The specific characteristics and the constant changes in regulations require a responsive team that is capable of handling all economic law issues, in particular those relating to competition and international trade.

Gide relies on the best practitioners in these fields, i.e. over 70 lawyers in its Paris, Brussels, Central and Eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia offices who are dedicated to this area of law. Our teams demonstrate perfect knowledge of the local legal, economic and political contexts and are in constant direct contact with national and European authorities. In those countries in which Gide has no physical presence, our teams work hand-in-hand with leading local law firms (in particular firms that are members of the Alliance and the Lex Mundi networks).

Thanks to its specialists in economic law, Gide is in a position to offer the most suitable response to the often complex issues its clients encounter when developing their business (antitrust, merger control, European control of state aid, state monopolies and deregulation, international trade, distribution law, consumer and advertising law, whether on a local, European or international level). Our teams’ extensive know-how, both in litigation and in an advisory capacity, enables them to offer practical, bespoke and innovative solutions to their clients.

We regularly act in arbitrations, before national and European competition authorities, and before national, European and international courts, and assist our clients in investigations by regulators.

Our steady experience in the field has led us to advise a number of prominent companies in a variety of sectors, such as financial services, transport, telecommunications, distribution, luxury goods, energy, media and the agro-foods industry. We have also developed in-depth knowledge of the specifics pertaining to these activities, and the related sector regulation.

Our main areas of expertise are:   

• Antitrust
• Merger Control
• European Control of State Aid
• Compliance & Risk Management
• International Trade
• Community Law and Regulatory Affairs
• State Monopolies & Deregulation
• Distribution, Consumer and Advertising Law

Advises transport, telecommunications, and oil and gas sector clients on merger control issues arising from planned corporate transactions. Assists third parties with interventions in EU merger investigations. Represents complainants and defendants in abuse of dominance investigations and in CJEU appeals of subsequent infringement decisions. Also acts on state aid cases for clients in the energy and gaming industries. Particularly active for French and Polish clients before both national and EU authorities.

Chambers Global 2021

Solid experience in contentious matters, often advising clients on litigation and investigations before the French Competition Authority, national courts and European institutions, including private enforcement actions. Covers cartels, abuse of dominant position and merger control mandates, as well as distribution issues. Solid client base includes household names spanning a range of industry sectors such as transport, cosmetics and retail. Clients enthuse: 'Gide has an impressive team with top lawyers in each field: antitrust, merger control and state aid, both in Paris and Brussels.' Another impressed source highlights the firm's business-oriented approach to competition matters, praising in particular its 'pragmatism and responsiveness.'
Chambers Europe 2019

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I's team is 'well connected, experienced and versatile when it comes to advising on a broad range of EU competition law issues'. It is involved in a number of matters that are at the top of the European agenda, as is illustrated by the fact that Laurent Godfroid and counsel Ségolène Pelsy acted for Twenga as a complainant in the EC's investigation into Google's alleged abuse of dominance in general internet search by giving an illegal advantage to its comparison shopping service. Also notable is that Benoît Le Bret, Stéphane Hautbourg and associate Corinne Rydzynski are representing Engie at the General Court in an appeal of the EC's decision that Luxembourg's tax treatment of GDF Suez (now Engie) gave it an unfair advantage over other companies, in breach of EU state aid rules. Olivier Prost is another key figure in the group, which also counts Uber, Avril Group, KKR and Total as key clients.
Legal 500 EMEA 2019 | Belgium

The competition and European law team at Gide Loyrette Nouel consists of experts such as Antoine Choffel, Emmanuel Reille and Dimitri Dimitrov, and is currently advising Les Mousquetaires on the merger clearance aspects of its acquisition of do-it-yourself retailer Bricorama. In other highlights, Choffel is representing Drouot before the FCA in abuse of dominant position and cartel proceedings following a complaint filed by the Figaro company in 2012, and L'Oréal appointed the group to assist with a damage claim filed by Carrefour following the FCA's decision to fine the client on the grounds of its role in the hygiene and personal care sector. On the distribution front, Franck Audran - who was recently promoted to partner - is handling Caudalie's claim against Enova pertaining to the right of a selective brand to prohibit the resale of its products through third-party platforms. Counsel Laura Castex is also a name to note and is currently supporting Choffel in his work for Iveco. Other key clients include Petit Bateau, SNCF and Clarins.
Legal 500 EMEA 2019 | France