With the globalisation of competition law and enforcement, Matthew Levitt helps clients navigate the increasingly challenging international antitrust environment. He helps clients develop and deliver the joined-up strategies which are essential when faced with the growing power of antitrust authorities globally and their increased ability to coordinate enforcement activity in international investigations and merger clearance processes. Cited in the 2018 editions of Legal 500 as having ‘a better understanding of commercial needs than other lawyers’ and Chambers 2018 as 'a "very good competition lawyer" who is "very thorough in investigation."' Mr. Levitt has over 20 years' experience.
Once described as “an excellent and highly intellectual performer - very charismatic, but tough if needed” (Chambers Global, 2008), Mr. Levitt handles international and EU cartel investigations and coordinates multi-jurisdictional merger filing processes. He coordinated the international merger clearance process for a major U.S. technology platform, obtaining unconditional phase 1 clearance in the EU for a strategically important acquisition.
He has been involved in most of the significant EU and UK competition law cases concerning the maritime sector including the formation of P3 and 2M shipping alliances, the container shipping price signalling investigation, the maritime car carriers investigation, the opposition by DFDS to the Eurotunnel/SeaFrance takeover, the investigation of the International Association of Classification Societies, the merger of Maersk and P&O Nedlloyd, and the annulment of the €273m fines on the TACA parties.
Mr. Levitt has extensive experience in the energy sector, advising on the EU regulatory aspects of the Shah Deniz gas pipeline project, the EU Power exchange investigation, and handling mergers in the utilities, water, ports and infrastructure sectors. He has also handled several ground-breaking cartel and abuse of dominance cases in the European Courts including the Masterfoods / van den Bergh ice-cream cases and Woodpulp III.
Mr. Levitt is described by clients in Legal 500 EMEA (2020) as having ‘…vast experience of our industry and understands the competition law issues in that specialized context. His knowledge of the people and processes in the regulatory arena is impressive. What sets him apart from competitors is a lack of excessive ego and an ability to communicate effectively with clients and regulators, as well as an ability and willingness to apply the appropriate amount of effort to the task at hand.’
"Matthew Levitt has defended major companies in EU cartel investigations in various sectors, including shipping and technology. A client reports: "I am very happy with the service level, his competence and his expertise."
Chambers Global-Belgium-Competition/European Law 2022
Merger control
Investigations & Litigation
*Prior to joining Baker Botts
Recognised in Chambers Global, Belgium-Competition, 2021-2024
Recommended by The Legal 500 EMEA, 2020 & 2021
Competition, Who's Who Legal, 2022
Competition/European Law - Belgium, Chambers Europe, 2011-2023
Endorsed in PLC Which Lawyer, European Union, EU Competition, 2012
