EU & Competition

Being competitive and avoiding anti-competitive behaviour is becoming increasingly important. Our team of experienced experts provides all types of competition law and regulatory advice so that you can navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Competition law advice

Compliance

Infringements of the Swedish Competition Act or the EU competition rules can have serious consequences. Companies that participate in cartels, abuse a dominant position, or tie their customers too tightly risk heavy fines, damages, exclusion from procurement processes, and reputational harm.
Handled correctly, the competition rules can instead be used as a tool for business development and risk management. We work with you to develop solutions and strategies that are both practical and commercially viable.

Our services include:

• Tailored training and guidelines
  We provide customised training for boards, management, and staff, along with internal guidelines, policies and dawn raid manuals.
• Risk assessments for agreements and cooperative arrangements
  We review and analyse competition law risks arising from various forms of cooperation, including competitor collaborations, distribution agreements, licensing arrangements, and other commercial contracts. We also support negotiations and drafting to ensure compliance while protecting and maximising the commercial value of your agreements.
• Strategic use of competition law – in agreements and interactions with other actors
  We help you leverage competition law as a strategic tool in negotiations, due diligence, or when new opportunities arise. We conduct reviews of collaborations with competitors, suppliers, distributors and other stakeholders, covering pricing models, exclusivity, joint production, procurement bids, and more.

Support during investigations and contacts with competition authorities

Being investigated by the Swedish Competition Authority or the European Commission can be both business-critical and resource-intensive. Missteps at this stage can have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences. With long-standing experience and deep insight into how authorities work, we guide you through the process effectively.

We assist with:

• Cartel and leniency guidance
  If your company suspects involvement in a cartel or other unlawful coordination with competitors, swift and strategic action is critical. Timely submission of a leniency application can result in substantial cost savings, reduced fines, or even full immunity. Leveraging our extensive experience, we guide you through this complex process to minimise risks and safeguard your long-term business interests.
• Support during dawn raids
  In the event of an unannounced inspection by the Swedish Competition Authority or the European Commission, there is no room for error. We act quickly, are available at short notice, and support you either on-site or remotely, focusing on protecting your rights and handling authority contact correctly from the outset.
• Strategic advice during the investigation
  We analyse both the legal and factual aspects of each case and guide you throughout the investigation. Our team safeguards your interests, manages information requests, and ensures that all communication with authorities is handled correctly, both legally and strategically. Acting as your trusted partner at every step, we combine pragmatism with strong advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Negotiations and measures in case of alleged infringements
  If authorities allege an infringement, we support you in commitment discussions and potential appeals. Our goal is to minimise the risk of sanctions and, where possible, have the case dismissed, a result we have successfully achieved in numerous matters.

Merger Filings

When acquiring companies or setting up joint ventures, it is crucial to identify and manage regulatory risks early. We offer comprehensive support throughout the transaction process; from strategic analysis before a transaction to authority contacts, notifications, and any discussions regarding commitments or appeals. We work closely both with our clients and with other advisers to ensure that the transaction is carried out efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

• Competition law assessments and notifications
  We assess whether a transaction—such as an acquisition or joint venture—requires notification and manage the entire process with the Swedish Competition Authority or the European Commission, from pre-notification consultations through to the final decision.
• Review under FDI legislation (foreign direct investment)
  We help you determine whether an acquisition falls under the Swedish FDI regime and conduct related risk assessments. We also assist with preparing and submitting notifications to the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP).
• Advice regarding the Protective Security Act
  For acquisitions involving security-sensitive activities, we assist with assessments under the Protective Security Act. We guide you in managing security protection agreements, consultations with the Security Service or Armed Forces, and other requirements that may impact the transaction’s execution.
• Notification under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)
  We assist with assessments and notifications under the EU rules on foreign subsidies, which may apply in acquisitions involving state aid from outside the EU. The regulation is complex, and we ensure that your company acts timely and correctly.
• Coordination and management of cross border transactions
  Transactions are sometimes notifiable in multiple jurisdictions. With our broad network of international law firms, we help you efficiently manage the process abroad as well. We take overall responsibility for a smooth process.

Competition Law Disputes and Litigation

When competition law matters escalate to disputes, such as damages claims, appeals against authority decisions, or civil contract issues, specialized legal expertise and litigation experience are essential. We represent clients in competition law cases before general courts, administrative courts, and arbitration forums, both in Sweden and at the EU level. By combining deep knowledge of competition rules with practical litigation experience and a strong business focus, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, regardless of the forum.

We have experience in handling complex cases concerning, among others:

• Competition fines
• Competition damages
• Merger prohibitions
• Disputes where competition law serves as a defence or strategic element

EU Law Advice – Beyond Competition Law

In addition to our competition law expertise, our team provides qualified advice across key areas of EU law. Given the impact of EU law on the Swedish legal system, EU rules often apply in business contexts—sometimes creating opportunities, sometimes posing risks. We help clients prevent legal issues, navigate regulatory changes, and address matters from an EU perspective, always with a focus on business benefits and long-term compliance.

• EU state aid rules
  We assist clients in assessing aid schemes and individual support measures, including notification requirements and potential recovery risks. Our support extends to aid providers, recipients, and competitors who may wish to challenge aid. We also represent clients in proceedings before the European Commission and national courts.
• Unfair trading practices in the food supply chain (UTP/LOH)
  We provide strategic and practical advice on compliance with the Swedish Act on Unfair Trading Practices, based on the EU UTP Directive. We mainly assist suppliers but sometimes also buyers with contract terms, negotiations, supervision by the Swedish Competition Authority, and disputes relating to loyalty and fairness requirements in the food supply chain.
• Free movement
  We assist clients with issues related to trade barriers, freedom of establishment, and non-discrimination within the internal market. Our support often includes navigating national rules on permits or other market restrictions that may intersect with EU law.
  • Fundamental rights
  Both the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights protect companies against disproportionate or abusive public measures. We assist clients in navigating these legal frameworks in cases involving proportionality, legal certainty, non-discrimination, and protection of individual rights—particularly when public measures or legislation are challenged under EU law.
  • Sanctions
  EU sanctions against Russia and other countries place significant obligations on companies to comply with complex regulations. Our experts help you navigate these rules, from conducting risk assessments and ensuring compliance to managing sanctions in international business transactions. With our support, you can operate confidently while avoiding severe legal and financial consequences.

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