Merger Control and Joint Ventures
For many merger, acquisition or joint venture deals, it is essential to correctly identify the competition law risks, come up with a strategy to address them, and then execute that strategy effectively. We can advise you on the whole process, even if the deal is international or in a regulated sector.

When a deal includes a merger, acquisition or joint venture it’s essential to properly consider the competition law implications. We have the expertise required to identify the risks, help you to formulate a strategy, advise on structure and carry out due diligence, and then guide the transaction through the merger control process.

We also have the necessary sector-specific knowledge to do this for transactions in regulated sectors such as energy, transport, infrastructure, water, and telecommunications. And, because of our international networks, we can co-ordinate multi-jurisdictional merger clearances.

Our service covers the entire process from beginning to end, however the situation develops – starting with advice on whether a merger notification is required, drafting the case for clearance, and submitting it to the relevant authority. When in-depth merger investigations can be avoided by divestitures or undertakings, we can advise on negotiating these too. We can also support you if appeals or other challenges arise, and can advise third parties on their participation in merger investigations.

Our expertise includes:

Advice on whether a merger notification is required
Drafting the case for clearance and submitting it to the relevant authority
Advising on transaction structure, and carrying out due diligence
Specific expertise in regulated sectors
Multi-jurisdictional merger clearances
Support when negotiating divestitures or undertakings
Help in dealing with appeals or challenges

Our legal experience in more detail

Some of our recent experience:

Advising a major European utility on its engagement with the Competition and Markets Authority, as part of the CMA’s phase two investigation of the proposed merger of the retail businesses of Scottish and Southern Energy and Npower.
Advising investors in a major renewable energy infrastructure project on the implications of the chosen corporate structure, and on working with the European Commission.
Advising a leading industrial manufacturer on the global merger control requirements arising in relation to a number of proposed acquisitions in various jurisdictions, and co-ordinating cross-border input on the filing of merger clearance applications.
Advising Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, on merger control law for their acquisitions of Tonic Games and SuperAwesome.

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Gordon Downie

Partner

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Gordon Downie

Partner

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Related articles and insights: Merger Control and Joint Ventures

15 September 2025

Vodafone / Three Merger: The competition law implications of starting a joint venture

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has decided to approve the creation of a joint venture combining Vodafone Group plc and Three UK, after both companies made legally binding pledges to carry out certain ‘behavioural remedies’. We explain the thinking behind the decision, and explore the implications for future joint venture partners.

28 August 2025

Joint Ventures in the clean energy sector: UK and EU Merger Control

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

In this fifth instalment in our clean energy joint ventures series, we look at the topic of merger control in the UK and the EU.

10 July 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Directors’ duties

Contributor: Kirstin Mackay

In this fourth instalment in our clean energy joint ventures series, we look at the topic of director duties.

18 June 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Key documents

Contributor: Euan Small

In this third instalment in our clean energy joint ventures series, we look at the key documents needed to establish a joint venture.

29 May 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Forms of joint venture

Contributor: Cameron Kane

In this second instalment in our joint ventures series, we’re now diving deeper into the various forms that such joint ventures can take.

9 May 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Top ten considerations

Contributor: Euan Small

In the first instalment of our series on joint ventures in the clean energy sector, Euan Small, Senior Solicitor in our corporate finance team, sets out the top ten considerations to keep in mind when forming a joint venture.

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