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Sarah Smith

Partner
Head of Competition, London

Sarah Smith is a fantastic partner. She is go-getting and commercial, whilst also never taking herself too seriously. I really enjoy working with her.,’ ‘Sarah Smith is technically excellent and committed to her clients.’ and ‘Sarah Smith is a strong lead partner with an excellent knowledge of the UK system.’

— Legal 500
London
About

Sarah heads the UK competition team and advises on all aspects of EU and UK competition law, including: 

• Competition law investigations

• Appeals to the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal and EU Courts

• Market Studies and Investigations

• Behavioural competition law advice on commercial contracts and projects

• Competition law compliance and training

• EU and UK merger filings

• Multi-jurisdictional mergers

• Competition litigation 

• FDI and National Security and Investment Act matters

Sarah also advises on other regulatory matters and areas of EU law.

Sarah is ranked in Legal 500 2023 as a Leading Individual and in Chambers UK 2023 and Chambers Europe 2023. 

Legal 500 quotes clients who say 'Sarah Smith is a fantastic partner. She is go-getting and commercial, whilst also never taking herself too seriously. I really enjoy working with her.,'  'Sarah Smith is technically excellent and committed to her clients.' and 'Sarah Smith is a strong lead partner with an excellent knowledge of the UK system.'

Areas of FocusRegulatory and Government Affairs
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Dechra Pharmaceuticals Plc on its acquisition by EQT.
  • Dentsu Group Inc on its acquisition of TAG.
  • Erith Group on the CMA’s Chapter I investigation in the supply of construction services.
  • John Laing on the acquisition of an indirect majority interest in Norway’s Rv555 road public-private-partnership.
  • Philip Morris International on its acquisitions of Vectura Group plc, Fertin Pharma and OtiTopic.
  • Korean Air on its acquisition of Asiana Airlines.
  • Menzies plc in its acquisition by Agility.
  • CVS plc on a UK merger investigation.
  • Graphic Packaging Inc on its acquisition of AR Packaging.
  • Merck KGaA in the CMA’s pay for delay investigation in paroxetine / GSK and appeal.
  • Merck KGaA in the EU Commission pay for delay investigation in citalopram / Lundbeck and appeal.
  • Lupin in the EU Commission pay for delay investigation in perindopril / Servier and appeal.
  • Heineken UK’s acquisition of Punch Taverns.
  • Heineken UK in the PCA investigation and appeal.
  • Menzies plc on its acquisition of Airline Service.
  • John Swire & Son’s acquisition of Biodiesel Amsterdam.
  • Dechra Pharmaceuticals Plc's acquisition of Osurnia from Elanco.
  • Tata Steel Europe on 3 corporate transactions.
  • CEVA plc in the European Commission freight forwarding investigation and appeal.
Education
  • B.A., Politics, Philosophy & Economics, Balliol College, University of Oxford
  • Postgraduate Degree, EC Competition Law, King's College London

Awards AND RECOGNITIONS

  • Sarah Smith has been named as a leading Individual for EU and Competition Law and Competition Litigation - Legal 500, 2024.
  • "Sarah Smith is impressive, with great client handling and a firm hand on everything." – Chambers
  • "She is supportive, client-focused, easy to deal with and knowledgeable." – Chambers

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in the Republic of Ireland (non-practising)

My latest insights

Publication

The CMA is turning up the heat on global warming and sustainability

10 June 2024 .9 minute read

Publication

Global antitrust enforcers place private equity healthcare deals in the spotlight

25 April 2024 .3 minute read

Publication

The CMA's 2024/2025 Annual Plan: Cost of living, net zero and digital markets

5 April 2024 .4 minute read

View All

Connect

Phone

+44 (0)20 7349 0296
(Work, London)
+44 (0)7738 295 220
(Work)
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