Antitrust · Regulatory
Antitrust and regulatory lawyers in Hannover, Germany
Structure cooperation, distribution systems and acquisitions in line with competition law – and enforce claims when others distort competition.
Protecting competition, avoiding fines
Competition law is not only relevant for large corporations. A distribution agreement with price requirements, coordination among competitors or exchanging sensitive information in an association can infringe German and EU competition law – with void contracts, fines and damages claims as consequences.
We advise on distribution, supply, licence and cooperation agreements, assess merger control filing requirements in Germany and represent clients before the Federal Cartel Office. In regulated markets such as energy, telecoms, pharmaceuticals and digital platforms, we combine competition law with sector regulation and IP.
Our antitrust and regulatory services
Typical cases from our practice
What mandates in this area often look like – from the first call to the solution.
Marketplace ban for retailers
Situation: A brand manufacturer wants to prohibit retailers from selling on large online marketplaces.
Our approach: We assess whether a selective distribution system justifies the ban and draft compliant dealer agreements.
Acquisition of a competitor
Situation: A regional supplier plans to acquire a competitor; turnover is close to the thresholds.
Our approach: We calculate relevant turnover, assess the filing obligation and handle the merger control procedure if required.
Refusal to supply
Situation: A spare parts dealer is suddenly no longer supplied by a dominant manufacturer.
Our approach: We assess market position and dependency and enforce supply, if necessary in summary proceedings.
Note: These examples are anonymised, typical scenarios. They do not describe specific mandates and do not promise any outcome – every case is assessed individually.
Four steps to a solution
Your contacts
Depending on the matter, we combine attorneys and – where technology is involved – patent attorneys in one team. All our lawyers advise in English.
Karoline BehrendAttorney · Certified Specialist in Public Procurement Law
Andreas FriedleinAttorney
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Horak, LL.M.Attorney · Certified Specialist in IP Law · Certified Specialist in Copyright & Media Law
Detailed profiles are available in German.
Frequently asked questions
May I set resale prices for my dealers?
No, fixed or minimum resale prices are generally prohibited. Non-binding recommendations and maximum prices are permitted under certain conditions.
When must an acquisition be notified in Germany?
When turnover thresholds or the transaction value threshold are met. Closing without required clearance is void and subject to fines.
How long can cartel damages be claimed?
The limitation period is generally five years from knowledge and is suspended during authority proceedings.
Your lawyer for Antitrust & Regulatory in Germany
Tell us about your matter. We usually reply within one business day – faster where deadlines apply.
Georgstrasse 48 · 30159 Hannover · Germany
Phone +49 511 35 73 56-0
Email hannover@fachanwalt-hannover.com
Mon–Thu 8:00–17:30 · Fri 8:00–17:00 (CET) · Video meetings available