Horizontal agreements

Working with competitors can create real value – if you steer clear of the legal pitfalls. We will guide you on how to structure cooperation with other players in your market.

• joint venture agreements
• specialisation, production, purchasing and commercialisation agreements
• sustainability agreements
• standardisation agreements
• non-disclosure and clean team agreements, including information barrier protocols

Vertical agreements

You know your product and services better than anybody else. But how they reach the market matters. We design and manage distribution models that comply with competition rules, including for dominant companies. Add to that: the Distribution Law Center, a leading international knowledge hub, driven by contrast.

• distribution strategies
• exclusive and selective networks
• agency and franchising
• e-commerce and platform agreements
• motor vehicle distribution

Cartels and abuse of dominant position

If you discover irregularities or your company comes under investigation or faces allegations, we stand by you from start to finish. Both before national and EU authorities.

• request for information
• dawn raids
• leniency
• complaints and interim measures

Merger control

Your mergers and acquisitions deserve legal certainty. Otherwise, clearance can stand in the way of your timing or deal value. We act as the central point of contact for notifying transactions to national and EU authorities.

• early merger analysis
• risk management
• coordination in multiple jurisdictions

Foreign direct investment

Every cross-border investor learns about the complexity of foreign investment legislation – sometimes the hard way. That is why preparation is key. Early on, you need to know which filings are required when. We will confidently steer you through.

• screening analysis and risk assessment
• mandatory filings and notifications
• clearance planning and timeline management
• mitigation measures and remedies
• coordination with M&A and merger control

Foreign subsidies

Count on our team’s expertise to answer any questions you may have under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation, and to assist you in:

• assessing your obligations under the FSR
• dealing with FSR requirements in concentrations and public procurement
• preparing FSR notifications or declarations

State aid

Public funding and government support creates opportunities, but it also invites scrutiny. Over the years, contrast has guided both public and private clients through compliance, enforcement, and strategic use of State aid.

• notifications to the European Commission
• advice on designing compliant aid measures
• defence in State aid investigations
• appeals before EU Courts in State aid cases
• litigation in national courts for recovery of unlawful aid

EU law

European legislation is becoming more complex all the time – expanding, tightening and evolving at speed. We help clients navigate that complexity with clear advice and effective representation before the national and EU authorities and courts when it matters most.

• free movement of goods and services
• EU product legislation and CE marking
• regulatory disputes

Competition & EU law litigation

High-stakes litigation calls for more than technical expertise — it demands conviction. We defend your case before the national and EU authorities and courts, pursuing and defending competition claims at every level.

• proceedings before national and EU courts
• investigations by national and EU competition authorities
• interim relief proceedings
• competition damages claims and defence

Competition compliance

When people hear the word ‘cartel’, they may think of scenes from a film. In reality, competition law infringements are usually much less dramatic and often result from well-intentioned employees making the wrong call. This is why prevention matters.

• risk mapping and compliance audits
• clear policies and guidelines
• practical training and awareness programs
• dawn raid simulations and response planning
• ongoing monitoring and support