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 specialized Competition & Regulation section with experts who have gained extensive experience in Brussels, The Hague and Amsterdam. Our driven team provides high quality legal services with a practical and results-oriented approach. We have handled successful cases on cartels, abuse cases, 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.

• 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 advise you pragmatically and strategically, keeping your business on track. A good example of this is our customized compliance programs.

In addition, we are the Dutch partner of the unique European network of 27 specialized European law firms in the field of competition law and distribution agreements(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 lawyer?

Engaging a competition law lawyer 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 lawyers 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 personalized approach in which we thoroughly analyze your specific situation and listen to your needs and objectives so that together we can determine the most effective strategy. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of competition law and work closely with other lawyers within our firm to provide you with a comprehensive service. Whether you need advice, negotiation, litigation or compliance issues, we are ready to assist you in any area of competition law.

What is the hourly rate of our competition law attorneys?

The cost of our legal services varies and depends on the experience of the lawyer involved and the complexity of your case. We strive to offer the right lawyer with the rate appropriate to your case. In doing so, we strive for transparency and fairness in our pricing. We work exclusively on a paying basis and our work is billed to you on an hourly basis. We will provide an estimate of expected costs and any additional expenses in a personal consultation.

Why choose our competition law attorneys?

• Broad experience: our lawyers 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;
• Personal approach: we listen to your specific needs and objectives and work together to find the most effective strategy;
• Comprehensive service: our lawyers work closely with other lawyers within our firm to provide you with a total solution;
• Transparent communication: we strive for transparency 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 attorneys 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 202:

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

'Minos van Joolingen is easy going, down to earth and able to easily 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, and also has the culture of the smaller regional law firms. The communication lines are very short. The team is very well familiar 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 their availability. There is a no nonsense culture and flexibility. There is room for criticism and they adapt strongly to the changing demands of clients. The service level is high.'

'Very enthusiastic team of lawyers. Nothing is too much and they are always ready to answer complex issues correctly and completely. Banning Advocaten has more than sufficient expertise in various areas. The 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 the cases to a successful conclusion.'

Recommendation and ranking of the section in the 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, specializing 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 specialism 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 theorectical 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