Your partner in competition & regulation

What does competition & regulation mean?

Competition & regulation refers to the rules and regulations that govern competition between companies. This legislation applies to virtually all sectors of the economy and aims to ensure fair competition and prevent the abuse of power. Competition & regulation includes the prohibition of cartels, abuse of economic power, merger control, state aid, and procurement law.

What is our experience in competition & regulation?

We have a specialised Competition & Regulation section with experts who have gained extensive experience in Brussels, The Hague, and Amsterdam. Our dedicated team provides high-quality legal services with a practical and results-oriented approach. We have handled successful cases involving cartels, abuse of dominance, mergers, state aid investigations, and procurement disputes in various sectors such as the food industry, automotive, IT, construction, real estate, and sports. We also have extensive experience in drafting commercial contracts, such as distribution, franchise, and agency agreements.

Our expertise includes:

• Cartels and abuse of economic dominance;
• Merger control;
• State aid;
• Compliance issues and regulatory raids;
• Market & government (competing with the government);
• Follow-on cartel damages claims;
• Procurement law;
• Distribution, franchise, and agency agreements.

We continuously invest in keeping our legal knowledge up to date and stay abreast of current market developments. This knowledge enables us to provide pragmatic and strategic advice, keeping your business on track. A good example of this is our tailored compliance programmes.

In addition, we are the Dutch partner of the unique European network of 27 specialised European law firms in the field of competition law and distribution agreements, the Distribution Law Center. The platform for all your questions on competition law and distribution agreements in the EU.

When should you hire a competition law solicitor?

Engaging a competition law solicitor is recommended when you are faced with issues or disputes related to competition, cartels, abuse of dominant position, mergers, state aid, or tenders. In addition, it may be relevant when you are working with distribution, franchise, or agency agreements. Our solicitors can help you protect your rights and interests and, if necessary, guide you through legal proceedings. It is important to seek timely legal advice to identify potential risks and act proactively.

What is our approach?

We take a personalised approach, thoroughly analysing your specific situation and listening to your needs and objectives so that together we can determine the most effective strategy. Our solicitors have extensive knowledge of competition law and work closely with other solicitors within our firm to provide you with a comprehensive service. Whether you need advice, negotiation, litigation, or compliance support, we are ready to assist you in any area of competition law.

Why choose our competition law solicitors?

• Broad experience: our solicitors have extensive experience in handling a variety of competition law cases;
• Practical approach: we provide high-quality legal services with a practical and results-oriented approach;
• Broad expertise: our Competition & Regulation section covers all aspects of (European) competition law, enabling us to support you in all areas;
• Personalised service: we listen to your specific needs and objectives and work together to find the most effective strategy;
• Comprehensive support: our solicitors work closely with other legal experts within our firm to provide you with a total solution;
• Transparent communication: we ensure clarity in our communication, including when it comes to fees and agreements.

With us, you are assured of professional support in the field of competition & regulation. Please contact our solicitors to receive more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Not convinced yet? Read what others are saying

Appreciation for the section's focused and engaged approach is endorsed by its recommendation in the leading Legal 500 publication, which has included the section since 2016:

Client References in Legal500 Edition 2023:

"Practical, pragmatic, and down-to-earth expert advice."

"Minos van Joolingen is easy-going, down-to-earth, and able to translate difficult concepts into an understandable way to be easily shared with the rest of the business (non-legal stakeholders). He is a quick thinker, with a good business/commercial sense, easy to reach, extremely responsive, and client-focused."

"The firm has the knowledge and expertise of the larger 'Zuidas' law firms but retains the culture of smaller regional law firms. Communication lines are very short. The team is highly knowledgeable in the automotive industry and is a leading authority for automotive dealer groups and dealer associations. Their knowledge of competition law in the automotive retail business is exceptional."

"Especially for their expertise and availability. There is a no-nonsense culture and flexibility. They adapt strongly to the changing demands of clients. The service level is high."

"Very enthusiastic team of solicitors. Nothing is too much, and they are always ready to address complex issues correctly and completely. Banning Advocaten has significant expertise in various areas. Their rates are reasonable and fair."

"Minos van Joolingen is an extremely amiable man with a good sense of humour. Minos will assist you day and night if necessary to bring cases to a successful conclusion."

Recommendation and ranking of the section in Legal500:

"With a focus on the automotive industry, Banning NV regularly represents large car brands, dealers, and manufacturers, and has been assisting clients in allegations stemming from the 'dieselgate' compensation claims. The firm is also active in vertical contracts, specialising in distribution, agency, and franchise contracts, and has experience in cartel litigation in relation to the ACM. The competition and regulatory team is led by Minos van Joolingen, a seasoned practitioner with experience in cartel cases and follow-on damages claims, who has a notable specialism in the automobile industry, bolstering the firm's wider expertise in this sector." Legal EMA 2023

"Banning NV's broad practice covers advisory work (such as vertical contracts and compliance mandates) as well as international civil damages actions and cartel litigation. Minos van Joolingen leads the team, which has a particularly strong presence in the automotive industry; clients in this space include dealer councils of major car brands, trade associations, and suppliers. (...) " Legal EMA 2022

"Banning is located in the south of the country and from that perspective alone is already a remarkable player in the competition law field. We have found the team to be very knowledgeable and experienced in the competition law area. Minos van Joolingen is the only Dutch competition litigator able to explain in clear terms and layman's language complex legal issues; very pragmatic and hands-on. He is our sparring partner, and maybe that describes it best. Being a sparring partner rather than an external advisor from a theoretical perspective." Legal EMA 2021

"Banning NV's EU and competition practice has a strong reputation in cartel litigation and operates significantly in the construction and automotive industries. The firm's client roster includes key names in the automotive industry such as Dealer Councils Citroën and Peugeot." Legal EMA 2020

"Banning NV has 'a very knowledgeable group of practitioners with a very accessible and hands-on style of working'; it has a strong reputation for domestic cartel litigation work. [...] Practice head Minos van Joolingen is 'an experienced competition law practitioner who is able to explain difficult concepts in a very accessible manner'." Legal EMA 2019