Linklaters has announced the appointment of Bernd Meyring, partner in the firm’s Brussels office, as its new Global Practice Head of Antitrust & Foreign Investment. This practice, renowned for its global reputation in merger-control, competition, foreign investment, competition litigation and cartel work, further strengthens its Tier 1 standing with this appointment.
Bernd has an impressive track record advising major national and international corporates, banks and institutions on all areas of competition and foreign direct investment laws, principally merger and anti-cartel related proceedings before the European Commission and national authorities, as well as unilateral conduct and state aid matters. Bernd has litigated in the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union in well over 100 cases. He has deep sector expertise across the technology, digital and automotive space which has seen him as chosen counsel on some of the most high profile deals and cases, including some of the world’s largest mergers (Linde/Praxair, ABInbev/SABMiller, Ahold/Delhaize, Ball/Rexam) and investigations (European Government Bonds, Google/Shopping, Cathode Ray Tubes, Car Glass, Bananas), including ones under the EU’s new Digital Markets Act.
Simon Branigan, partner and Global Head of Linklaters’ Corporate Division:
“Bernd is a market leader. With his proven ability to advise clients on their most complex and novel global transactions, I have no doubt that the global practice will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
“As the antitrust and foreign investment landscape becomes more complex, authorities and regulators are broadening their reach and adopting a more proactive approach, particularly in sensitive sectors such as Technology, and given the cost-of-living crisis move into enforcement mode in “traditional” industries which touch everyday consumers’ lives and so the importance of having top-tier talent to tackle these sophisticated issues cannot be overstated. It’s an exciting time for the practice, which has consistently ranked as Band 1 in recent years, as we have a global bench of incredible talent as well as new talent coming through the ranks ensuring we continue to meet growing demand from the world’s leading corporates, banks and financial sponsors.”
Linklaters’ global Antitrust & Foreign Investment practice operates at the very top of the market and is led by senior individuals around the globe who have unparalleled expertise in advising clients on the most complex, “bet the farm” cases in front of the regulators and authorities. Many of the firm’s senior lawyers within the practice are regulatory alumni having spent time at various regulators including the European Commission, ensuring the firm has strong relationships and be in the best position to advise clients on these matters. The global practice is made up of over 230 lawyers, including over 35 partners, in 14 offices.
The practice is ranked globally as ‘Band 1’ in Chambers 2023 and Elite in Global Competition Review for its merger control, litigation, and cartel work. It has seen ambitious growth globally as the firm continues to invest in its impressive bench of practitioners, evidenced by the 9 partner and counsel promotions in 2023 (including at Zhao Sheng Law Firm, Linklaters’ joint operation firm in China), and the recent arrival of Bruce Kilpatrick.
