Profile: Bertrand Louveaux

Competition

Biography: Competition

Bertrand Louveaux studied at the London School of Economics (MSc Economics). He joined Slaughter and May in 1992 and became a partner in 2001. He has worked in London and Brussels.

In the UK, Bertrand has extensive experience of representing clients on mergers before the OFT and the Competition Commission. He acted for Abbey National on the Competition Commission inquiry into the proposed (hostile) Lloyds TSB/Abbey National merger; for Littlewoods before the Competition Commission on the completed acquisition of GUS (catalogue mail order); for HJ Heinz on the completed acquisition of HP Foods; and for Punch on its mergers with Pubmaster and Spirit Group (to create the largest pubco in the UK). He also recently advised Emap on its bid for SRH.

In the context of the ECMR, Bertrand has been involved in a number of high-profile cases. He recently acted for GSK on its proposed purchase of businesses from Sanofi-Aventis; for Abbey National on the (recommended) bid from Banco Santander; and for Gallaher on its merger with Japan Tobacco.

On the contentious side, Bertrand acted for Nomura in obtaining the landmark article 81 'pubco' decision. He also advised British Airways on its alliances with American Airlines (subsequently abandoned) and SN Brussels (approved by the European Commission), and successfully defended British Airways against a complaint to the OFT by UK travel agents. He is currently advising British Airways in relation to the European Commission investigation into alleged cartel activity in the provision of airfreight services. He is also currently acting for Asda before the Competition Commission on its market inquiry into grocery retailing in the UK and Gallaher on the OFT's investigation into tobacco products.

Bertrand is fluent in French.