A&O takes CC competition partner for Brussels boost

Allen & Overy (A&O) has raided magic circle rival Clifford Chance for a new competition law specialist.

Martin Bechtold, a German qualified lawyer who has been a partner at Clifford Chance since 1994 will be joining A&O’s Brussels office.

In his new role Bechtold will cover the core aspects of competition law including EU merger control, EU cartel and dominance cases, antitrust litigation and compliance work.

Bechtold focuses on the food and beverages sectors, automotive, aeronautics and electronic devices.

Bechtold was a case handler at the Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) in Berlin from 1986 to 1989.

Commenting on the appointment the head of A&O’s German competition practice said: “Martin’s background and experience in the German market will further strengthen and integrate our European anti-trust group and will facilitate closer collaboration between our German and Brussels teams.”