Antitrust Compliance group


Over the last few years antitrust authorities have taken action to step up the fight against national, European and worldwide cartels. The Dutch antitrust authority, the European Commission and the US Department of Justice have qualified hardcore cartels involving price-fixing, as a number one priority. These authorities seek very high fines and encourage private action for damages by third parties. In addition, the US Department of Justice pursues criminal sanctions like jail sentences, for individuals involved in cartels.

Corporations that become the subject of national or multi-jurisdictional investigations need to develop a co-ordinated cross-border strategy, retaining legal advice on various topics:

  • Antitrust law in general and on how to defend themselves in the cartel enforcement proceedings vis-à-vis the relevant antitrust authorities in particular.
  • How to prepare for the increasing risk of being held liable for damages claimed by third parties in litigation. Private enforcement through the filing of damages claims is prevalent in the United States and on the rise in the European Union and its member states including the Netherlands.
  • The possible repercussions of an investigation on corporate governance and labour law aspects of (the results of) an investigation into a possible cartel.
  • Criminal law: various states have introduced or are contemplating to introduce legislation that makes participation in cartels a criminal offence.

Our Antitrust Compliance group consists of various experts (cartel, criminal and commercial litigation and labour law specialists) that work together in antitrust cases as one cohesive team. The members of this group are based both in Amsterdam and Brussels and have particular expertise in both national and international cartel cases. They not only have excellent skills required to succeed before the Dutch and Luxembourg courts, but they are also fully aware of the demands of the international environment in which they operate.