De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a leading international law firm, trusted by clients for over 150 years due to its deep engagement with their businesses and a clear understanding of their ambitions. While rooted in Dutch society, the firm offers global coverage through its network of top-tier law firms, ensuring seamless, tailored legal solutions. De Brauw’s independence enables it to choose the best partners while remaining a trusted, strategic advisor to clients worldwide.
The firm emphasizes long-term investment in both its client relationships and its people. De Brauw’s legal training institutes, De Brauwerij and The Brewery, cultivate diverse talent, preparing the next generation of top-tier lawyers through rigorous training and personal development. Senior leadership traditionally rises from within, maintaining the firm’s high standards and collaborative culture.
Participating in a cartel as well as contributing to the
implementation of a cartel can lead to substantial fines. The European Court of Justice recently confirmed
that a consultancy firm may be held liable for infringement of the
cartel prohibition where it actively contributes, in full knowledge
of the relevant facts, to the implementation and continuation of a
cartel among participants active in a different market. According
to the ECJ, the consultancy firm played an essential role in the
cartel infringement by organising meetings where it was present and
participated actively; collecting and supplying sales data to the
cartel participants; offering to act as a moderator in the event of
arising tensions; and encouraging cartel participants to
compromise, and it received remuneration for all of these
activities. Companies should be aware that the cartel prohibition
covers all levels of cartel participation, whether active, passive
or supportive.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
