructed to handle antitrust investigations and litigation, distribution matters, and competition compliance programmes. Sergio Sorinas, whose expertise spans contentious and non-contentious competition matters, heads the practice. Marie Louvet is also a noted name.

Led by the highly experienced Eric Barbier de la Serre, Jones Day stands out for its strong expertise in competition matters in heavily regulated sectors, particularly energy, telecoms and pharmaceuticals, where the team acts for a host of major French and international clients. The wide-ranging practice covers merger control (including global transactions) and antitrust and state aid litigation before the French and European courts and competition authorities. Eileen Lagathu provides strong support, particularly in matters in the pharmaceutical and renewable energy spheres. Brussels-based Charlotte Breuvart also contributes to the practice.

Magenta‘s competition team is particularly distinguished by its strength in highly regulated sectors, including transport, energy, pharmaceuticals and (most notably) telecoms. The firm strikes a balance between litigation and advisory work, with experience spanning merger control; cartel, abuse of dominance and vertical restraint investigations and related appeals; and private enforcement cases. The team also stands out for its advice on competition law matters in Morocco and French Polynesia. The experienced trio of Sylvain Justier, Vincent Jaunet and Gaël Hichri heads the team, supported by Morgane Silhol.

Norton Rose Fulbright is frequently retained by leading domestic and international companies, particularly in the life sciences sector, to advise on strategic competition matters at French and European level, with additional expertise in competition cases in Morocco. The team is currently representing clients in sensitive investigations into anticompetitive practices and private damages actions, as well as advising on multi-jurisdictional merger control cases and competition compliance. Marta Giner Asins, who also heads the life sciences practice and is a key advisor to many major pharmaceutical companies, leads the team. Arnaud Sanz provides capable support.

Orrick houses a comprehensive set of competition law expertise, spanning merger control, antitrust proceedings before the national courts and competition authority, state aid and EU regulatory issues. The team has a standout recent record of representing French and global clients in high-profile FCA investigations and follow-on damages claims, most notably in the technology and media sectors, as well as in complex merger filings (including in relation to cross-border transactions). Highly regarded practice head Patrick Hubert handles the full spectrum of competition matters. Maxence Jonvel is another key contact.

Paul Hastings LLP has an excellent reputation for handling high-end merger control cases, with a strong emphasis on major cross-border transactions, and is particularly noted for its experience in advising prominent private equity houses. The team also has growing expertise in the field of FDI and FSR notifications. In addition, its impressive caseload includes assisting in high-profile investigations by the FCA. Camille Paulhac leads the practice and is a key advisor to a host of blue-chip clients in sectors including finance and technology.

Demonstrating particular strength in the media, retail and insurance sectors, Reinhart Marville Torre is frequently engaged to represent clients in antitrust investigations and litigation before the competition authorities and commercial courts, with an excellent recent record in high-profile private damages claims. The firm also assists with competition and distribution compliance and is increasingly active in complex merger control cases. Alexandre Rios, who has extensive litigation expertise, leads the team alongside the highly experienced Virginie Viallard, who joined from Viguié Schmidt & Associés in November 2023.

Tactics enjoys a strong reputation for contentious matters, with an excellent recent caseload that includes sensitive antitrust investigations and litigation before the FCA, as well as private enforcement actions before the highest courts. The team is also increasingly active in merger control and FSR clearances, with significant experience of advising on competition matters in French Polynesia, and assists with distribution and competition compliance issues. Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié, who is well regarded for her broad competition and distribution expertise, Thomas Picot and Florent Vever lead the team.

Viguié Schmidt & Associés is known for its high-level expertise in antitrust investigations and related litigation, frequently appearing in significant cartel and abuse of dominance cases before the French and European competition authorities and courts. The team, which represents key players from the energy, media, food and beverages, and construction sectors, among others, also has a notable strong suit in follow-on damages claims and is active in merger control. Practice head Iñaki Saint-Esteben is extremely well regarded for high-profile cartel cases and private competition enforcement actions. Laëtitia Faivre is also noted.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s competition practice has a strong emphasis on merger control, with the team frequently advising on proceedings at both French and European level, as well as notifications to competition authorities around the world in relation to global transactions. The team also has notable expertise on the litigation front, handling cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and private competition enforcement cases. Practice head Romain Ferla has excellent experience in merger control, behavioural investigations and state aid.

Thanks to its high-level expertise in the media, retail and entertainment sectors, Wilhelm & Associés is frequently retained by prominent French multinationals in these fields to advise on high-profile competition matters. The practice has a broad scope, covering French and EU merger control cases,  antitrust litigation and follow-on damages claims, and distribution and franchising issues, with a strong emphasis on distribution-related disputes. Practice head Pascal Wilhelm is particularly noted for his experience in merger control and distribution law. Emilie Dumur is another key contact.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a thriving merger control practice and is routinely called upon by major French and international companies to handle complex cases before the FCA, the EC and the competition authorities of French overseas territories, as well as advising on related FDI and FSR filings. The team is also skilled in antitrust investigations and state aid matters. Practice head Faustine Viala has particularly strong expertise in merger control, especially advising prominent private equity funds. David Kupka, who is based in Brussels, and Maud Boukhris are also noted.

