Competition expert joins Ward Hadaway
15th April, 2016
ONE of the North's foremost experts on competition law has joined Ward Hadaway.
Competition expert – Dean Murray has joined law firm Ward Hadaway as a Partner.
Dean Murray joins the UK Top 100 law firm as a Partner after more than 15 years’ specialist experience advising companies and organisations in the private and public sectors on competition issues.
Dean’s expertise includes extensive experience of EU and UK competition law, advising clients on contentious and non-contentious matters covering anti-trust issues, merger clearance and State aid.
He has advised on successful merger cases before the Competition and Markets Authority (formerly the Office of Fair Trading) and the European Commission.
Dean’s cases have covered a diverse range of sectors including equine bloodstock sales, complex financial products, UK rail franchises, acquisitions of bus companies and mergers of private hire taxi companies.
He has defended clients in competition law investigations including the first cartel investigation under the Competition Act 1998, the “replica kit” case and industry-wide investigations into suspected anti-competitive practices in branded goods and construction.
Dean has also advised on cases which have led to precedent-setting High Court litigation.
His work in the public sector has included advising various local authorities on State Aid issues. He has recently advised on the existing North East JEREMIE programme and on the forthcoming replacement, JEREMIE II.
In addition to competition issues, Dean also has extensive expertise in commercial contract drafting, negotiating and advising.
He has assisted public sector clients on outsourcing issues whilst his experience in the private sector includes advising clients across industries including utilities, chemicals, fast moving consumer goods, logistics, motor vehicle manufacturing and education.
Speaking about his appointment at Ward Hadaway, Dean said: “Having worked in the region for many years, I am very familiar with Ward Hadaway so I know what an excellent team I am joining.
“The firm’s standing in the marketplace is very high, it has a terrific client base across the private and public sectors and a great reputation for creating great working relationships and finding practical solutions to clients’ issues.
“I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the Commercial team and across the firm.”
Colin Hewitt, Partner and Head of Commercial at Ward Hadaway, said: “Dean’s reputation and expertise, particularly in competition issues, go before him so we are delighted that he has chosen to join our team.
“His experience and in-depth understanding will be of great benefit to our clients across the private and public sectors, as well as to the firm.
“I think it speaks volumes for Ward Hadaway’s standing that we have been able to attract such a highly rated lawyer to join us.”
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
This page may contain links that direct you to third party websites. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.
