Biography: Competition

Martin Coleman is based in London and heads the global competition law group at Norton Rose. He previously spent six years in Norton Rose's Brussels office and was managing partner there. Martin is recognised in legal directories as a leading UK competition lawyer, variously describing him as "an accomplished and effectual practitioner with the experience to advise on highly complicated issues"; "a strategic thinker" with "excellent business acumen", and praising his "fighting qualities" and his "skill in translating complex legalese into comprehensible commercial language".

Martin's has led many cases before the European Commission and UK competition authorities, including market investigations and Phase II investigations, and has advised major businesses, public authorities and national governments on competition law issues including multi-jurisdictional merger and cartel matters. His practice covers a range of industrial sectors including broadcasting, air, sea and rail transport; financial services; consumer goods; and services and professional services.

Recent experience includes representing Stena Lines in its unconditional merger clearance before the UK Competition Commission; acting for PwC in the UK Competition Commission investigations into audit services; advising an international bank on the European Commission investigation into CDSs; advising an automotive parts manufacturer in the multi-jurisdictional investigation into the sector; advising the UK government on broadcasting matters and acting for a major supplier in the UK OFT investigation into supermarket supply issues.

Commentators have described Martin's practice group as follows: "This 'extremely professional team' continues to achieve positive results. Clients comment on how 'it provides 110 per cent dedication and handles EC merger issues with ease''. Norton Rose is further said to have "a rounded competition practice and sound regulatory capabilities often winning work on competition matters from larger rivals"; "a diverse practice peppered with interesting and substantial work"; and "a dependable and responsible team, offering a personalised and efficient service from partner to assistant level".

Martin was educated at Worcester College, Oxford, and he has BA and BCL degrees from Oxford University. He is co-author, with Michael Grenfell, of one of the first practitioner books on the Competition Act 1998 and is a frequent writer, speaker and broadcaster on competition law issues. He is a member of the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which regulates solicitors and law firms in England & Wales.