Headed by the experienced Frédéric Manin and Marie Hindré, ADVANT Altana provides thorough coverage of competition and distribution law matters. The team is frequently instructed to advise on French and EU merger control cases (with additional expertise in FDI and FSR filings) and also has robust experience in antitrust litigation, private enforcement cases and distribution-related disputes. Lucie Giret is also a noted contact.

August Debouzy covers a wide spectrum of competition and distribution issues, with major strength in merger control proceedings before the FCA and competition authorities in other jurisdictions. Distribution law, including the establishment of distribution networks and related disputes, is also a core area of expertise for the team, particularly practice co-head Alexandra Berg-Moussa. Co-head Renaud Christol is well versed in merger control and antitrust litigation.

Competition and distribution boutique Borrel d’Arche is known for its excellent litigation skills. In addition to representing clients in high-profile cartel and abuse of dominance cases before the FCA, the firm is frequently called upon to handle disputes relating to unfair competition and distribution contracts. Led by Laurence Borrel-Prat and Quitterie d’Arche, the team represents French and international clients, with a notable strong suit in the agri-food industry.

CMS Francis Lefebvre houses a broad competition practice which covers both advisory and contentious matters. The team advises on a steady stream of merger control cases, with growing expertise in related FDI and FSR filings, while other notable areas of strength include state aid and distribution matters. Denis Redon, distribution specialist Nathalie Pétrignet and Claire Vannini, who focuses on state aid and EU regulatory matters. Vincent Lorieul and Eleni Moraïtou are also noted.

Dentons combines solid competition and distribution expertise, advising on significant merger control cases before the French, European and Moroccan competition authorities, FDI clearances, and high-profile cartel investigations and litigation, in addition to distribution strategies, compliance and related disputes. Practice head Emmanuelle van den Broucke routinely advises major clients in the life sciences, food and luxury goods sectors. Margaux Serra is also noted.

Led by the capable Philippe Bonnet, Deprez Guignot Associés has a strong profile in the retail, media and digital sectors, acting for a number of major players in the French market. The team is skilled in merger control, cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, follow-on damages claims, and distribution law, with niche expertise in cases at the intersection of IP and competition law.

FIDAL has deep resources in the competition and distribution arena, fielding a sizeable team from offices across France (and in Brussels). The team is experienced in assisting clients in dawn raids and antitrust proceedings before the FCA and the national courts, in addition to advising on merger control and competition compliance. The structuring of distribution networks and negotiation of distribution agreements are other core areas of expertise.

HW&H occupies a niche space in the market, with a strong emphasis on advising German companies and their French subsidiaries, and vice versa. The firm is particularly active in distribution matters, including the negotiation of distribution agreements and related disputes, but the practice also extends to antitrust investigations and litigation and merger control. Dominique Heintz and Maria Bagate head the practice.

Jeantet is noted for its robust litigation expertise, with experience of representing clients in significant cartel and abuse of dominance investigations and proceedings before the FCA and the national courts, as well as in private damages claims and distribution-related disputes. The team also has strong merger control capabilities. Florent Prunet oversees the practice, while Clarisse Moreno is also a name to note.

Joffe & Associés is able to cover a wide spectrum of competition and distribution matters, with a particularly strong reputation for merger control cases (and related FSR issues). The practice also spans antitrust investigations and litigation before the FCA and the national courts, follow-on damages claims, and competition compliance matters. The team is headed by Olivier Cavézian, whose all-round practice takes in merger control, antitrust litigation and distribution issues.

Under the leadership of Romain Maulin, boutique firm Maulin Avocats stands out for its strong record in antitrust litigation, representing clients in complex cartel, vertical restraints and abuse of dominance cases before the FCA and the French courts. The team, which counts well-known French multinationals and international corporations among its clients, also advises on merger control, distribution matters and competition compliance.

Led by the well-regarded Frédéric Pradelles, McDermott Will & Emery AARPI has prominent expertise in the field of antitrust investigations, with recent experience of representing clients in cartel and abuse of dominance cases before the FCA and the national courts. On the merger control front, the firm has a strong emphasis on advising private equity firms on cases at French and EU levels.

Acting for prominent names in the retail, media, telecoms and energy sectors, boutique firm Niddam-Drouas Avocats enjoys a strong reputation for antitrust litigation. The team is highly involved in cartel and abuse of dominance cases before the FCA and EC, as well as in high-profile follow-on damages claims before the national courts. Practice head Marie de Drouas is also skilled in merger control and FSR matters.

