Competition, EU, and international trade law impacts businesses and organisations. Whether entering into supply or distribution agreements, engaging in mergers or acquisitions, participating in public procurement, or navigating international trade and investment, understanding and complying with these intricate legal frameworks are crucial. Experienced legal counsel is essential to successfully navigate these complexities, optimise opportunities, mitigate risks, and strategically structure business operations and contracts to enter new markets while avoiding substantial fines and damages. 

Our seasoned Competition, EU, and Trade lawyers at Spencer West possess extensive experience in cross-border business dealings, including representation before regulatory bodies. Providing strategic and practical advice, our legal team addresses issues related to free movement and internal market regulations, public procurement, state aid, export controls, import relief, sanctions, anti-money laundering, and anti-corruption compliance. With a presence across Europe and internationally, we deliver a seamless legal service that transcends borders. 

What we advise on
  • competition and anti-trust advisory work including preparing cartel and abuse of dominance proceedings, compliance programmes, handling investigations and disputes before national and EU Courts
  • merger control filings
  • anti-trust issues in commercial and services agreements
  • state aid procedures
  • anti-money-laundering and anti-corruption compliance and advisory work
Who we work with
  • Cross-border businesses   
  • Public procurement authorities  
  • International trade organisations  
  • Financial services providers  
  • Technology, Media and Telecoms businesses  
  • Pharmaceutical companies  
  • Energy and natural resources companies  
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)  
  • Educational institutions 
Specialist Expertise

At Spencer West, our lawyers are highly skilled collaborators, often forming cross-functional teams to provide tailored expertise for each client’s unique needs. Our Competition, EU, and International Trade lawyers collaborate with other legal practices, including Corporate, M&A, IP, and Dispute Resolution. Additionally, the team holds longstanding expertise in specific sectors, contributing to our sector-focused groups. 

  • TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, AND TELECOMS 

Our Technology, Media, and Telecoms (TMT) team, with broad sector expertise, offers dynamic and incisive business advice in the face of ongoing digitalisation, convergence, and disruption. Operating within the realm of Competition, EU, and International Trade Law, the TMT team supports clients as they innovate, diversify traditional business models, and navigate legal and regulatory challenges. With strategic, flexible, and responsive solutions, we assist clients in pursuing opportunities and mitigating risks in Europe and worldwide. 

For more information on our TMT sector, please see here. 

  • COMMERCIAL 

As an integral part of our Commercial team, our Competition, EU, and International Trade Law specialists, particularly in agency and distribution, provide technical excellence and experience to navigate nuanced requirements. Our Commercial lawyers, experienced across various sectors, excel in online agreements, drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on general terms and conditions, and conducting risk reviews. With a deep understanding of the wider commercial context, derived from advising diverse businesses over many years, our team brings business wisdom and foresight to every transaction. 

For more information on our Commercial team, please see here. 

  • FINANCIAL SERVICES 

In the intersection of Banking and Finance and Competition, EU, and International Trade Law, our lawyers collaborate closely to form a sector focus group. This collaboration ensures personalised solutions for businesses, aligning financial aspects with regulatory requirements. Areas such as mergers and acquisitions, antitrust considerations, state aid rules, and cross-border transactions are addressed comprehensively through this holistic and collaborative approach. 

For more information on our Banking and Finance team, please see here. 

Meet our team

Sonya Bedford MBE
Partner– Energy
Robert Bell
Partner - Competition & Regulatory
Richard Eccles
Partner - Competition Law
Gerallt Owen
Gerallt Owen
Partner - Investigations, Regulatory and Corporate crime
Marc Picat
Partner – EU & Competition Law - Commercial
Eusebio Pujol
Partner - Corporate and Commercial; M&A; Real Estate