The impact of competition regulation on business varies from sector to sector, but the need to stay on top of evolving legislative requirements is important for all industry groups.
Our competition lawyers have extensive experience advising on all facets of competition law and act for a wide range of industries.
We cover the lifecycle of competition law:
- developing compliance programs
- advising on the competition impact of company action or the next step
- assisting with queries and investigations from the ACCC (including raids, searches and formal interviews)
- negotiating enforceable undertakings with the ACCC, and
- bringing or defending competition claims in court.
Competition law can have a significant impact on access to essential infrastructure and we have assisted clients in resources, energy, mining and agribusiness in this area. A duplicate railway system, gas pipeline or port can’t be built for every new resources project, so competitors will want access to existing infrastructure.
We have the experience to assist you whether you are the owner or an existing user of infrastructure, or needing access to it. We have also dealt with the state-based regulators that operate in this space, including the Queensland Competition Authority.
A team approach - to tailored advice
Our team approach, working closely with our experts in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and intellectual property, provides a comprehensive service that gets results.
We understand the ACCC’s powers and requirements and regularly advise Australian companies undertaking mergers, identifying any potential concerns the ACCC may raise before they cost our client time and money, or worse, kill the deal.
The process involves competitors, suppliers and customers having a say on what they think the impact of the merger will be. It can sometimes take several months. We have been there before and can help you navigate this path.
A culture of compliance
Recent activity by the ACCC indicates a renewed focus and commitment to the detection and prosecution of cartels. The penalties for such activity are serious and involve jail time for executives. We can help you understand what conduct is illegal and how to ensure your organisation has a culture of compliance so that your executives or staff do not get you in hot water, or worse.