Osborne Clarke brings together solid expertise in competition and distribution law to assist clients with antitrust investigations and proceedings before the FCA, merger control cases, competition compliance, and the management and negotiation of distribution contracts (including related disputes). Alexandre Glatz leads the team, which has particular strength in the technology, retail, cosmetics and food sectors. Thibaut Marcerou is also noted.

Reed Smith is particularly skilled in litigation, with a client base that includes prominent companies in the agriculture, pharmaceutical, digital and e-commerce sectors, among others. The firm represents clients in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations by the French and European competition authorities, and appeals before the national courts, with further strength in private enforcement cases. Marc Lévy and Natasha Tardif, who also assist with compliance and distribution matters, lead the team.

Competition and distribution law boutique Cabinet Renaudier is a strong choice for prominent companies in the retail and agriculture sectors, in particular. The firm is well versed in advising on the clearance of mergers and purchasing alliances, and on antitrust investigations by the FCA. Distribution law, including disputes over commercial agreements, is also a core area of expertise. The highly experienced Richard Renaudier leads the practice.

Simmons & Simmons has a strong focus on advising clients in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, and is particularly noted for its excellent distribution law practice, assisting with the negotiation of contracts and structuring of selective distribution networks. It also routinely assists with merger control and FDI clearances. The experienced Ombline Ancelin leads the firm’s cross-border competition group, while Florent Barbu provides capable support.

UGGC Avocats‘ competition team has notable strength in state aid and EU regulatory issues, working closely with the firm’s public law practice, and is also well versed in distribution matters, merger control (particularly cases before the Moroccan Competition Authority) and antitrust investigations. Corinne Khayat and Michel Ponsard oversee the team, while Maïja Brossard, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, and Malka Marcinkowski are other key contacts.

Addleshaw Goddard acts for leading French and international companies in the transport, energy, retail and finance sectors, among others, with a broad practice that spans merger control, antitrust investigations, follow-on damages claims and distribution law. Practice head Michaël Cousin is experienced in high-profile competition matters at French and European levels.

APG is well regarded for its expertise in distribution law, counting one of France’s leading retailers among its clients. In line with the firm’s signature strength in litigation, the team is frequently active in antitrust proceedings and distribution-related disputes. The experienced Gilbert Parleani and Olivier Parleani lead the practice.

Aramis has robust experience in a wide range of competition matters. The team routinely advises on merger control, state aid and distribution matters and is also involved in high-profile antitrust litigation and follow-on damages claims. Pierre Galmiche, who was promoted to partner in December 2023, leads the practice.

Antitrust litigation before the FCA and the French courts is the forte of Bird & Bird, which frequently represents clients in sensitive investigations and subsequent proceedings. The team also advises on merger control, competition compliance and distribution law. Practice head Thomas Oster is routinely called upon to advise major international corporations.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés‘ practice has a wide scope, taking in antitrust investigations, follow-on damages claims and merger control, in addition to demonstrating strength in state aid and distribution law. Matthieu Dary and Thierry Titone are skilled in competition and distribution matters, while Agnès Macaire focuses on state aid issues.

Strong in the retail sector, Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP is particularly active in distribution matters, including advising global clients on their distribution contracts and networks, and handling related disputes. The team is also well versed in merger control and competition compliance. Practice head Dan Roskis covers the full range of competition issues.

The Fieldfisher team has solid experience in distribution law and EU regulatory issues, as well as in representing clients in dawn raids and investigations by the French and European competition authorities. The practice is led by Anne-Laure-Hélène Des Ylouses, who has strong skills in regulatory and compliance matters.

FTPA's EU and competition team was significantly strengthened in early 2025 with the additions of former Orrick partner Malik Idri, who has a stellar record in cartel and abuse of dominance litigation before the FCA and the EC, and Mathieu Relange, who brings strong experience to the table from his previous role at the FCA.

Competition compliance matters are a clear strong suit of the team at KPMG Avocats, France, which is also well versed in merger control and FSR notifications, EU regulatory issues, and distribution law, with an emphasis on the retail and automotive sectors. The firm also offers a new digital tool to assist clients in complying with FSR requirements. Virginie Carvalho and Jean-Marc Tchernonog lead the practice.

LPA Law significantly expanded its practice with the arrival of Marco Plankensteiner from Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP in November 2023, combining his competition law expertise with the strong distribution practice led by Stephan Lesage-Mathieu and Xavier Clédat. The practice is now capable of covering antitrust investigations and follow-on damages claims, as well as merger control and FSR matters.

Mermoz Avocats

Osmose‘s practice is primarily geared towards distribution law, with a strong emphasis on the food and beverages and consumer goods sectors. The team advises major French and international clients on their distribution networks and agreements, as well as on contentious matters. Mélanie Comert is the name to note.

Established in January 2024, Rive Gauche Avocats has significant strengths in advising on competition compliance programmes and distribution contracts and related litigation, but its practice also extends to antitrust investigations and merger control cases. Emmanuel Tricot, who co-founded the firm after leaving KPMG Avocats, France, is the name to note.