Introduction
Our practice covers the complete spectrum of Hungarian and European competition and trade law. We have particular expertise in European and Hungarian antitrust law as well as in merger control related issues.
We are able to provide practical legal advice and assistance during the whole course of a competition investigation by the competent authorities, including in respect of a “dawn raid” and any subsequent court proceedings. Oppenheim’s competition team is able to provide merger control advice at all stages of a transaction. We are regularly involved at the planning and due diligence stage of a transaction, during the course of contractual negotiations and subsequently in respect of the filing of any notifications with any competent authorities. We are able to identify and advise upon any merger control related issues at a very early stage of a transaction. This enables all potential issues to be clearly identified, appropriately dealt with and any risks to be fairly distributed among the parties involved.
Oppenheim also assists its clients in legal disputes concerning trademark infringements, unfair competition / passing-off, misleading of consumers and the abuse of significant market power (a statutory prohibition applicable to a number of network industries and also in the general food and non-food retail sector). We frequently represent clients in relation to private enforcement proceedings. Oppenheim also advises on a wide range of state aid matters including investment grants, restructuring aid, state aid aspects of privatisation of state owned companies and state aid to undertakings providing a service of general economic interest.
Services
The central tenet of our business philosophy is prevention. Oppenheim provides day-to-day competition law assistance enabling our clients to evaluate all legal risks relating to any planned business decisions.
Our credo is to avoid formalistic legal advice. We are keen to understand the business our clients carry out, whatever its nature. We propose solutions to legal issues after careful consideration of the underlying business environment with a view to achieving the right balance in terms of risk management. Oppenheim has also developed a rigorous competition law training/compliance program. As a result of this, we believe that competition law risks inherent in the operation of any significant company may be effectively managed and investigations averted.
Team
Awards and rankings
Chambers Europe
Chambers Europe – selecting Oppenheim as a Band 1 firm in the competition sector consistently every year since 2008 – noted:
“This competition powerhouse has an outstanding reputation for handling high-profile matters. The market-leading team advises national and international clients on compliance, merger control, cartel matters and litigation. […]
Sources say: "It handles matters with optimum competence and flexibility, and a thoroughness manifested in its clearly written materials." "Excellent teamwork with flawless availability and partner involvement."
Sources regard practice head Gábor Fejes as a market leader and an academic authority on Hungarian competition law. Impressed clients note Fejes's "huge professional preparedness and excellent oral and written communication." Zoltán Marosi is commended for his successful track record in cartel and public procurement matters. Clients appreciate his presentation skills and high level of professionalism.”
Legal500
Oppenheim has been ranked as a Tier 1 firm by Legal500 consistently every year since 2008:
Oppenheim “client-oriented’ practice operates with ‘maximum competence, thoroughness and flexibility’. […] This ‘pragmatic and business-minded’ team has also handled state aid complaints, private enforcement litigation and the development of compliance programmes.”
Global Competition Review
Oppenheim was ranked as “elite” by Global Competition Review among the Hungarian competition practices
Practical Law Company 2012 Which Lawyer - Oppenheim – Competition/Antitrust: Leading law firm; recommended individuals: Gábor Fejes, Zoltán Marosi
Acquisition International M&A Award 2012 - Competition Law Firm of the Year: Hungary
DealMakers Law Award Winner 2012 - Law Firm of the Year: Competition
Corporate Intl Magazine 2012 Legal Award - Competition Law Firm of the Year in Hungary
2013 Global Law Experts Practice Area Awards - Anti-Monopoly Law Firm of the Year in Hungary