Compass Lexecon

Celebrating 25 years of the European Competition Policy Forum 🎉 This year marked the 25th edition of our annual European Competition Policy Forum, bringing together leading practitioners and industry experts at Lake Como, for a weekend of discussion and debate on the issues shaping competition policy across Europe and beyond. It was particularly fitting that we opened this year’s Forum with a keynote session from Senator Mario Monti - Prime Minister of Italy (2011-2013) & EU Commissioner (1995-2004) - who delivered our first keynote 25 years ago. Senator Monti spoke on “The EU: A single market and/or a political union in the making”. The programme continued with a series of panels examining: the European Commission’s draft merger guidelines, and specifically how to assess and balance potential efficiencies and harms in practice; the influence that the landmark Microsoft cases have had on subsequent enforcement including the Digital Markets Act; and the future of parallel imports in the EU.   We also heard from Luis Garicano and Nicolas Petit in a roundtable discussion hosted by Martina Caldana, Cani Fernandez, Margarida Matos Rosa and Jorge Padilla, exploring their report, "The Constitution of Innovation" and the launch of the Rhine Group. A huge thank you to all of our speakers for sharing their expertise and perspectives, and to everyone who joined us in Lake Como. We look forward to many more editions of the Forum! #CompetitionPolicy #Antitrust #EuropeanCompetition

What are the key developments shaping antitrust enforcement? Yesterday, Lorenzo Coppi joined the Antitrust Horizon: Meet the Enforcers conference, organised by Concurrences, Clifford Chance and Compass Lexecon, in Brussels. The discussion explored the latest developments in antitrust enforcement and the changing priorities shaping competition policy across Europe. ▶️ Swipe to discover the key takeaways from the event. Find out more about our antitrust practice: https://bit.ly/4oBMORv #Concurrences #Antittrust

What do the new EU Guidelines on exclusionary conduct mean for businesses? This morning, we hosted a roundtable discussion in partnership with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan on the European Commission’s new Article 102 TFEU Guidelines. Jorge Padilla joined Pinelopi Stamou (European Commission), Georg Boettcher (Siemens) and Marixenia Davilla (Quinn Emanuel) for a practical discussion on what the new Guidelines mean for businesses. The conversation covered how companies can assess their practices under the new framework, respond to Commission requests and adapt their compliance programmes. Sign up here to receive invitations to our upcoming events and our latest insights: https://bit.ly/3DlzTQQ #Article102 #EuropeanCommission

Thinking about a career in economics? We asked some of our most recent joiners to share their experiences applying to Compass Lexecon, from preparing their applications and interviews to taking their first steps into economic consulting. ▶️ Swipe through to hear their advice and learn more about the recruitment process. Applications for our graduate and internship opportunities are now open. Find out more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4hWpBZx #EconomicConsulting #Graduates #CareersAdvice

Will AI lower barriers to entry in non-tech industries? Jonathan Kolstad will explore this topic with Diana Moss (Progressive Policy Institute), Neil Chilson (Abundance Institute), Markham Erickson (Google), and Jan Piotrowski (The Economist) at the inaugural Economist Enterprise US Antitrust Summit on 28 October in New York. Using healthcare as an example, Jonathan and his co-panelists will discuss how AI is reshaping competition in legacy industries. Find out more and register here: https://bit.ly/4ydJL6t #AI #Healthcare #TheEconomist

What can we learn from the Commission’s “first example” of the renewed role of efficiencies in merger control? David Sevy, Jeremiah Juts, Hippolyte Brosse and Valerio Serse co-authored an article as part of The Analysis, examining the European Commission’s review of the Airbus/Air France joint venture. The authors draw five practical insights from the case: the benefit of engaging with efficiencies early; using historical comparisons to strengthen dynamic counterfactuals; taking a more realistic approach to merger specificity; engaging with verification requirements from the start; and making economic analysis and market evidence work together. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4ijbtZU #TheAnalysis #MergerControl #Airlines

How is merger control evolving? Jorge Padilla will chair the Economist Panel at Global Competition Review Live: Global Merger Control 2026, exploring this question and more, in Brussels on 22–23 October. The panel will bring together leading competition experts to discuss the economic issues shaping merger control, from changing enforcement priorities to the challenges of assessing mergers in today’s evolving competitive environment. Find out more and register here: https://bit.ly/4yr1Gqg #GCR #MergerControl

We’re delighted to welcome Stéphane Dewulf to Compass Lexecon! 🎉 Stéphane Dewulf joins as Executive Vice President and Head of our Brussels office. He brings a strong track record in complex merger control and antitrust investigations, having represented clients before the European Commission, the CMA, the French Competition Authority, and other competition authorities across Europe and beyond. Most recently, he advised on Mars’ $35.9bn acquisition of Kellanova during an in-depth Phase II investigation and Nokia’s $2.3 billion acquisition of Infinera - both of which received unconditional clearance by the European Commission. His experience spans industries including technology, media, telecommunications, and energy. Stéphane commented: “It feels incredibly exciting and a little like coming home to return to Compass Lexecon’s Brussels office where I started my career exactly 20 years ago. I learned so much from Jorge and others back then, and it feels very special to come full circle and be back to lead the Brussels office in collaboration with Deputy Head of Office Roman Fischer. I’m thrilled to join such a strong, dynamic and collaborative team, and hugely excited by the trust Compass Lexecon has placed in me. I can’t wait to see what we build together in Brussels and across the firm.” Jorge Padilla, Chair of Compass Lexecon's International Board, commented: “With Stéphane’s arrival, our Brussels practice is stronger than ever. We have the quality and depth of expertise as well as the capacity to advise on any complex, cross-border merger or antitrust case. Stéphane’s collaborative, rigorous and practical approach aligns with our values, and I am delighted that he has returned to our team.” Find out more: https://bit.ly/4zq7dNM #EconomicConsulting #Brussels #EconomicExpert

How is cross-border M&A evolving? Mary Coleman will join Kerry O’Connell (Slaughter and May), Nick Lazzaro (S&P Global), and Ely Fal (S&P Global) to examine this topic at S&P Global's Webinar on 20 October. Mary and her co-panelists will discuss how dealmakers are navigating cross-border M&A opportunities amid shifting regulatory, geopolitical, and market dynamics. Find out more and register: https://bit.ly/4hQVUqV #Antitrust #Mergers

Compass Lexecon is pleased to announce the appointments of Adel Turki as President and Niall MacMenamin as Deputy President of our North American practice. Professor Daniel Fischel will remain as Chairman, continuing his focus on client work, business generation, and mentorship. We are proud to have two exceptional leaders stepping into these roles. Together, they reflect the talent, rigor, and commitment to excellence that have defined the firm for decades. Commenting on the leadership appointments, Professor Fischel said, “Adel and Niall bring deep industry expertise and a shared commitment to the high standards of Compass Lexecon. I am confident that they will expand on what we have achieved thus far, and pursue opportunities that will ensure we stay at the forefront of our industry for many years to come.” Please join us in congratulating Adel and Niall! Read more: https://bit.ly/4rVLCdQ #compasslexecon #economicexperts #leadership