Competition & antitrust
August 2025 | SPECIAL REPORT: COMPETITION & ANTITRUST
Financier Worldwide Magazine
August 2025 Issue
Q&A: Navigating dynamic competition in merger control
The geopolitical climate, including issues related to tariffs, national champions and economic growth and investment, as well as potential concerns related to new technologies, are driving considerable debate and evolving approaches regarding merger control. FW discusses dynamic competition in merger control with David Cardwell at Baker Botts, Logan Breed at Hogan Lovells and Ian Giles at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP.
Shifting gears: a new approach to merger control policy in the UK and US
Proskauer Since their elections in 2024, Donald Trump’s and Keir Starmer’s respective governments have made clear their intention to foster a more pro‑business regulatory environment and have engaged their respective competition agencies in this agenda.
No deal too small: navigating US and EU scrutiny of below-threshold deals
Baker Botts LLP Antitrust regulators in both the US and the European Union are paying closer attention to deals that do not meet traditional notification thresholds for pre-closing review. This increased focus stems from concerns that certain transactions might be harming competition and innovation without adequate review.
Dechert (Paris) LLP Over the past decade, competition authorities in Europe, led by the EC, have identified what they perceive as a growing ‘enforcement gap’ in the EU merger control system.
US, UK and EU decisions buoy antitrust cartel enforcement in labour markets
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Antitrust agencies have committed to bringing cartel enforcement to labour markets and, at this stage, have shown an ability to prevail.
Antitrust and information exchange: navigating without a safe harbour
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP The level of risk associated with information sharing, particularly when done through a reputable trade association or commercially available software, surprises many business people.
The strategic shift in private enforcement of Canada’s competition laws
McCarthy Tétrault LLP The amendments to Canada’s private application regime in Bill C-59, that came into force on 20 June 2025, represent a significant change in policy regarding the enforcement of the Competition Act’s civil provisions at the legislative level.
Legitimate cooperation vs anticompetitive agreements – ‘Green Deal’ or ‘Green Cartel’?
Gleiss Lutz Hootz Hirsch PartmbB Sustainability aspects have become parameters of competition along with price, quality and availability, which is bringing them into the realm of competition law and regulation.
Priorities of the Belgian Competition Authority for 2025: an ambitious programme
CMS Belgium The new managing board and additional financial resources have heralded a new era for the BCA. In that respect, its annual communication on policy priorities for 2025 sets very high concrete objectives in terms of projects and strategic actions.
Without a requirement of law there is no exemption for cartel activity that is just encouraged by a regulator or government. There will continue to be difficulties in distinguishing between legitimate cooperation on procurement and a purchasing cartel. FW discusses cartel enforcement with Matthew Hall at McGuire Woods.
CONTRIBUTORS
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP
Baker Botts
CMS Belgium
Dechert (Paris) LLP
Gleiss Lutz Hootz Hirsch PartmbB
Hogan Lovells
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
McGuire Woods
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Proskauer
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP